Home Pro Exteriors, Inc.

Environmental threats to the surface of your roof:

Stains on shingled roofs are a common problem that many homeowners face. These stains can be caused by a variety of factors, including algae, moss, lichen, and other organic growths. While these stains may seem like a minor cosmetic issue, they can actually have a significant impact on the health and longevity of your roof.

ALGAE

One of the primary causes of stains on shingled roofs is algae growth. Algae are single-celled organisms that thrive in warm, humid environments. They can quickly spread across a roof, creating unsightly black or green stains. While algae growth is primarily a cosmetic issue, it can also lead to more serious problems. Algae can trap moisture on the surface of the roof, which can lead to the growth of other types of organic matter, such as moss and lichen.

MOSS

Moss and lichen are two other common causes of stains on shingled roofs. Moss is a type of plant that grows in damp, shady areas. It can quickly spread across a roof, trapping moisture and causing damage to the shingles. 

LICHEN

Lichen, on the other hand, is a combination of algae and fungus that grows on the surface of the roof. Like moss, lichen can trap moisture and cause damage to the shingles.

WHAT THREATS DO ALGAE, MOSS & LICHEN REPRESENT LONG TERM?

In addition to being unsightly, stains on shingled roofs can also have a significant impact on the health and longevity of the roof. Organic growths trap moisture on the surface of the roof, which can lead to the growth of mold and mildew.   Mold and mildew can permeate the roof surface and eventually impact the inside environment if left unaddressed for an extended period of time.  These types of growths can weaken the shingles and cause them to deteriorate more quickly. Over time, this can lead to leaks and other types of damage that can be expensive to repair.

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CAN YOU CLEAN IT?

The short answer is YES.  The CORRECT answer is more complicated.  This stems from the fact that most people don’t recognize that the stains, are in fact, growth and not just discoloration…further, the desire is often motivated by changing the aesthetic and removing the unsightly source while not understanding the anatomy of a shingle.  Improper cleaning can remove the shingle granules which are critical to the protective ability of the shingle, its color and its UV protection.  Removing the ‘stain’ can actually create more damage and accelerate shingle failure!

Pitfalls of Cleaning

• May vOID YOUR SHINGLE WARRANTY – A certified roof will be accompanied by a warranty which May be voided by applying cleaners or high pressure.
• IMPROPER CLEANING – EVEN THE BEST OF INTENTIONS CAN RESULT IN CATASTROPHE IF THE PERSON DOING THE CLEANING DOESN’T UNDERSTAND SHINGLE COMPOSITION AND THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY.  HIGHLY ABRASIVE CLEANERS AND HIGH PRESSURE CAN DISCOLOR THE ROOF, REMOVE SHINGLE GRANULES OR BE A VERY SHORT TERM IMPROVEMENT.
• ENVIRONMENT ITSELF IS CONDUCIVE TO GROWTH – IF YOUR HOME IS IN A WOODED, SHADED OR WIND PRONE AREA , ORGANIC MATTER WILL LIKELY RETURN ONCE AGAIN BECAUSE CLEANING ADDRESSES THE RESULT BUT NOT THE ACTUAL CAUSE.

Environmental agents can adversely impact the look and protection of your roof and it is a common problem that can have a significant impact on the health and longevity of the roof system. Algae, moss, lichen, and other organic growths can trap moisture on the surface of the roof, leading to the growth of mold and mildew and causing damage to the shingles.

WHY ARE SHINGLE GRANULES IMPORTANT?

Shingle granules are embedded in the hot asphalt during the manufacturing process and they play a vital role in the appearance and protection of your roof system.

Strength– Granules add a layer of protection to the shingle, much like a hard shell does on M&M’s candy.  It can help the shingle from impacts and protects the components below.

COLOR– GRANULES ARE WHAT PROVIDE THE SHINGLE ITS COLOR AND HIGHLIGHT THE APPEARANCE.

UV PROTECTION- GRANULES ACTUALLY PROTECT THE BITUMEN SURFACE BY HELPING TO RESIST THE SUNS HARMFUL (UV) RAYS AND REDUCE HEAT ABSORPTION.

INSTALLATION- ROOF INSTALLATION IS MADE EASIER BECAUSE THE ROUGH SURFACE OF THE GRANULES INCREASE TRACTION DURING ROOF INSTALL.

MODERN SHINGLES ARE BETTER EQUIPPED TO FIGHT OFF ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS

Modern shingles are better equipped to fight off environmental threats like algae.  Innovations in shingle technology and manufacturing have led to the incorporation of minerals and copper which inhibit the growth of Algae on the roof.

As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Roofing contractor, we are well versed in the shingle technology and installation techniques that best protect your home!

The Owens Corning Streakguard technology is one of the many innovations that accompanies our PLATINUM ROOF SYSTEMS and makes it one of America’s ‘most trusted brands’ 👍🏼.

2. ‘Go with The PROS’ for ALL of your roofing needs & the TOP PRODUCTS and TECHNOLOGY to BEST protect your home for generations to come!
   
   Contact us at 845-343-1777 for a cost-free professional evaluation!

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