 
What Are The Black Streaks On My Roof?A hardy type of algae called Gloeocapsa Magma causes unsightly black stains or streaks on asphalt shingles. The algae feed on the crushed limestone that is used in asphalt shingles. Rain spreads the algae down the roof causing the black streaks. These streaks are not only unsightly but cause the shingles to fail prematurely by not allowing the shingles to reflect heat properly and staying damp constantly.
50% Of Roofs Are Replaced Due To The Way They LookThis is not because of their functionality. Many of the roofs replaced didn’t need to be. They only needed cleaned. Just as mold and mildew can grow on the siding of your home, wind blown algae can land and grow on your roof. Replacing your roof because of these algae is like replacing your siding instead of having it cleaned; it just doesn’t make much sense.
Some roofing contractors don’t know what these black streaks are, saying it’s the asphalt showing through the shingles or that it’s water stains. Some contractors may know it is algae but tell you it can’t be cleaned without damaging the shingles. In either case, they may tell you that the roof needs replaced. This is not true if your shingles are still in good shape. The algae can be killed and removed properly without damaging the shingles using a low-pressure chemical application (recommended by shingle manufacturers). Then a SOFT WASH rinse.
Roof Cleaning is Recommended By Shingle ManufacturersCompanies like Owens Corning, GAF, and also the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association recommend a low-pressure chemical application with the proper cleaners to clean shingles suffering from roof algae. Followed by a SOFT WASH rinse, for a safe and damage free roof cleaning. If your shingles are still in good shape but have roof algae on them, having your roof cleansed will allow you to get the full life out of your shingles, saving you thousands of dollars.
Signs of Aged Shingles Needing ReplacedWe do not recommend cleaning shingles that are in need of being replaced. If you’re not sure if your roof needs replaced or cleaned, here are some signs of an aged roof:
- brittle or crumbling shingles
- excessive amount of shingle granules in your gutters
- bottom corners of shingles curved up
- wavy, warped, or heaved shingles
- very thin or loose shingles
If you are still unsure about the status of your roof, we will be glad to evaluate it for you. We will not clean shingles that need to be replaced, because cleaning the roof won’t solve the problem if the shingles are aged. On the other hand, if you call a roofing contractor, you may not get the whole truth and may be persuaded into replacing a roof that only needs cleaned.
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