Why is My Roof Stained?
Why is My Roof Stained?
Roof stains can diminish its curb appeal and diminish its resale value, and may have various causes. Here are three such culprits.
Black streaks on roofs are usually attributable to Gloeocapsa magma algae that thrives in humid environments and feeds off of the limestone filler found in asphalt shingles, spreading quickly via airborne spores.
Algae
Roof staining is often caused by algae (gloeocapsa magma). Algae growth starts out as small spots and then spreads throughout the roof surface in unattractive black streaks, growing best in warm humid climates where asphalt shingles have been left exposed for an extended period. By the time it appears as dark streaks on your roof it may have already been growing for months!
Cleaning away algae is often the best treatment solution, with various home and commercial formulas available that contain chlorine bleach or trisodium phosphate. Other more hazardous solutions may use more toxic substances like lye or sodium hydroxide.
Utilizing these solutions should be safe for your roof and will not damage its shingles. However, they only offer temporary relief as algae will eventually return due to proximate causes like soot from chimneys or tree shade, leaves or sticks falling on roofs, etc. To prevent future outbreaks of this problem it would be helpful to trim overhanging trees and install zinc or copper strips along ridges of roof.
Moss
Moss can leave green streaks on roof surfaces. Its growth often occurs where sunlight cannot reach, such as shaded areas such as trees or north-facing slopes. Moss may also form where shingles overlap, filling any spaces between layers that had previously been vacant while raising them up in layers above them and trapping moisture in. Over time this causes wood rotting.
To remove moss from a roof, first hose off the area with stained areas. Afterward, after safely setting up your ladder (make sure you know all about ladder safety!), apply either store-bought moss cleaners or DIY solutions of bleach and water to affected areas and apply scrub gently using one small section at a time to avoid damaging shingles or lifting them from their underlayment.
Once the moss has been cleared away, rinse the roof surface. Be mindful not to spray nearby plants or soil as this could result in solution runoff and cause harm. A professional roofer may provide additional advice regarding cleaning and protecting your roof.
Rust
Rust can not only compromise the aesthetics of your roof, but can also shorten its lifespan significantly.
Rusting occurs due to several different reasons, but most often when the protective top layer has been compromised due to weathering or abrasion. Regular washing with kitchen detergent (diluted in water) will keep roofs looking their best while helping reduce corrosion development.
Spot rusting can be especially troublesome and occurs when corrosion begins in one small area and quickly spreads to other parts. This often occurs around chimneys or where roof sheets overlap – areas in which air can easily flow between gaps to attack inner metal more quickly, known as flow-accelerated corrosion. A professional roofer will be able to advise the best approach to take when dealing with this problem.
Soot
Soot is a black powdery substance produced from carbon particles released during incomplete combustion of fossil fuels such as wood, coal and oil. If your roof is stained with soot it's time for professional roof and chimney cleaning; soot's acidic nature damages surfaces like wood and paint while its presence ruins indoor air quality and can have serious health implications such as worsened asthma and bronchitis symptoms.
Vacuuming soot stains works effectively, but you must be mindful not to spread the soot around. For porous surfaces such as walls and tiles, try using a dry sponge such as melamine sponge (also called eraser sponge). If the stains still aren't coming off with scrubbable pads alone, chemical solutions such as TSP or commercially available mildew remover may need to be employed; any chemical applications should only be handled by professionals to avoid unnecessary complications and potential health risks.
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Why is My Roof Stained? Roof stains can diminish its curb appeal and diminish its resale value, and may have various causes. Here are three such culprits. Black streaks on roofs are usually attributable to Gloeocapsa magma algae that thrives in humid environments and feeds off of the limestone filler found in asphalt shingles, spreading…