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Ugly Roof Stains
No more Roof Stains

We will NEVER use a pressure washer on your asphalt shingled roof!

Roof Cleaning Warranty:

We guarantee all Algae will be killed and removed down to the roots. Further, we guarantee that Algae will not re-infest your roof for a period of one (1) year. If Algae does return to the area we cleaned within one (1) year, we will re-clean the area at no additional charge to you.

Here’s why you should consider cleaning your roof:

Mold and Mildew Map

Roof Stains

Gleocapsa Magma (Roof Algae) aka Ugly Roof Stains aka Black Streaks on my Shingles

Something you may not have considered. Having your roof cleaned actually makes sense.

It isn’t just aesthetics. While people like to say that dirty roofs lower a property’s value and may make it hard to sell, the “dirt” on a roof actually shortens its life span and can even present a health hazard. Furthermore, the “dark stains” on a roof act as a sponge to absorb the sun's heat, which causes a rise in the temperature inside a home or building, creating higher air conditioning bills.

The dirt isn’t just dust – It’s alive. Some of the black or very dark roof stains are caused by a resilient type of algae, Gloeocapsa magma (a type of blue-green algae commonly found in climates with warm, humid summers). The algae grow in standing water, as well as in our lakes and ponds. The algal spores are carried to our roofs from the water sources by the wind and birds, and then from roof to roof where it grows and feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles and the real dirt on tile roofs maybe in some cases the tiles themselves. Worse still, as the algae grow, they retain water and foster the growth of other roof inhabitants.

The black stains are also very likely to harbor a number of molds or fungi. Unlike algae the fungi on our roofs lacks chlorophyll. They are unable to manufacture food from raw materials. So, it must get nutrition from some form of organic matter. To thrive, these heterotrophs, who used to be called saprophytes, also require a warm, humid environment.

Fungi normally begin their life cycle as an airborne spore that settles on roofs, especially the asphalt-shingle ones. The spores on the northern exposure of the roof stand a better chance of survival because that portion of the roof is the last part to dry after a rain or morning dew. This raises the humidity on the surface of the shingle, thus creating a perfect feeding and breeding ground.

The tar used in roofing is fossilized, dead organic matter -- and an important food source for fungi. Asphalt, at the granule base, is normally consumed first. Once these granules dislodge, accelerated deterioration will occur. Ceramic granules represent the outer hard shell that protects against hail and other falling debris. Ceramic granules protect against damaging UV radiation and insulate the roof against extreme heat. So you can understand that their dislodgement by the growing fungal colonies can be detrimental to our roofs’ longevity. Surprisingly, the blue-green algae are also food for the fungi.

While not all mold (fungi) and algae pose a health danger, some are harmful, especially for us older folks, younger children and people who suffer from asthma and respiratory problems. Their spores, which are on your roof, can get inside your home because they end up on the driveway and walkways from rain, and are easily tracked inside. They can even be drawn into our air conditioning systems and eventually populate our ducts.

Different mold species can have varying health effects, but it is important to remember that any excessive mold growth needs to be taken care of, regardless of the species. Any excessive mold growth can lead to increased allergies, toxicity, and house/building structural problems.

Don’t Panic!

Most of us have immune systems that are fully capable of resisting the effects of fungi described above. As a result it would be highly unlikely for any of us to suffer any of the ill effects described. But if fungal colonies are allowed to persist and multiply then the high concentrations of the molds and their volatile organic chemical metabolites might be sufficient to increase the risks from our exposure to them.

This Algae, known as Gleocapsa Magma, produces it's own energy and feeds on inorganic materials like calcium carbonate, which is used as a filler in your asphalt shingles. The Algae also produces a dark pigment to protect itself from ultraviolet rays, thus giving it the unsightly black color that results in a streaked, dirty-looking roof. The growth usually first appears on the north slope of the roof where extra shade and moisture provide an ideal environment. Once established in an area, it develops rapidly and spreads across the entire roof. Airborne spores can then be carried from rooftop to rooftop, infesting entire neighborhoods.

Roof with Black Streaks
Detergent Applied
Detergent Applied

Our Roof Cleaning Process

We use a system as recommended by manufacturing companies like Owens Corning and GAF, and also the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association. They recommend a low pressure chemical application using certain cleaners to restore shingles suffering from roof algae, followed by a low pressure rinse (garden hose). We use the cleaners and methods recommended by these companies, 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 cleaned will allow you to get the full life out of your shingles, saving you thousands of dollars.

Here is a link to ARMA (Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association) information for Algae Discoloration of Roofs.

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