Does
Your Roof Look Like This?
Article
Copyright© 2009-2012 Bob Keenan • Aiken Soft Wash, LLC • www.AikenSoftwash.com
If it does,
do you know why it looks that
way? Even if your roof does not
have these unsightly streaks, you certainly may have noticed others that do
have them. (If you’ve not noticed,
I bet after reading this you will start to notice them all over Aiken!) Whether you have them or not, or
noticed them or not, Aiken is filled with homes that have stained asphalt
shingles just like the ones above.
What causes shingles to
stain and streak like this? Well,
it’s not some sort of droppings from pine trees, nor acid rain, nor dirt or
soot. You may not want to hear it,
but the answer is ALGAE. Specifically,
an airborne, single-cell Cyanobacteria organism called Gloecapsa Magma. This airborne spore gets deposited on
the shingles and is usually most prevalent on the north-facing sides of roofs
due to more shade time on northern exposures. It’s the heat and humidity that allow the proliferation of
these spores, which actually feed on the crushed limestone additive fillers in
asphalt shingles.
The accumulation of dead colonies
of these Cyanobacteria causes the visually dark streaks and stains on the
shingles. Left untreated, this
algae growth can build up on the roof, which causes the shingle to hold
moisture. A darker,
moisture-holding shingle can cause premature aging of the roof due to rotting,
or granule loss.
The Good News? YOU DON’T NEED A NEW ROOF! The stains are remedied using
professional roof cleaning methods recommended by the Asphalt Roofing
Manufacturer’s Association. As
recommended by the ARMA (www.asphaltroofing.org), a zero-pressure “softwash” process
utilizing high-quality, safe, detergents and surfactants is used to restore the
roof. (Never let anyone clean your shingle roof with a pressure washer! Pressure washing will remove the algae -- along
with most of the shingle granules, permanently damaging the shingles and voiding
the warranty!)
Once the stains are softwashed,
killing and rinsing the algae, a dramatic difference will be noticed as the
original color of the shingle is restored. You will see an instant improvement
in curb appeal of the property – along with an improvement in the health and
longevity of the roof. The average
homeowner may not be able to accomplish roof work safely. Consider using a
professional, licensed contractor, with the knowledge, experience and proper
softwashing equipment to safely and efficiently restore your roof – SAFELY, per the roof shingle manufacturers specifications
- for less than 1/10th of the price of replacing it.
Bob Keenan
is a SC licensed General Contractor, and the owner of Aiken Soft Wash, LLC, as
well as a resident of Woodside Plantation.
Visit www.AikenSoftWash.com
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