What Are the Black Streaks on My Home’s Roof?
The black discoloration and streaks that are visible on many roofs in the Cincinnati area, from Madeira and Milford to Oakley and Hyde Park, is actually algae. This type of algae is not eliminated or reduced by the sun’s ultraviolet rays because it can protect itself by forming a dark pigmented sheath (which results in the noticeable dark streaks on the roof). Unfortunately, this algae is not readily visible until it has spread over a large area of the roof, making it highly unsightly. However, Cincinnati roofing companies can detect it, and remove it, in its early stages by doing a roof inspection or by properly cleaning your roofing shingles.
Black Streaks on Roofs
The black streaks seen on a roof indicate that the algae Gloeocapsa Magma has attacked your shingles. As an airborne algae, it attaches to the limestone which is part of the shingle material as it is spread around by winds and breezes. Once it’s anchored on your roofing tiles, it adds weight to the shingles. Once airborne algae lands on your roof, it begins to spread. If not removed, this algae will eat around the shingle granules until rain washes it away, resulting in shingle damage. Roof algae will eventually spoil the appearance of the shingles, and potentially even ruin the shingles, which can eventually cause roof leaks.
Cleaning Roof Shingles
Cleaning an asphalt shingle roof is not a great job for a DIY homeowner, but should be done by a reputable roofing company. High pressure washing is not appropriate because it will remove the granules, reducing the life of the roof shingles. For you do-it-yourselfers, this is not the way to go about cleaning the streaks.
Our roofing experts clean the algae by mixing a special cleaning solution and spraying it on the algae. This solution is applied with a sprayer and allowed to set on the algae for up to 20 minutes. This solution is then rinsed off with a low-pressure water rinse. We do not scrub the treated areas because this could potentially also loosen the granules. Our cleaning process will also remove mildew, which can be unsightly on the roof of your home.
It’s essential to remove this algal growth in a timely fashion, before the granules on the roof shingles have become damaged and potentially allowed water to penetrate to the lower layers of the roof and then into your home. It can be surprising that something as small as algae can cause such a massive problem, but it can!
Extend The Life of Your Cincinnati Roof
Algae may seem harmless, and removing it may not be something at the top of your to-do list if you don’t realize the potentially negative consequences of it. However, keep in mind that removing algae quickly can potentially add years to the life of your roof. Of course, our roofing team will take every precaution to protect the landscaping that is near the home, will answer all of your questions, and will clean up any mess that is left behind.
If the roof of your Cincinnati area home is looking rough – due to mold, or any other roofing issue — let Harper Siding and Roofing come out for a detailed roof repair estimate. We’ll give you an honest opinion about the status of your roof – and we’ll let you know if a simple cleaning will increase the lifespan of your roof and improve the curb appeal of your home. Call 513.444.6098 today.