Florida’s climate is wonderful not only for humans but for many other species as well. The unfortunate side-effect of this is that roofs and other hard surfaces often become discolored. This is because algae, mold, moss, and similar outdoor lifeforms start growing on them. These things need to be removed on a regular basis to keep your house looking new.
Other causes of roof discoloration include rust, asphalt bleed-through, and age. Except for age, these can often be mitigated, as well.
How do I Remove Discoloration from My Roof?
The most common problem on asphalt shingle roofs is caused by the growth of algae. Mold doesn’t grow on asphalt, though it is fond of some metals.
Because of this, the discoloration can be removed by the proper type of washing. Even so, it is a mistake to hit a shingle roof with pressure washing.
The high pressure applied by that equipment damages shingles by knocking the granules off of them. Without their granules, shingles are exposed to too much sun, causing them to age prematurely. Pressure washing can also directly cause leaks by forcing water up underneath shingles.
Soft washing, which uses stronger chemicals instead of high-pressure water, is strongly preferred for getting discoloration off of an asphalt shingle roof. It preserves the integrity of the shingles while effectively eliminating both streaks and general discoloration.
Is Algae Growth Always Green?
Despite the common name of “blue-green algae,” it doesn’t always look greenish when growing on a roof. Gray streaks are common. It is also common to have streaks due to things that interfere with algal growth in some areas, such as runoff from zinc-coated flashing.
What if Something Other than Algae is Discoloring My Roof?
Rusting metal, asphalt bleed-through, and other issues can also discolor a roof. Soft washing is always recommended for getting rid of the immediate color problem. However, in these cases, it’s possible to track down the source of the color and fix that, too. Replace rusting metal and aging shingles to put a halt to these discoloration processes.
How Can Algae Growth be Prevented?
Algae doesn’t like to grow where there is residue from copper or zinc. Therefore, one of the best ways to prevent its growth is to have a strip made from one or both metals installed along the ridgeline of the roof. It will exude copper/zinc residue that will coat the entire roof, preventing or greatly slowing the growth of algae.
If it’s about time for a roof replacement, another good idea is to have algae-resistant shingles put on. These are infused with copper to deter algae, and they can do so for years.
For any roof care need, give us a call here at Perry Roofing, your local Gainesville roofers. We’ll be glad to help you make your roof look its best!