Do you have black mold or fungus growing on your shingles?
 

 

The Cause of Roof Stains

The ugly, dark stains that are so prevalent are caused by a very hardy “blue-green” algae, Gloeocapsa magma, that thrives on the asphalt shingled roofs in much of the country, especially in the more humid areas.  

Growth normally starts on the north side as well as shaded areas of the roof.  As the algae grows, it holds moisture allowing the growth to accelerate.  Thus the roof stains get worse and worse over time as well.

Algae spores are carried by wind, birds, squirrels, etc. If your roof is currently clean, it likely won’t stay that way if other houses in the area are already stained.

Years ago, stains on asphalt shingled roofs were not a significant problem.  Today it is a big problem because the design of asphalt shingles has changed over time. For the last 30 years or so, asphalt shingles have been manufactured using limestone as the base filler. 

 

Unfortunately, limestone is a favorite food of this strain of algae.  The algae used to starve to death when it landed on your roof - now it thrives on your roof.

There are other types of stains found on roofs.  Green roof stains are often caused by mold and mildew.  Lichen & moss also cause stains. 

Algae also Damages the Roof & Shortens Roof Life
It is bad enough that algae causes ugly roof stains, unfortunately it also damages the roof. The algae takes root on the shingles dislodging the granules which protect & color the roof.  It holds water to the roof's surface and can cause decay & rot of the roof's underlayment. 

NOT ONLY is your roof being discolored by the algae, but it is shortening the life of the roof leading to earlier than necessary roof replacement.
 

What You Need To Know

Shingle roofs are manufactured with different degrees of quality. Pricing is one way to tell the quality of a roof and the manufacturer's warranty is another. Most roofs applied by builders and roofing contractors are in the low to medium quality range. Higher quality roofs are generally found on expensive custom homes and where the owner has taken a special interest in the quality of his roof.

 

So, how's your roof holding up?

 It is safe to guess that the vast majority of shingle roofs are medium to low quality with warranties that range from 20 to 25 years. Manufacturer placed petroleum distillates, copper and zinc granules in varying amounts in and on the shingle prevent fungus growth over varying periods of time from uncontrollable variables.

As the shingle ages and is subjected to the extremes in local weather, it deteriorates losing its granules and its fungus fighting capabilities.

It is not uncommon for low quality shingles to exhibit a lot of fungus staining in just five to eight years while most roofs are stained partially or completely within the eight to twelve year range. This will happen if you haven't maintained your roof.

If I am not concerned about the looks of my roof, should I be concerned about the unsightly stains?
 

 

Yes, very much so.  Black roof stains are caused by a very hardy algae, Gloeocapsa magma.  This algae is not just on the surface of the roof causing discoloration.  It takes root in the asphalt shingles dislodging the protective roof granules that protect and color the roof.  The algae feeds on the limestone filler in the shingles.  It holds water to the roof's surface that can cause decay & rot of the roof's underlayment.  Thus, not only is your roof being discolored by the algae, but it is shortening the life of your roof leading to an earlier than necessary, expensive roof replacement.

 

 

Yes, my roof has stains and has caused me to have to replace it before the warranty time. Maybe next time.

 

 

This is a common and costly mistake. DO NOT place a new roof over a stain roof. You'll give the algae a dark cool space to grow and multiply. Not working from the inside out- it will shorten the life of the new roof...

 

HEALTH
 A fungus covered roof is unhealthy. Do you want fungus spores all over, around and in your home? And what about those you love with allergies?

 ENERGY COSTS

The fungus covered roof keeps under roof temperatures a lot higher by preventing the reflective capabilities of the granules from doing their job. These soaring under roof temperatures make your air conditioner work a lot harder and increase your electric bills sometimes as much as several hundred dollars a year.

 PROPERTY VALUE

A fungus covered roof is an eyesore. It also adversely affects the resale value of your home. Homeowner associations are becoming more abundant, primarily to maintain and enhance the value of individual homes and neighborhoods. You are not alone in the appearance of your home, therefore, at the first sign of fungus staining, do the right thing and clean your roof.

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL

You should hire a professional company that offers several roof-cleaning services designed to meet your needs and budget. My Hired Hands, Inc. uses an environmentally friendly biodegradable chemicals to clean and seal your roof. The chemicals will not harm shrubbery, grass... or the kids...
 

 REPLACING YOUR ROOF

 You should clean your roof EVEN if you’re thinking of putting a new roof on top of a stained roof. This is because fungus needs three things to grow: moisture, heat and some sort of nutrient. The overlay roof makes a perfect incubator for the fungus to grow and prosper right onto your new roof in about eight years.

 FUNGUS GROWTH
 

Other factors besides the direction your house faces are the type, grade and manufacturer of your shingles, whether you have a pond or pool nearby creating abundant moisture and how hot and humid the weather is. Continuous warm weather promotes fungus growth.

Also, if you have trees near your house and they shade the roof, that promotes quicker fungus growth. If you haven't cleaned the leaves and pine needles off, that keeps your roof ripe for fungus growth too. 

 

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

It's safe to say that its impossible to control all of the above mentioned variables, but you can fight them and win with preventative maintenance. You can do this with My Hired Hands, Inc. Let us do all the work and give you a no-stains lifetime guarantee and peace of mind.


 Thanks,

Glenn