If you have black stains on your roof, you’ve probably dismissed them as a simple eyesore. Unfortunately, what you see as stains are more likely living organisms that can gradually destroy your roof.
Algae, lichen, moss, and fungus are all serious hazards for your roof. They can eat their way through your shingles, creating leaks and wood rot that lead to even greater damage. The worst-case scenario isn’t a pretty picture. But thankfully, it’s easy to avoid through professional soft washing services.
In this guide, we’ll explain what you need to know about these organisms, how you can safely get rid of them, and how to prevent their growth in the future.
Rooftop Algae
Most people associate algae with oceans, creeks, and other bodies of water. But algae can also be airborne, riding on the wind until it finds a suitable place to grow and thrive. Surprisingly, your roof can be a perfect habitat for growth. What you see as dark, streaky staining is most likely algae.
Algae tend to thrive on the north side of roofs, where there’s more shade and moisture. For food, it turns to your shingles. They’re filled with limestone, which algae love. Naturally, the algae’s ongoing feast can lead to structural problems. And as algae make themselves at home, it creates a welcoming environment for other destructive organisms.
Funguses and Mold
Like algae, funguses thrive in wet, humid areas. Mold on your roof is often indicative of problems inside your house. However, it can also work its way in from the outside. As algae eat your roof, water leaks in and creates wood rot, which is a perfect environment for mold.
Most of us know someone who has experienced health problems from mold. They can vary from allergies to dizziness, to sickness and even memory loss. Some molds can even be deadly. Fortunately, funguses are relatively easy to wash off your roof if you catch them soon enough. But left unchecked, they can lead to our next foe: Lichen.
Lichen
When algae and fungus get together, they create lichen. Lichen differs from algae and mold in that it needs sunlight to grow but only a little bit of moisture. It is a hardy organism that can show up as blue, green, white, black, gray, yellow, orange, red, or brown growth.
Lichen latches onto your roof, strengthening its attachment with time. This makes removing lichen a more challenging task. Lichen will strongly resist your efforts to wash it away, and this can cause greater roof damage if you don’t use the right technique.
Moss
A mossy roof may seem whimsical, but it can cause some of the most severe damage to your roof. This organism holds a great deal of moisture, which can weigh down your roof and cause water damage.
Moss starts as a thin growth on and between your shingles. As it grows, it pushes shingles out of place, leaving you vulnerable to leaks and wood rot. And as horrifying as it may be, small creatures will also see moss growth as a welcoming sign to build their nests.
How to Protect Your Roof
Fortunately, protecting your roof is not complicated. A few simple and affordable options can help keep it in good shape for the entirety of its expected lifespan.
- Trim overhanging branches. Algae, fungus, lichen, and moss all grow on trees. Overhanging branches can easily drop spores onto your roof. The spores then grow happily in the tree’s shade. Trimming back nearby branches gives these organisms less access to your house. It also provides more sunlight to help keep moisture at bay.
- Have your gutters cleaned regularly. Clogged gutters provide ample moisture and nutrients for algae, fungus, and moss to thrive. Regular cleaning can keep your gutters in good repair and prevent unwanted growth. We recommend that every homeowner have their gutters flushed and inspected at least once a year. Homes with more trees around them may need more frequent cleaning.
- Have Professional Soft Wash Your Roof. Ultimately, airborne spores can land on your roof at any time. The best preventative measure is to wash them away before they can cause too much damage. Many homeowners assume the best way to do this is pressure washing. But this aggressive tactic can cause even greater damage. And at the end of the day, it doesn’t reach the growth between your shingles.
Soft washing is the cleaning method recommended by shingle manufacturers. At O’Healy Professional Services, we use low-pressure and special cleaning agents to gently remove all growths from your roof. Our cleaning agents finish the job with just a few good rains.
Protect Your Roof. Get a Free Quote Today.
O’Healy Professional Services are the go-to exterior experts in East Tennessee. We know how important it is to keep your roof clean — safely. Call us for a free quote on services for both your roof and your gutters. We provide upfront pricing so you’re never surprised, and your satisfaction is guaranteed. Learn more about roof cleaning and get your quote today!