Roof & Exterior Cleaning Services

 

The most common culprit causing these ugly roof stains on asphalt roofs is a blue green algae called Gloeocapsa Magma. Over the past several years this algae has migrated to the northeastern states. The species found here is slower growing but hardier. Usually the stains occur on the north or west side of roofs.

 

The Gloeocapsa Magma is feeding on the limestone used to make the shingles. Newer shingles contain limestone as a filler to increase the weight.

Moss and Lichen are also commonly found on asphalt roofs. Moss and Lichen are the hardest items to clean. Moss tends to grow along the lower edge of the shingle, it's finger like filaments grow up and under the edge of the shingle. Lichen is another hardy grower its roots will start to grow into the shingle causing damage to the shingle itself.  

 

Many people do not realize that the problem is not a failing roof, and replace a roof that would last for many more years. We have seen roofs replaced after 5 to 7 years when they should be lasting 20 to 25 years. 

 

Cleaning of asphalt roofs will need to be considered as a home owner maintenance issue, unfortunately the black stains are here to stay. Cleaning the roof will generally last 1 to 2 years, preventatives can be applied to prevent initial or return growth.