Roof cleaning is the process
to remove roof stains including Green Algae and Black Algae "gloeocapsa
magma" from roofing materials in areas where high humidity is
prevalent.
Roof Cleaning
being performed using the soft-wash system
Proper Roof
Cleaning of shingles being performed on Fiberglass Shingles.
The black
stains are also very likely to harbor a number of molds or fungi. Unlike algae,
the fungi on our roofs lacks chlorophyll and are unable to manufacture food
from raw materials. The algae must get nutrition from some form of organic
matter. To thrive, they also require a warm, humid environment.
Fungi normally
begin their life cycle as an airborne spore that settles on roofs. The spores
on the northern exposure of the roof stand a better chance of survival because
that portion of the roof is the last part to dry after a rain or morning dew.
This raises the humidity on the surface of the shingle, thus creating a perfect
feeding and breeding ground.
The tar used in
roofing is fossilized, dead organic matter and an important food source for
fungi. Asphalt, at the granule base, is normally consumed first. Once these
granules dislodge, accelerated deterioration of the roof itself will occur.
Ceramic granules represent the outer hard shell that protects against hail and
other falling debris. Ceramic granules protect against damaging UV radiation
and insulate the roof against extreme heat. So you can understand that their
dislodgement by the growing fungal colonies can be detrimental to our roofs’
longevity. Surprisingly, the blue-green algae are also food for the fungi.
The Roof
Cleaning business began becoming more common when the shingle manufactures
changed from all asphalt to fiberglass shingles. The limestone
in the fiberglass shingles which is added for weight attracts the bacteria and
begins to spread. At times it can take up to 10 years before the Gloeocapsa
Magma or "Black Streaks" become present.
If the area of
growth is left untreated the stains will spread causing more of an issue. Over
time this bacteria will cause the material to possibly decay and result in
premature failure.
Roof Cleaner has been cleaning the roof's around West Michigan for many years now, we have taken the black streaks, mold, mildew, moss and lichen off of hundreds of homes in the area and would like to do the same for you.
