Monday, March 2, 2015

Spring Reveals The Stains On Your Roof

This winter has been one of the hardest winters the US has seen in many years with records broken everywhere for low temperatures and large amounts of snow fall. Last year you looked at your roof and noticed some black streaks starting to show up but now that the snows is melting, those black streaks have become large black areas as the algae has taken advantage of the moister and shading from the snow.

Algae likes cool, shade and moister. It thrives on the north and northeast portions of your roof. Snow on the roof gives this algae, Gloeocapsa Magma a perfect environment to grow as it enjoys this white blanket and spreads as it is sheltered even more from the sun. The snow gives it the moister it needs to grow as it eats the limestone filler used in the manufacture of asphalt shingles. 

Most people have no clue their roof can be cleaned with a safe and effective low pressure cleaning and have a perfectly good roof with many years of service replaced. Others have companies clean their roofs using pressure washers or surface cleaners, both of which are powered by high pressure machines to clean the roof, removing granules needed to protect the shingles. Some of these companies make claims that the roof will never have to be cleaned again but you will have to sign up for a yearly maintenance treatment. Make sure you do your homework. You will find that the best and most effective way to have your roof cleaned is to hire a soft wash contractor. You will be happy you did and your roof will thank you for not letting someone clean it with high pressure.

One easy way to find a local soft wash contractor is to go to the National Softwash Alliance. If you do not see a local contractor, these contractors can help you find a reputable company to help with your roof cleaning, giving your roof a total transformation, a new look.