Roof Washing
The Dark Stains on Your Roof
Homeowners are expected to keep their homes looking nice, and a house with an ugly roof will cause neighbors and others traveling through the area to notice. Dirt and debris will collect over time, and natural rainfall is typically enough to wash off the appearance of most dirt. However, the dark stains and green areas that appear on your roof are caused by other natural elements such as:
- Algae
- Fungus/Lichen
- Moss
These substances are more difficult to clean than dirt and they cause other problems.
Often called gloeocapsa magma or GM, algae is a bacterium that feeds off of both asphalt and limestone roofing in moist or cool areas. When there is minimal light, GM forms a blue-green color. The more shaded areas of the roof are more likely to have these algae, which can harbor mold. This explains why a roof may only stain on one side.
A report by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturing Association (ARMA) notes that these algae spores are transported by wind or animals. They can quickly spread from rooftop to rooftop in neighborhoods of single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.
How Can Stains Damage a Roof?
The stains and growth patches caused by algae, fungus and moss can damage your roof through shingle deterioration and wood rot. Both require expensive repairs and can shorten the life of your roof. Roof cleaning can help eliminate this damage.
Shingle Damage
As mentioned above, algae is a bacterium that feeds off of both asphalt and limestone. That means that these organisms literally eat away at shingles. Lichen colonies can be quite damaging to shingles. The penetrating tentacles create marks where they grow and eventually ruin the shingles.
Moss is even more detrimental to roof shingles. Moss can cause the edges of the shingles to lift or curl which means they need to be replaced. Because moss holds in moisture, it can freeze in the winter, causing even more shingle damage.
Why is a roof so crucial?
A roof is always inspected before a home can sold because it is the main source of protection for a home against rain, snow, and other precipitation that occurs throughout the year and especially during severe weather. A dirty or damaged roof invite lots of other serious problems if it is not kept clean and maintained regularly. Scheduling cleanings at normal intervals will increase the longevity of one of the most important features of your home.
Different types of roofing
Your roof may be made of any number of common materials such as shingles, slate, asphalt, or Spanish tile. MAC Power Washing will figure out what works best on your roof, but most applications can be done with either soft washing or pressure washing depending on the surface material.
The Difficulties of Cleaning a Roof
Doing any kind of maintenance or cleaning on a roof is not easy due to the elevation of the surface and the possibility of injury. This is why it is best to leave your roof cleaning needs in the Baltimore area to a professional cleaning service. MAC Power Washing can provide technicians with the right equipment and training to get your roof looking like new without the hassle of trying to clean it yourself. Reapplications are often also necessary to prevent additional growth of algae and other substances.
Experience the MAC Power Washing Difference
If these issues sound serious, it is because your roof is very important. Talk to a cleaning professional in the Baltimore area at MAC Power Washing today to make sure your roof is safe and in the best possible condition.
If you are interested in having your home or businesses cleaned by a veteran owned business in Baltimore or anywhere nearby in Maryland, please contact MAC Power Washing Power Washing at info@macpowerwashing.com or by phone at 443-281-9255.
