What is it?
Most people don’t realize that the black streaks on their roof are actually a thriving weed called (Gloeocapsa Magma). This weed thrives in humid, shaded environments where moisture lingers. That is why it is often seen growing on the side of the roof that gets the least amount of sun. These small spores are carried by the wind and birds allowing it to spread from roof to roof.
What is the algae feeding on?
The algae is feeding on your shingles. Just like any plant it sends roots down into the shingle. Most modern shingles utilize limestone as a filler. This limestone acts as the “soil” for the plant to grow.
Does algae damage my roof?
Yes it does. Shingles were not made to be a food source for plants. The roots from the algae break up the shingle and take material away from it. In addition these stains are unsightly and can decrease property value. In addition most insurance companies look for these streaks with an aerial picture. If you have them on your roof there is a chance you might not get dropped by your insurance company.
What can I do to fix this issue?
Roof cleaning is a a great way to stop the weeds from growing on your shingles. A bleach and water mixture is a common way to shock the Algae. After application the stains should turn brown almost immediately. If they don’t a second application of cleaner might be necessary. However once the weed is dead the holes created by the roots stay behind. Cleaning the roof might actually do more damage than just leaving the weed there in the first place.
How does roof rejuvenation help?
Uglyroof’s Roof Rejuvenation product is designed to help undo the damage caused by this organic growth. The product will first soften the asphalt and help the substrate bond back together. In addition our product contains a synthetic fortifier commonly used in impact resistant shingles. This fortifier helps fill in the holes and fortify the shingle. This is what makes our product special. Most roof rejuvenators only contain oil (Soy or Corn). Either type of oil will burn off rather quickly in the sun. Meanwhile our product becomes part of the shingle and doesn’t go anywhere for years.
Will rejuvenating my roof help prevent future streaks?
Our rejuvenation product creates a hydrophobic effect on the treated shingles. On a couple of our test roofs in Pennsylvania and Streetsboro, Ohio we observed that snow melted off the treated sections of the roof much faster than untreated. On the applications we have done over a period of 5+ years we are happy to report the the algae doesn’t seem to be coming back. So getting your roof rejuvenated not only fortifies your shingles, but it also helps prevent future damage.
How do I get my roof rejuvenated?
Fill out the form located on this page-https://uglyroof.com/find-an-applicator/. One of our dealers will schedule an inspection. To qualify your roof must have 60% granulation remaining and no other obvious concerns. It’s best to schedule an inspection before you notice obvious staining.
What if my roof is too far gone?
Unfortunately some people wait to long to get their roof cleaned and rejuvenated. If it’s time to replace consider a shingle designed to prevent this issue in the future. Most shingle manufactures offer a shingle that has a measure of algae resistance or a warranty that covers streaking.
