The Importance of Having Shingles on a Roof Cleaned

In more humid areas of the country, you may have to deal with the common problem of roof algae. This algae is spread by airborne spores and, while it may not harm roof materials directly, it can greatly detract from the curb appeal of a home or business.

Algae on Roof Shingles

Algae stains may be most obvious beneath metal flashing surrounding vents and chimneys.

Based on the chart below, the northeastern area of the country and coastal regions are more susceptible to roof algae growth:

Roof algae growth in the United States

 

How to Deal With Roof Algae on Shingles

When dealing with roof algae on shingles, two options are available to you:

  1. Install newer algae-resistant shingles made with copper granules.
  2. Have your trusted roofing company come over to service your roof and rid your structure of algae stains.

Why It’s Important to Clean Roof Shingles

What happens if I don’t attend to the algae growing on my roof?

Algae normally feeds on the limestone filler, which is used to give shingles weight. By letting algae continue to grow over time, the protective material on your roof will begin to loosen and wash off with natural rain water. This diminishes a roof’s ability to reflect heat rays, which in turn will shorten the life of your shingles and increase air conditioning costs.

After time, algae may encourage other damaging growths, such as lichens and roof moss. This type of biological growth spreads over the shingles and grow up into the slots that hold the shingles in place, causing them to lift and ultimately making the roof more prone to wind damage and leaks. More than that, moss tends to keep the roof damp, which only spreads more growth onto your roof.

Tri-State Area Roof Cleaning

A & J Reliable, Inc. offers professional shingle cleaning services for the tri-state area – including New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Prevent your roof from being damaged and expand the life of your roof shingles by contacting us today!