Too often people replace their roof simply based on looks. Often, a roof can be cleaned instead of replaced. Check out our tips and facts below to help you decide if your roof is a good candidate for cleaning.
Black Streaks on your roof can often be cleaned off.
Unsightly black stains or streaks on asphalt shingles are caused by a hardy type of algae called Gloeocapsa Magma. The algae feed on the crushed limestone that is used in asphalt shingles. Rain spreads the algae down the roof causing black streaks. The streaks are not only unsightly but cause the shingles to fail prematurely by not allowing the shingles to reflect heat properly, which can also raise your utility bills.
50% of roofs are replaced due to the way they look.
Half of the roofs replaced in the southeast could instead be cleaned. Just as mold and mildew can grow on your vinyl siding, windblown algae can land and grow on your roof. Replacing your roof because of these algae is like replacing your siding instead of having it cleaned; it just doesn’t make sense. Some roofing contractors don’t know what these black streaks are, saying it’s the asphalt showing through the shingles or that it is water stains. This is not true if your shingles are still in good shape. The algae can be killed and removed properly without damaging the shingles using low pressure chemical solutions.
Aged shingles are not a good candidate for cleaning.
We will not clean shingles that need to be replaced. Cleaning the roof won’t solve the problem if the shingles are aged. On the other hand, if you call a roofing contractor, you may not get the whole truth and be persuaded into replacing a roof that only needs to be cleaned. If you’re not sure if your roof needs replaced or cleaned, here are some signs of an aged roof:
- Brittle or crumbling shingles
- Excessive amount of shingle granules in your gutters
- Bottom corners of shingles curled up
- Wavy, warped, or heavy shingles
- Very thin or loose shingles
If you are still unsure about the status of your roof, we will be glad to evaluate it for you at no charge.