You invest in regular roof maintenance, yet you still end up with something that ruins your roof’s appeal – discoloration. Although they’re not always dangerous to your roof’s health, these stains are still an annoyance to many homeowners.
Here are three common reasons why there is roof discoloration and what you can do about it.
1. Algae
Possibly, the most common reason for discoloration is algae. These are seen as black streaks along your roof’s northern slopes and can easily be power washed by a roofing company. Make sure you don’t power wash your roof by yourself as this task requires professional technique to keep the shingle granules intact.
These algae stains are caused by the limestone filler found in your asphalt shingles. To prevent these stains, you can select algae-resistant shingles from GAF during your roof replacement. Shingles with StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection features are designed to have granules with slow-release, algae-killing copper. You can also opt for StreakGuard™ Algae Resistance Protection shingles from Owens Corning®. These options can give you peace of mind when it comes to algae resistance.
2. Rust
If your home has metal roofing, this can be something that you will encounter. Since the material is metal, your roof will become susceptible to rust over time. Make sure to call a professional roofer to help you with the problem at the first signs of red or brown stains.
3. Bleed-Through
When your roofing materials are nearing the end of their lifespan, you may start noticing black streaks on them. This is asphalt bleed-through. The black pigment comes from the asphalt when it starts breaking down. Because of its similarity in color with algae, you may think about power washing your shingles, which will do more damage. If you see black streaks on your roof, it’s best to call professional roofers to help you determine the cause. They will also be able to tell you if and when a replacement is necessary.
As a homeowner, you may still experience some roofing problems even with regular maintenance. To help you determine the cause of these problems and address them, Jeff Woods Construction is here for you. Call us now at (931) 787-9107, or fill out our contact form for a free quote.
