Professional Roof Cleaning & Stain Prevention by Tadlock Roofing
Authorized Roof-A-Cide® Applicator
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WHY HAS THE ROOF TURNED BLACK?
The black streaking typically found on homes in areas where moisture settles on shingles is not caused by mildew or fungus; it's roof algae.
Scientists at 3M (the manufacturer of most of the granules used in asphalt shingles today) have identified the most common form as Gloeocapsa Magma.
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These are wind-drive spores, which over time can infest whole neighborhoods causing discoloration and unsightly staining. During the last 20 years, this particular algae strain has become hardier and has been able to migrate to less humid environments than it has in the past. And in areas where it traditionally has been found, the staining is showing up earlier, is more severe and settles on a greater number of roofs.
In Florida, and increasingly throughout the US, many homeowners' associations and even some municipalities requiring periodic roof cleaning, but the damage caused by most traditional cleaning methods has become a problem that demands a different alternative. Traditional cleaning methods typically involve chlorine bleach or pressure cleaning - both of which have been known to cause unnecessary and sometimes extensive damage to the roof and surrounding property. In addition, these methods yield results that typically last only 6-12 months. Many homeowners in Florida now expect to replace their roofs after only 12-15 years rather than 25-30 simply because of the damage caused by repeated cleaning. |
