If you look at your roof and see dark lines, you may wonder where they came from. Over time, it is common to see black streaks on your roof. However, when you identify those markings, you should have them professionally cleaned. My Guy Services provides some of the leading exterior cleaning services around. Whenever you’re looking for someone to clean dirty roof shingles, You Have a Guy, My Guy!
Those ugly black spots on your roof are not dirt — they’re algae, more specifically known as blue-green algae or gloeocapsa magma. Gloeocapsa magma is a bacterial species that can photosynthesize. It can also photolyze water and produce gases such as oxygen. It usually begins as a small spot and eventually becomes black streaks that stay on your roof for at least two or more months.
Algae spores are airborne and get carried by birds and wind. These spores can also quickly spread from one rooftop to another. The spread began 20 years ago when shingles manufacturers began incorporating limestone granules to add weight to the material used to coat shingles.
The bacteria also grow over time as they absorb water and calcium carbonate on the roof. The growth eventually shows in the form of black stains. These stains are visible because the bacteria develop a dark and hard ultraviolet (UV)-protective outer coating. In the last few decades, this type of algae has gained more attention because it has spread throughout the United States and Canada.
If left untreated, blue-green algae can grow and become harmful to your home and family. For example, gloeocapsa magma can cause significant harm to your roof. The bacteria can also cause premature aging, rotting or granule loss. These three forms of damage quickly weaken your roof’s integrity and create a safety hazard for your home and family. This damage is harmful to your home and your residence’s curb appeal without proper maintenance.
Your roof is not the only place algae can develop and become harmful — monitor your driveway, patio and sidewalks as well. Blue-green algae on your roof can grow thick and spread when left untreated. Areas with algae also become slippery, especially during wet and rainy seasons.
Besides algae being slippery, it produces elevated toxins. These toxins take the form of airborne droplets that you can inhale and become sick from. Algae can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, eye irritation, sore throat or headaches. Symptoms generally begin hours to a couple of days after exposure.
As soon as you notice black streaks on your roof, you should have your roof professionally cleaned. At My Guy Services, we recommend a treatment called soft washing to clean dirty roof shingles. Soft washing is a cleaning process that combines a unique cleaning solution such as sodium hypochlorite and copper sulfate with low-pressure washing techniques.
My Guy Services offers expert cleaning services from a team of educated and experienced workers that knows the best techniques to clean your home’s exterior. Call us today at (317) 755-6444 or fill out our contact form for a free quote.