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If the streaks don’t bother you or you’re not ready to invest in a new roof, install zinc or copper strips (available at roofing centers) along the top course of shingles. When rain hits the strips, it produces a solution that runs down the roof and keeps algae, moss and fungus from growing.
How do I get black streaks off my roof?
A mixture of trisodium phosphate (TSP), bleach, and water will also remove stains. Oxygen bleach lightens stains as well and is less harmful to the environment, but it doesn’t produce as immediate or dramatic an effect as chlorine bleach. Roof cleaned with oxygen bleach (left) and chlorine bleach (center).
Why are my roof shingles turning black?
Answer. Those black streaks on your roof shingles are most likely an algae called gloeocapsa magma, or as it is more commonly referred to, a blue-green or black algae. Algae is a solid deposit of spores and dirt, another form of mold. These algae won’t damage your shingles, it just looks bad.
What is the black stain on my roof?
Roof experts say black streaks are caused by an algae known as gloeocapsa magma. Airborne spores deposit it on your roof, where it soaks up plenty of sunlight for photosynthesis and munches on the limestone filler in your shingles. Humid areas of the country are most susceptible to dark streaks from algae.
Does bleach hurt asphalt?
If applied with an appropriate water-bleach ratio, then bleach will definitely not damage your asphalt shingles. Softwash the roof shingles and work down the dirt and debris. Power washing can dislodge shingles, or compromise your roof.
What is the best cleaner for roof shingles?
of laundry strength liquid chlorine bleach and water. This is the best way to clean a roof if you have asphalt shingles. After spraying the roof with the mixture, allow it to sit on the surface for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with clean water.
Does cleaning your roof damage it?
Simply put, unless you have it on a low (and much less effective) setting, cleaning your roof with a pressure washer would likely do much more harm than good. The water pressure won’t damage just the shingles, either. And once it’s up there, there’s no guarantee the weight of the machine won’t damage your shingles.
Why is my roof stained?
Algae commonly cause streaking and staining on roofs. The dark color that appears as a black stain is caused by a specific type of algae called gloeocapsa magma. This growth is a type of bacteria that forms when algae spores group together.
Why do roofs get black streaks?
The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called Gloeocapsa magma. As the blue-green algae accumulate, they develop a dark, hardened outer coating, which results in the black stains you see. The algae feed on the limestone in shingles.
How do I get rid of streaks on my roof?
The less expensive solution is to spray wash the roof with a 50 percent mix of water and bleach to get rid of the algae. (No pressure washers, please. They’re likely to damage the shingles.) Just be sure to wet your foundation plantings first, and rinse everything in clean water when you’re done.
Do zinc strips prevent moss?
Zinc strips can be somewhat effective at controlling moss growth. Zinc strips work by slowly releasing zinc particles when rain water hits the strips. That rain water then runs off and inhibits moss and other organic growth on your roof.
What kills gloeocapsa magma?
Roofing shingles with Scotchgard™ Protector contain copper granules that are an effective poison to gloeocapsa magma. Over time, as the copper is slowly released, the granules on each shingle kill the algae before it can take hold.
Why does my roof look wet?
Why does my roof look wet? While there are several reasons why your roof may appear to be wet, it is likely caused by algae growing on your shingles. The wet appearance of your roof could also be caused by rotting shingles that are holding water for long periods of time.
How do you bleach a roof?
Mix equal parts of bleach and water in the ratio of 50:50 to form a bleach cleaning solution. Pour the solution in a garden hose sprayer. Climb the roof using a ladder and spray the shingles with the solution. Leave the solution on the surface of the roof shingles for 15 to 20 minutes.
Does Simple Green clean asphalt?
To clean driveways, patios, walkways, pavers and exterior decorative areas: Pre-wet surfaces. Pre-treat heavily soiled areas and oil spots with full strength Simple Green.
Will vinegar hurt roof shingles?
Vinegar. Vinegar will not hurt roof shingles and is the best way to clean asphalt shingles. Vinegar bough at the store will have different concentrations of acetic acid. 5% is adequate for most roof damage, although you can go as high as 25% for very stained roofs.
How much does it cost to clean shingle roof?
These factors and others will decide your exact roof cleaning cost. Typical prices range from $0.15 to $0.68 per square foot.Type of roof. ROOF MATERIAL BEST WAY TO CLEAN AVERAGE COST Wood shakes or shingles Low-pressure wash $0.30 – $0.70 per square foot.
Can roof shingles be cleaned?
The ARMA recommends a 1:1 ratio of bleach to water to clean a roof. They also advise against using a pressure washer on asphalt shingles, as the force of the water can damage them. After being allowed to sit on the roof surface for up to 20 minutes, the bleach solution should be rinsed away with clean water.
