Pristine
House Washing, LLC
7 Shenandoah East
Spencerport, NY 14559
ph: 585-455-7827
Patrick
Algae, Mold, and Mildew
Algae, mold and mildew can all be a very big problem. An algae variety, called Gloeocapsa Magma, is the main culprit that turns your roof shingles black. It also tends to appear, along with mold and mildew, on brick and siding on the shady, damper, sides of your home. It thrives in warm humid environments but is becoming hardier and more prevalent in many parts of the country. It normally appears on the north slope of your roof first, where additional shade and moisture support its growth. Shade trees are also a contributing factor. It is carried and spread on the wind and with wildlife. This algae needs three criteria to grow. Heat, moisture, and nutrients. Nature provides the first two and your roof shingles provide the third. This is because of the materials that roof shingles are made of.
I guess you could say that roofs today have become plant food. The algae is literally eating your roof. If left to grow, the algae holds moisture on your roof longer after a rain and that accelerates the process even more. The longer it's there, the faster it spreads and will eventually spread to the other sides also.
Gloeocapsa magma was not as much of a problem in the past when roof shingles were made of asphalt impregnated wood fiber and recycled cotton products. Most modern shingles are now made with fiberglass. Fiberglass has some advantages. However, the new fiberglass shingles are now made with crushed limestone filler. Limestone is an ideal food for Gloeocapsa Magma.
It isn't just the southern climates that have a problem anymore. Roof stains are seen in nearly eighty percent of the United States in various degrees. In Florida a roof may be completely covered with algae in as little as four years because of the hot, damp climate. In areas where it traditionally has been found, staining is manifesting earlier and more severely on a greater number of roofs.
But it has been migrating north. That is obvious when you begin to notice all the roofs in this area that now have dark staining. Up here it usually takes a little longer to grow but not always. Damper areas and heavy shade will do the trick also. This particular algae strain has become hardier and is able to migrate to less humid environments than it has in the past.
All of this results in shorter roof life (algae eats roofing material), higher cooling bills (dark stains absorb heat), reduced property value (due to ugly staining). Dark stains are a red flag and noticed by potential buyers. They typically ask for price concessions or will pass on your house entirely without making an offer. Algae and mold can also dislodge the granuals that give your roof protection and color. Not to mention the reduced pride of ownership you feel when you look up at those ugly roof stains yourself.
Elimination of algae, mold, fungus and mildew accumulation can be safely done with Superior House Washing formulas and Low Pressure Washing techniques. We can solve your problem for a fraction of the cost of roof replacement. Once the algae is removed, chance of recurrence can be reduced or prevented entirely with proper maintenance.
Pristine House Washing can SAFELY remove those ugly, damaging stains.
I guess you could say that roofs today have become plant food. The algae is literally eating your roof. If left to grow, the algae holds moisture on your roof longer after a rain and that accelerates the process even more. The longer it's there, the faster it spreads and will eventually spread to the other sides also.
Gloeocapsa magma was not as much of a problem in the past when roof shingles were made of asphalt impregnated wood fiber and recycled cotton products. Most modern shingles are now made with fiberglass. Fiberglass has some advantages. However, the new fiberglass shingles are now made with crushed limestone filler. Limestone is an ideal food for Gloeocapsa Magma.
It isn't just the southern climates that have a problem anymore. Roof stains are seen in nearly eighty percent of the United States in various degrees. In Florida a roof may be completely covered with algae in as little as four years because of the hot, damp climate. In areas where it traditionally has been found, staining is manifesting earlier and more severely on a greater number of roofs.
But it has been migrating north. That is obvious when you begin to notice all the roofs in this area that now have dark staining. Up here it usually takes a little longer to grow but not always. Damper areas and heavy shade will do the trick also. This particular algae strain has become hardier and is able to migrate to less humid environments than it has in the past.
All of this results in shorter roof life (algae eats roofing material), higher cooling bills (dark stains absorb heat), reduced property value (due to ugly staining). Dark stains are a red flag and noticed by potential buyers. They typically ask for price concessions or will pass on your house entirely without making an offer. Algae and mold can also dislodge the granuals that give your roof protection and color. Not to mention the reduced pride of ownership you feel when you look up at those ugly roof stains yourself.
Elimination of algae, mold, fungus and mildew accumulation can be safely done with Superior House Washing formulas and Low Pressure Washing techniques. We can solve your problem for a fraction of the cost of roof replacement. Once the algae is removed, chance of recurrence can be reduced or prevented entirely with proper maintenance.
Pristine House Washing can SAFELY remove those ugly, damaging stains.
Call 585-455-7827 now for a Free, No Obligation estimate or click Here to contact us via email.
Copyright 2012 Pristine House Washing. All rights reserved.
7 Shenandoah East
Spencerport, NY 14559
ph: 585-455-7827
Patrick