As a homeowner, there are a lot of new things that you’re going to experience. Having black streaks on your roof may be one that is worrying you. In today’s short article, we’re going to take a look at what these black streaks are and what you can do to remedy them.
What Are The Black Streaks?
At the simplest definition, black streaks are algae that is growing on your roof. These airborne spores known formally as Gloeocapsa Magma, are common among homes in a humid environment. These spores will only be noticeable on asphalt shingles. These can take on the form of line streaks or they may be grouped together into a pod.
Chemical Cleaning
Now, since you know what these black streaks on your roof are, it’s time to talk about getting rid of them. There are multiple products on the market that are engineered to remove these algae stains from your roof. You can also make your own mixture of chemical cleaning compound if you would rather. You’ll need to combine water, bleach, and trisodium phosphate or TSP. If you’re worried about only using products that are safe for the environment around your home, then consider using oxygen bleach over chlorine bleach. You won’t get the same dramatic lift of the algae but it will assist in removing some of the black streakings from your roof.
Consider Algae Resistant Shingles
You should consider talking to your roofing contractor about installing algae resistant shingles. These specialized shingles have a mix of copper granules that go into the traditional asphalt shingles. This copper metal is what inhibits the growth of algae on your shingles. While re-roofing your home at the present time may not be an expense you can financially undergo, you should plan to install these types of shingles in the future.
Black Streak Prevention
To prevent future issues of black streaks on your roof without installing the new algae resistant shingles, you’ll need to divert to using metal. Since the algae growth is inhibited by metal, you’ll want to install metal at the peak or ridge of your roof. Using zinc coated metal or cooper in a small strip is enough to prevent build up.
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what those black streaks are that are staining your roof. Understanding what they are is half of the battle. Then, you can take the necessary steps to prevent them from forming in the future.