Roofs have it tough. Not only do they need to protect properties from the elements, but they also have to stay clean and beautiful to add curb appeal. Most systems are designed to accomplish the first goal, but many fail to accomplish delivering the second just a few years after installation.
Experienced providers of residential and commercial roofing services, like Masters Roofing, would attest that discoloration is the number one threat to roof charm. The usual suspects aren’t mold, mildew, or tree sap; rather, the blue-green algae.
Here’s what you need to know about these microscopic pests:
Where Do Algae Come From?
Blue-green algae are everywhere. They travel by wind, making it impossible to hide from them. If the roofs of your neighbors have them, your roof probably has them too. Although 100% of your roof gets exposed to their airborne spores, traces of blue-green algae are more like to appear on west and north sides of your property.
How Do They Colonize?
Colonies of blue-green algae grow because of moist environments and nutrients from dust. They have blue-green in the name, but reliable roof repair specialists would say that they look like black or brown stains. They leave dark streaks because of the appearance of their hard, protective coating against damaging UV rays.
Rain or naturally occurring moisture, like the morning dew, leaves roofing products damp, setting the stage for discoloration. Although it may take awhile before the dark stains become pronounced, some asphalt shingles are helpless against blue-green algae invasion.
Are They Preventable?
There’s no escaping blue-green algae exposure, but the discoloration that results from it is preventable. Many commercial and residential roofing products use copper ions to combat the spread of blue-green algae. The most notable ones are asphalt shingles that feature StainGuard® protection from GAF.
In addition, this premier roofing manufacturer has a patent-pending, algae-fighting breakthrough called StainGuard Plus™ technology. It uses specially engineered capsules infused with thousands of copper microsites that neutralize blue-green algae when activated.
Unlike the old technology, this stain-fighting revolution economizes the release of copper ions, promising longer protection against stains. Currently, the StainGuard Plus technology is available on Timberline Ultra HD® shingles.
Don’t let humid weather rob your beautiful roof of its charm over time. Call Masters Roofing at (844) 400-4774 to learn about your best roofing options at preventing blue-green algae discoloration, and get a free estimate. We serve Memphis, TN, and other nearby areas.