We often hear from homeowners who are frustrated by the unsightly black streaks that have overtaken their roof. Can the black streaks be removed? Are they causing harm to my shingles? Will the black marks get worse over time?
The good news is that those unattractive blemishes can be professionally removed by Platinum Property Solutions while giving your roof a chance to last a little longer.
Knowing how black streaks form will help you understand how they should be treated
The black marks that develop on roofs are often thought to be caused by a buildup of dirt or soot. Going by this assumption leads many homeowners to try and incorrectly remove the stains with high-powered pressure washers. However, we can’t stress this enough: Do Not Pressure Wash Asphalt Shingle Roofs!
If it’s not dirt, what is it?
You might be surprised to learn that a bacteria is responsible for roof staining. According to Softwash Systems, Gloeocapsa Magma is the predominant cause of black streaks. However, other forms of microorganisms such as algae, lichen, moss and mold contribute to the problem.
These same troublemakers can also be found growing on other exterior surfaces of your home. It’s not uncommon to see stains and algae growing on surfaces such as vinyl siding, wood and more.
Soft Washing gets to the root of the problem
Many types of roofing shingles can be especially susceptible to this type of growth. The bacteria feeds off some of the materials contained in the shingles, such as limestone, which encourages it to grow. The soft wash roof cleaning method does a lot more than try to blast away stains. The cleaning agents that we use work hard to kill the bacteria and prevent it from growing back.
