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Learn the Benefits of Algae Resistant Roof Shingles

By December 1, 2021 December 6th, 2021 No Comments

Learn the benefits of algae resistant roof shingles provided by Matlock Roofing & Construction. Streaks of darkened shingle roofs are commonplace in many neighborhoods. What causes these black spots to form and then spread? It’s not because the shingles are leaking stuff out of the roof. What’s going on is that there is a living entity growing on the top!

Learn-the-Benefits-of-Algae-Resistant-Roof-Shingles

What Is Algae?

Tiny Gloeocapsa Magma microorganisms are responsible for creating these ugly black streaks. Blue-green alga grows on your roof, but it eventually takes on a black hue. Algae can develop on any shaded roof, but it thrives in damp, warm circumstances. From an algal perspective, North Carolina and Virginia make perfect sense. The Southeast of the United States is home to a disproportionate amount of algae growth on roofs. Algae can spread to unknown parts of the house quickly if they are blown around by the wind. Whether your roof is hot, moist, shady, or any combination of these conditions, this algae is likely to thrive.

Algae Affects Your Home’s Appearance

Algae on your shingles will appear black regardless of the color of your roof. An algae infestation typically begins at the roof’s peak and progresses to the bottom edge. The black streaks on your roof will, of course, distract from the overall aspect of your house. Algae on a roof can reduce a home’s and property’s value, which isn’t good if you plan to sell. Houses with algae-streaked roofs can harm the reputation of the entire community.

Algae Increases Your Energy Costs

Algae streaks not only detract from the beauty of your home but can also increase your energy expenditures. The algae color will almost certainly be darker than the shingle colors you started with. Algae growth also interferes with your shingles’ ability to reflect light. As a result of both of these circumstances, your roof will begin to absorb more heat. An algae-streaked roof generates additional warmth for your air conditioning system to contend with on a hot summer day in North Carolina or Virginia! As a result of your A/C working overtime to disperse that extra sun-induced warmth, you’ll have a higher energy bill.

The Effect of Algae on Roof Shingles

On the limestone granules in asphalt shingles, algae can bloom. The shingle weakens as the algae consume the limestone. Algae can interact with fungus on your roof over time to become lichen, a more sophisticated form of life. Lichen is more durable, damaging, and difficult to remove off a roof than algae alone. In addition, lichen encourages the growth of moss on your roof.

Moss – The Next Step in Roof Damage

Moss can take hold of your roof shingles due to lichen growth. Moss, being a plant, will grow roots into your roof. Moss roots can develop between and even beneath your tiles, jeopardizing the structural integrity of your entire roof. Moss and its roots absorb water as well, resulting in more dampness in and around your roof shingles. More types of growth, such as bacteria, mold, and mildew, can thrive in the added moisture. The liquid in moss roots freezes, causing cracks in and around your shingles in the winter. Moss will eventually form a layer of soil that will allow the sprouting of other plant seeds. What about moss’s other drawback? Because it’s slick, working on your roof becomes more hazardous and difficult. Once moss has taken hold, your roof has reached a critical stage that necessitates immediate attention from a specialist.

What NOT To Do About Algae

Your reaction might be to have your roof cleaned if you notice dark stains on your shingles, which indicate algae. Many people believe that power washing is the most effective approach to get rid of algae stains. This is entirely false! While power washing may remove the algae, it also removes the shingles’ protecting granules. These granules are essential because they help reflect light from the shingles, limit heat absorption, protect the shingles from the weather, and give them weight and strength. Power washing will dramatically reduce the lifespan of your shingles by removing the granules.

Furthermore, roofs are not built to withstand the amount of direct pressure generated by power washing. Power washing can cause leaks by dislodging shingles from the roof, destroying the link between tiles, and damaging sealants around openings in the roof (such as skylights). Power cleaning your roof can assist spread algae to other areas of the roof, making your algae problem worse! While the initial effect of power washing may appear attractive in the short term, your roof will pay the price in the long run. Power cleaning a roof isn’t worth it because of the detrimental repercussions.

Algae Resistant Roof Shingles

There is no better way to avoid algae on your roof shingles than by preventing them from forming there in the first place. Even while safely removing algae and associated stains from your roof, these treatments can be expensive and time-consuming. And if you reside in an algae-prone area like Mississippi, you’ll need to repeat the cleaning operation every few years. Algae-resistant roofs are the most effective technique to protect your home from this danger. Roof shingles from Owens Corning are available at Matlock Roofing & Construction for the most satisfactory possible protection for your property. For the environment’s sake, Owens Corning created these algae-resistant roof tiles using a particular, non-toxic mix.

Benefits of Algae Resistant Roofs

Installing algae-resistant shingles is the most cost-effective solution to your algae problem. A pound of cure is worth an ounce of prevention. Installing algae-resistant shingles is the best way to prevent algae from forming in the first place. You won’t have to worry about any of these difficulties with an algae-resistant roof:

Unsightly Stains: Keep the black streaks caused by algae on your roof shingles at bay with regular cleanings. Having a roof that detracts from the neighborhood’s aesthetics and value is a no-no!

High Energy Bills: Initially, your cooling expenses may rise slowly, but as the algae spreads, your bill will continue to grow. To save money on your utility expenses, algae-resistant roof shingles are an excellent choice.

Damage Prevention: Delaying or Preventing Damage even though algae isn’t very harmful to shingles, its presence can lead to other issues that can shorten the life of your roof. To begin with, algae is a sign that something is wrong with your roof. Having algae on your shingles is a solid sign that there will be more roof problems in the future.

Lower Cleaning and Maintenance Costs: Roof shingles can be cleaned of algae, but it’s best left to the professionals. Despite the importance of regular roof cleaning and maintenance, algae-resistant roof shingles can reduce the quantity of expert cleaning necessary!

Algae-resistant roof shingles are the best way to avoid the formation of dark streaks on your shingles, constant roof cleanings, and the fear of algae-induced roof damage. Our Owens Corning shingles come with Streak Guard Algae Resistance Protection, which prevents algae growth on the roof.

For more information, call Matlock Roofing & Construction in Purvis, MS at 601-299-4048.

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