While black streaks on your roof may not cause immediate damage, they rob your roof of its aesthetic appeal and may result in premature aging. You want to remove the black streaks as soon as possible to prevent a widespread problem that will eventually compromise your roof.
What’s the best way to do that? Hire a professional for roof cleaning in Metairie, LA. This post will cover all you need to know about black streaks on your roof, including how to remove them.
What Causes the Black Streaks on Your Roof?
While your roof could have black streaks for various reasons, Gloeocapsa magma (a blue-green type of algae) is the most common culprit. This type of algae feeds on the limestone fillers used in asphalt shingle roofing, leaving that black residue you can see as you walk or drive by your home.
Where Does the Algae Come From?
Gloeocapsa magma likes shade and dampness, so you’ll typically find them on moist, shaded shingles. They also thrive in humid environments such as gutters and downspouts.
Regarding the type of roof or roofing materials, you’re more likely to find algae growth on wood and asphalt shingles. Algae spores are often carried by wind and land on your roof. As a result, it’s not uncommon for them to attack several roofs within the same area.
Removing Black Streaks From Your Roof
When it comes to algae removal, you may opt to remove them yourself or hire a professional for roof cleaning in Metairie, LA.
DIY Algae Removal
It’s tempting to use a pressure washer to clean off black streaks, but this often isn’t a good idea since it can damage your shingles. A bleach-and-water mixture can work wonders on a stained roof; you’ll want the solution to have equal parts of both components for the best results.
Carefully apply the solution to any affected areas, checking both the roof and siding carefully. Keep your gutters clean and free of the solution, and make sure you cover plans beforehand to protect them from bleach. Wait for 20 minutes, then scrub the affected areas and rinse them with clean water.
While DIY solutions are available, they can also be dangerous since you’ll have to climb onto the roof. As such, it’s often better to work with the experts.
Hiring a Professional
Hiring an expert guarantees exceptional results and ensures your safety. If your roof has more than just algae, an expert will know how best to handle the situation. Professional roof washing crews have the proper training and equipment to deal with anything from moss and algae to lichens and mildew.
The All Clean Power Washing Difference
Overall, hiring an expert to remove black streaks from your roof comes with several benefits. An expert will clean your roof efficiently and effectively, saving you time and money.
At All Clean Power Washing, we use a low-pressure soft wash method with biodegradable cleaning solutions to safely and effectively rid your roof of black streaks.
Call us today at 504-275-5626 to discuss your needs and schedule roof cleaning in Metairie, LA, or the surrounding area.
