While fungi, mildew, and bacteria can contribute to discoloration, the unsightly black streaking and blotches seen on roofs are mostly the result of an infestation of a virulent form of algae known as Gloeocapsa Magma. This strain of algae thrives in warm, humid climates in various parts of the United States. Commonly referred to as “roof mildew,” this problem is widespread in areas environmentally conducive to its growth. Black stains are visible when the chlorophyll-containing algae covers the roofing granules of asphalt shingles or adheres to the tiny surface irregularities in concrete or clay tiles.

Gloeocapsa Magma thrives in warm humid environments. Often an infestation will first appear on the north sides of houses where moisture and shade provide optimal conditions for its growth. When conditions are right, the algae rapidly spreads outward to cover large sections of the roof. Once the algae is established in an area, spores are released to be carried by the wind to infest entire neighborhoods.

The problem of unsightly stains decreases curb appeal and may diminish the resale value of property. While physical damage to existing shingles and tile as a result of algae accumulation has not been substantiated, black algae dampens the reflective properties of the roof resulting in higher roof temperatures and cooling costs, longer air conditioner run times and possible premature shingle deterioration.

(Alternative Methods) Attempts to deal with the problem may be seen as following two general approaches: (1) Manufacturing roofing products that incorporate an algae preventative (adding zinc or copper granules to asphalt shingles) or attempting to enhance the surface coatings of concrete and clay tiles. (2) Approaches used in treating existing roofs. In this second category, there have been several methods tried in the past—all proving to be inadequate or even harmful to roofs, the environment, and your wallet. Zinc or copper strips installed on the ridges of roofs. This is an expensive and often impractical attempt at solving the problem. While metal strips can have an effect on prevention of stains, they do nothing to remove existing discoloration. Even installed on new roofs, the results over time are spotty. Further, zinc strips often create an aesthetic problem themselves—the metal creates its own “white rust.” Pressure washing: Often the method used by “do-it-yourselfers” and “fly-by-night” cleaning services. At best, the results of power washing are temporary resulting in the need to repeat the procedure as often as every year or less. At worst, high pressure cleaning can loosen and remove roofing granules which together with the wear and tear caused by the cleaning crew’s repeated efforts, will damage and shorten the life of the roof. Chemical Cleaning: Chemical treatments such as Sodium Hypochlorite or Sodium Hydroxide (lye). If used properly, these methods will clean your roof with minimum adverse impact – but the effects are very temporary and will have to be repeated every 6 – 18 months in order to maintain the appearance of the roof. To summarize: Current methods of combating the roof stains caused by algae and mildew are temporary, inadequate and potentially harmful. These Methods Are Not A Long Term Solution: While these methods are effective, repeated use will lead to premature aging and replacement of the roof. The natural erosion that occurs over time from the basic forces of heat, cold, wind, and rain alone are enough to weaken mortar joints of most roofs to the point where annual inspections and minor repairs are necessary to prevent significant repair costs. But when the roof is repeatedly subjected to high pressures or harsh chemicals, the aging of the roof structure is significantly accelerated. At this point, the concrete roof tiles are more likely to shift, slip, or break and asphalt shingles are more likely to become brittle and crack. When this happens, there is a greater likelihood of tearing the roof membrane simply by walking on the roof. Pressure cleaning will greatly increase the chances of this happening. Once gaps are created and subsequent pressure cleaning or chemical cleaning is administered to a roof, these gaps provide water and/or the caustic solutions a path to the roof membrane and increase the chance of costly roof leaks 

Pressure cleaning is much too destructive to the roof surface for this to be a viable option. For initial cleaning, a multi chemical solution and no pressure application in accordance with the Asphalt Roofing Manufactures Association guidelines should only be used. The most effective long-tem strategies will include periodic roof inspections and regular applications of algaecide protection. A proper program of preventative maintenance will eliminate the need for future cleaning and the potential for damage that comes along with it. Most algaecide protection programs will last for approximately 6-12 months before the algae starts to take hold again and then reapplication is necessary. Treatment programs should be done in conjunction with your neighbors whenever possible, applied every 6-12 months in conjunction with a roof inspection. Pressure Cleaned for the Last Time! The Shingleprotection® Roof Treatment in our Gold program is the only sensible choice for keeping your roof clean. Have your roof treated with our Shingleprotection ® products and enjoy a beautiful mold and algae free roof year after year—without the damaging effects of pressure cleaning or harsh chemicals.

The Shingle Protection System in our Gold program comes with our unconditional warranty, that for as long as you are on our low cost (just pennies per square foot ) Maintenance Program and treatment is done every six months your roof will not stain due to mold or algae for the life of the roof or we will restore it again for free.

The Shingleprotection® process is totally effective in controlling and preventing algae and fungus! Proven on thousands of homes over the years, and is one of the safest, most effective means of keeping a roof clean! We Guaranteed No Black Algae on Your Roof for as long as you’re on the treatment program or we will clean the affected area FREE Why pay more for results that don’t last, that are unsafe & destructive? Extend the Life of Your Roof Our Shingleprotection ® PROCESS IS ONE OF THE SAFEST, MOST EFFECTIIVE WAYS TO KEEP YOUR ROOF CLEAN! For our Gold Program customers, property damage is a thing of the past. We clean the roof ONCE, if needed, and apply our products every 6 months. “Cleaned Once and No Mold Ever Again” All products and processes are approved by the Asphalt Roofing Manufactures Association