Do you have black steaks on your shingle roof? Have you seen black steaks on other roofs? These black roof streaks are a hardy type of airborne algae. Similar to the mold and mildew that collects on your home’s siding, black roof algae can be cleaned and removed to restore your roof’s appearance. But did you know that 50% of roofs are replaced in the Midwest due to their appearance and not their functionality? That’s right, half of the asphalt shingle roof’s replaced only needed cleaned. This may sound like a shocking truth but it’s a fact.

Most people are not aware that shingle roof’s can be cleaned. Even some roofing contractors are uneducated about roof streaks, if they are aware of roof cleaning, they don’t tell potential customers any different. There is also some debate on roof cleaning doing damage to the shingles. This is true only when the roof is not cleaned properly. Using high pressure to clean a roof will remove the black algae streaks but it will also blast away the shingle granules which are there to protect the shingle, thus lessening the longevity of the roof. Furthermore, by not using the proper roof cleaners to kill the algae it will return in full force in a relatively short time. Never allow someone to power wash your roof.

The major shingle manufacturers have suggested methods and cleaners to kill and remove roof algae from their shingles without doing damage. A professional roof cleaning company will use these recommended methods and cleaners to kill the algae so it does not return anytime soon. Roof algae can raise your home heating and cooling costs, diminish your home’s curb appeal and value, and lessen the life expectancy of your shingles. Proper roof cleaning services will save you money by stopping these damaging effects and can cost only a fraction of a total roof replacement.