Well, here we are again, right in the middle of the dog days of summer. I hope everyone is enjoying summer and having the time of your life. Isn't it wonderful that you don't have to travel to some far away place to have fun? You can have a great time right in your own back yard.

Here is an interesting situation: A gentleman asked Home Team inspector Steve Smith about a new roof.   His dilemma: A twenty-year old ranch , with a two-year-old roof done in a light colored shingle has developed black streaks starting near the peak and running towards the edge.  The house faces south, but the stains are on both sides of the roof. There are no trees close by, sot what is causing these stains and how to get rid of them?

Answer: The black staining is caused by the growth of algae and fungus spores that land on roofs. Trees do not have to be nearby for these air-born menaces to set up camp.  All they need to grow is the nutrients from both the dirt on the roof and the limestone granules on the shingles. Heat and moisture can cause your whole roof to turn black.

Roof shingles come in a wide variety of quality as indicated by the prices.  The higher quality shingles have treatment to prevent algae and fungus growth. This treatment involves adding varying amounts of copper and zinc granules, and petroleum distillates on the shingles. Cleaning and controlling algae and fungus growth can add to the life of a roof.

If you choose to clean the roof yourself, be careful of products that are just bleach or chlorine. This can dry out you roof and cause premature cracking and a shorter shingle life. Read product labels carefully and follow the application directions. And please be careful when working on the roof; because you can cause damage to yourself and to your roof.

Another alternative is to call a qualified roof cleaning company. You will need to ask if the products they use will cause streaking or grass and shrub damage.  Roof cleaning companies can also provide preventative maintenance services that can prevent future algae and fungus growth. Or call your local Home Team Inspector.

Have a great summer and I will talk to you next month.
Starley Cannon
Realtor/Broker
419-722-3942