Overtime, your home’s exterior can look dingy and worn. Damaged windows need to be replaced. Every decade or so, you need to repaint. And if the roof looks shabby, maybe it needs to be cleaned.
The black mold-like stains and streaks that appear on roofs, particularly light-colored asphalt shingles, is actually a blue-green algae (Gloeocapsa magma). Commonly found in climates with warm, humid summers, it does no damage to the roofing, but it certainly does look bad.
Roof algae is not harmful or dangerous in itself, but after a period of time, the algae can cause the protective UV granules that cover roofing shingles to begin to come off, eventually drying them out. Fungus—which also travels through the air—can combine with algae already present on your roof and form into more persistent lichen.
You might have noticed how the shingles near metal, like around skylights or chimneys with copper flashing, aren’t affected by the algae. That’s because the water running off contains tiny traces of metal that stops its growth. As rainwater washes across the metal, below it creates an uninhabitable environment for future spores.
Roof Repairs In Hilton Head Island
If you have green stains, instead of black, then the culprit is moss spread from overhanging trees. Help with some simple yard work by trimming overhanging trees and foliage away from the roof.
Where Does It Come From?
The airborne spores can be found everywhere but only biome an eyesore when the conditions are right. Geographically speaking, the biggest areas of concern in the United States are the Eastern and Western seaboards, the Gulf States, and the Pacific Northwest – all areas that have hot and humid summers– Hilton Head, included.
The black spots discoloring your asphalt roof are more than likely the pervasive and prevalent algae known as Gloecapsa Magma. It requires a moisture-rich environment, supplied by dew and shade. The first stains usually appear on the north-facing sides of a roof, which receives less light, and in areas with heavy tree coverage. Algae travels through the air, so soon the whole neighborhood will show similar black streaks.
Why is It Bad for Roofing?
Moss and algae grow in damp, shaded areas. When large patches of moss grow on your roof, these areas can hold water against the surface of the roof which can rot the roofing materials. In addition, the water trapped by the moss pools in gaps between your roof’s tiles, and as that water freezes and thaws it can pull the tiles apart, causing even more damage.
Roof algae grows on roofing and makes your roof appear old or damaged and can occur on all roofing types, including clay tiles, concrete tiles, wood shakes and asphalt shingles. When consistent moisture is present, algae can prematurely age the shingles.
Why is It Bad for Your Health?
Any mold is not good for your health, including roof mold. Those with allergies or asthma are especially susceptible to mold spores that could travel from the roof and be inhaled. Roof mold can be transferred into the house through air ducts such as HVAC systems, or be washed off of the roof during a rainstorm onto walkways and drives. Then it can be tracked into the home.
Tile Concerns
A mossy roof might be more complicated than just ugly; you could find more trouble when you remove it from your roof tiles. When moss grows in, under and around your roof tiles, it actually acts as a filler; packing out any gaps and plugging the spaces. If you destroy the moss and those tiles that were previously held up by it are likely to settle back down in an awkward way. This could result in a roof that isn’t water tight, leading to bigger problems down the road. Let Coastal Roofing help now, before it rains again.
Roof Repair In Hilton Head Island
Maybe your roof needs to be replaced, repaired or just cleaned. How will you know? For your family home, you will want a trusted partner to help care for your roof. In Hilton Head, Coastal Roofing is that team. Coastal Roofing has over 35 years of roof repair experience serving Savannah, GA and surrounding areas in the Lowcountry from Hilton Head Island to St. Simons Island. If the leak in your roof causes other interior problems, the roof repair experts at Coastal Roofing and Restoration will make those repairs along with fixing your roof. If you have damaged sheetrock, flooring or wood rot, we will complete those repairs. Coastal Roofing and Restoration is your one stop shopping for all your roof repair needs; they offer complete end to end service.
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