Holding Down The Roof In High Winds
Q: My daughter lives in hurricane country in a 15-year-old stucco house. Can she install hurricane clips to prevent her roof from blowing off?
Don, McKeesport, Pa.
A:Tom Silva replies: Those galvanized metal straps and clips that strengthen the connection between walls and rafters really do help to hold a house together in high winds. But it will be next to impossible to reach those spots from the attic. The only way to retrofit hurricane clips in most houses is by cutting out a section of the siding and the wall sheathing at every spot where a rafter rests on a wall or taking off the roof sheathing at the eaves.
Here’s an easier option: Go up into the attic and run a bead of construction adhesive alongside each rafter where it meets the plywood roof deck. That simple measure will roughly triple a roof’s resistance of being torn off by wind.
Stop Roof Algae From Coming Back
To keep the algae from coming back, insert 6-inch-wide strips of zinc or copper under the row of shingling closest to the roof peak, leaving an inch or two of the lower edge exposed to the weather. That way whenever it rains, some of the metal molecules will wash down the roof and kill any algae trying to regain a foothold on your shingles.
You can probably see this same principle working on roofs in your neighborhood. Look for chimneys with copper flashing the areas directly below the flashing will be free of any algae stains.
The strips also work on roofs suffering from moss buildup. Just scrub it off first with a brush, then bleach as above.
Need help with home maintenance? Read our reviews on home warranty providers.
Finally A Note On Safety
Cleaning a roof requires specialist equipment. If you do not have the right kind of ladders, safety harnesses or anchors, do not attempt to work on your own roof.
If you are not sure how to clean a roof safely, or what kind of roofing supplies you will need to fix damaged tiles or slates, then you should seek professional help. Working at a height is dangerous, and if you damage your roof it could be expensive to repair it. If damage to tiles or shingles goes undetected, you could end up with a problem that affects other parts of your home.
The chemicals used to remove moss from roofs can be harmful to plants and small animals. If you do choose to clean your roof with chemicals, cover large plants with a waterproof sheet before starting, and soak the root areas around any shrubs and trees before and after the cleaning process, to minimise any damage to the plants.
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Why Are Algae Colored Black
Its not the algae that are colored black. Rather, its the protective pigmented outer coating they produce to protect themselves from the suns harmful UV rays. As algae continue to proliferate, so does this black substance, causing black streaks to appear all over your roof.
Algae are not harmful to your health, but they are so unsightly that its always better to be rid of them. If left to thrive, these algae can also attract fungus, resulting in lichen growth. Once lichen has taken root, getting rid of algae becomes more difficult. This is why its recommended to clean the roof immediately at the earliest sign of moss. Remember, the longer the algae stay on your roof, the harder it will be to remove them.
Besides, black streaks dont exactly look good on your roof. If you want to maintain your propertys curb appeal, you need to get rid of all that algae.
What Can Be Done To Prevent Roof Rot
Mold, mildew, moss and algae spores exist in the air, but they wont start growing on your roof if the right living environment isnt there. The best way to spot and treat roof mold and mildew and roof moss and algae problems before they grow out of control is through biannual roof inspections. Contact Maxx Roofing to schedule your inspection today.
Often times, roof fungus can enter a home through a hidden roof leak. Water draining off the roof seeps into the interior of a structure, creating an environment where black mold or mildew can form. Only a professional roofing inspection will reveal this problem.
There are also some preventive measures homeowners and commercial property owners can do to safeguard their roofing systems from fungus. Here are some tips:
- Trim away any trees touching your roof to prevent algae from growing.
- Keep your gutters clean so moisture properly drains through them, preventing moss, mold and mildew.
- If you live in weather conditions that foster algae, mold, mildew and moss growth, consider paying more for roofing materials or techniques that resist their growth. It will be worth the few extra dollars in the long run.
- Improve your ventilation inside and out. For your roof, ridge vents provide the utmost aeration. Contact us for more information about roof ridge vents.
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Your Roof May Require Cleaning Even If There Are No Visible Signs Of Algae
Most homeowners make the mistake of not having their roof cleaned just because there are no visible signs of algae. This can cause problems down the line. For one thing, algae buildup is not apparent in its early stages. In other words, algae might already be growing on your roof even if you cant see them yet. Thats why its recommended that roof cleaning is done at least every three years to prevent algae buildup.
Can You Remove Dark Streaks Or Algae Discoloration From An Asphalt Roof
Algae discoloration can be difficult to remove, but may belightened by spraying a diluted solution of chlorine bleach and water on theroof.
Disclaimer: When deciding to clean your roof we recommend you consult a licensed/certified roofing professional. If you decide to clean your roof yourself, please keep in mind that the roof will be slippery when wet and caution should be taken when performing this task. Wear appropriate fall protection when on the roof and proper PPE, such as slip-resistant shoes/boots and eye protection while cleaning the roof.
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When To Call Roofing Professionals
A licensed roofing contractor will know how best to handle your roof algae issue. A professional can inspect your roofing system, determine whether the algae has caused any underlying issues, and clean your roof in a way that will not cause further damage. A contractor can then recommend ways to prevent future algae growth, such as special roof coatings or gutter replacement. If the algae have damaged your roofing system, a contractor can schedule repairs.
Contact a roofing professional the day you notice signs of potential algae growth on your roof. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to treat. Save yourself the time, money, and hassle of deeper issues by calling a roofer right away. If you see discoloration, watermarks, dark spots, peeling paint, mold on your chimney, rotting wood, or crumbling drywall, you need to call a professional roofing expert. Otherwise, you could put yourself at risk of property damage and health issues.
Proper Roof Power Washing Is Not A Diy Job
Never assume you can rent a pressure washer and manage roof washing on your own. There are many reasons why properly cleaning a home’s roof is not a DIY job note a few of those reasons here:
For all these reasons, it’s best to leave roof washing to a professional exterior house cleaning company or someone experienced in roof washing and cleaning.
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Choose Sears Home Services For Your Problem
Sears Home services is a leading installer of Owens Corning shingles, including hail-resistant roofing systems, COOL roofing shingles for high-UV regions and Streakguard algae-resistant shingles.
Schedule a roof replacement consultation with Sears Home Services when youre ready to replace your roof with a high-quality Owens Corning roofing system.
Schedule a repair
What Is Roof Algae And How Do I Fix It
Your roof can collect more than just dirt and leaves. Left to its own devices, your roofing system could also develop something more unsightly for your home: algae. A roof may develop different types of algae, lichens, and fungi as bacteria take over. Many homeowners mistake algae for roof mold. In most cases, however, it is really a blue-green type of algae and when it dies it leaves dark streaks on your roof.
Algae can cause unsightly stains and growths on your new roof. It will continue to worsen year after year until you invest in professional cleaning. Youll find everything you need to know about roof algae here, in this comprehensive guide from the experts at Mr. Roof.
Our residential roofing contractors want you to learn how to recognize roof algae, understand the potential hazards it could pose to your home, and know when to call in the professionals for deep cleaning, roof repair, or roof replacement. We offer free roof inspections at locations throughout the country.
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Can This Algae Damage My Roof
Anything growing on your roof is likely to cause you some concern, and rightly so. After all, your roof is arguably one of the most important structures on your home. It protects you and your family from the elements. Any damage to your roof can mean costly repairs.
The good news is that according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association , theres no evidence that asphalt shingles are damaged by the algae. However, if you have a reflective or cool roofs, the change in color and covering of the original roofing material can result in detrimental effects. Furthermore, black streaks are not in the least bit attractive. Any proud property owner will tell you that roof stains are not ideal.
Is Roof Cleaning Necessary Everything You Didn’t Know About Scrubbing Your Shingles
Author: Amy Freeman
You’re looking up at your roof and notice that there’s some black stuff growing on some of the shingles. What is it? Mold, mildew or soil that somehow made its way up there? Is roof cleaning necessary?
Most likely, that unidentifiable sludge is algae. According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association , algae grows on roofs in areas where water or moisture collect. The spores reach the roof by a combination of birds and wind.
If you notice green fuzzy areas on your roof, on the other hand, you most likely have moss growing. Shade and moisture create an ideal habitat for moss growth.
If you see moss or algae on your roof, what should you do? Is roof cleaning necessary, or should you leave it alone?
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Types Of Roof Damage Covered By Homeowners Insurance
The dwelling coverage portion of your homeowners insurance covers the house structure, including the roof.
Types of roof damage covered by your insurance will depend on the policys terms and the reasons your roof needs to be repaired or replaced. Typically, a policy covers problems that are sudden or accidental, and caused by certain events such as wind, fire, hail or the weight of snow.
Insurance for partial damage. In some cases, the lifespan of the roof is shortened because of damage. Your insurer may cover the cost to replace the entire roof even if its only partially damaged. For example, if a homeowner has asphalt shingles damaged by hail strikes, an adjuster would count how many strikes occurred in a section to determine the impact on the lifespan of the roof. If there are enough strikes, the roof lifespan is substantially impacted and it needs to be replaced.
Even if a roof isnt taking in water right now, the erosion or strikes compromise the lifespan of the roof. This means a roof will never last as long as it should have lasted otherwise, therefore it should be replaced, Steve Severaid, senior vice president & treasurer with The Greenspan Company/Adjusters International.
Insurance for matching issues. If the materials to fix your roof are unavailable, your insurance company may have to replace the entire roof. For example, if you have slate tile that you cant get any more, you may have to replace the entire roof to ensure materials match.
Pros & Cons Of Malarkey Shingles Costs Unbiased Malarkey Roofing Reviews
Malarkey asphalt shingles have a strong following among roofers, especially on the West Coast and in the Pacific North West.
Malarkey shingles also get good ratings from homeowners. The consensus is that Malarkey shingles are premium and high-quality products, more expensive than traditional asphalt roofing brands like Owens Corning and GAF, backed by above-average warranties.
The brand has a reputation for quality over quantity, part of the reason it doesnt enjoy the same name recognition as GAF and CertainTeed. Professional roofers on the West Coast know it, and we thought you should too, as you consider the best asphalt shingle brands.
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Are Malarkey Shingles the Right Choice for Your Roof?
Our research includes pros and cons, materials and installation costs, and a comparison Malarkey shingles with other popular composition shingle options in good, better, and best categories.
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Do You Need Roof Cleaning Repair Or Replacement
When you call a contractor to deal with roof algae, you get the benefit of knowing when your shingles are irreparable. On your own, you may not notice signs of shingle problems or wood rot. A contractor, on the other hand, can detect these issues and recommend a solution. You may need either algae cleaning, shingle repair, individual shingle replacement, or a completely new roof depending on the extent of the damage.
If algae only affected a few shingles, repairs will likely suffice. If the algae penetrated deep into your roofing system, compromised the majority of your roofing tiles, or if your roof is old in general, roof replacement services might be a wiser choice. A trustworthy contractor such as Mr. Roof can give you an honest professional opinion on the state of your roofing system. We then offer lifetime warranties on new premium roofing systems, if you need replacement.
Algae Growth On Asphalt Shingles
Algae growth may cause discoloration on roofs resulting inbrown or black streaks on a rooftop.
Algae may be mistaken for soot, dirt, or tree droppings,most of which typically produce only localized discoloration.
Dark streaks, or roof discoloration caused by algae, happens in varying degrees across the U.S., especially in areas exposed to warm, humid conditions. It is most widespread in the eastern United States and is commonly found on roofs with northern exposure.
The primary species of algae that tends to collect and grow on roofs is called cyanobacteria Gloeocapsa magma algae, which is contained in and transported through the air.
Green algae or mosssometimes found on roofs with northern exposure, overhangs or high moistureareas, is not the same species.
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Prevent Black Streaks With Algae
When you see black streaks or patches on your roof, you might think its soot or dirt. Actually, those black streaks and patches are an algae that grows on roofs. While algae wont hurt the roof, unsightly black streaks and patches do decrease your homes curb appeal.
Roof algae is most common in humid climates and often shows up on the north side of the roof. Its different from green algae or moss, which also like moist shade. You can lighten the streaks with a bleach and water solution, Blood says, but that fix is temporary.
You can prevent algae the next time you replace your roof by installing algae-resistance shingles that have copper impregnated in their granules. Copper kills roof algae, which is why you dont see black streaks around copper flashing and vent pipes, Blood explains.
What Makes The Streaks
The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called Gloeocapsa magma. As the blue-green algae accumulate, they develop a dark, hardened outer coating, which results in the black stains you see. The algae feed on the limestone in shingles.
The algae will worsen and become more noticeable each year, trapping moisture and causing premature shingle aging and granule loss. If you dont like the streaks, reshingle with algae-resistant shingles. If the streaks dont bother you or youre not ready to invest in a new roof, install zinc or copper strips along the top course of shingles. When rain hits the strips, it produces a solution that runs down the roof and keeps algae, moss and fungus from growing. However, the strips wont eliminate the existing algae.
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How To Lighten Dark Streaks Or Algae Discoloration On An Asphalt Roof
How Do Moss And Algae Develop On Roofs
Moss and algae both develop on roofs in Arizona as a result of damp conditions. Even if you live in a sunny area like Phoenix, monsoon moisture can cause problems. If you have trees overhanging your roof, the shaded areas tend to stay moist longer. Shade is great, but the cool and moist area that results from the evaporative effect in the shade during monsoon time encourages moss and algae growth. Wind can carry the spores to other areas of the roof as well.
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