Roof Washing 101: What You Need to Know About Those Black Streaks

Have you ever wondered what those black streaks that sometimes develop on roofing actually are? This is an important topic for any homeowner to look into. While you of course know that those black streaks will reduce your home’s curb appeal, you might not realize they can cause far more significant problems.

Our roof washing experts at Evolved Pressure Washing, serving Middletown, NJ homeowners, can help you guard against those issues. We also believe it’s part of our job to educate homeowners about these topics. That’s why we offer this brief guide, helping you better understand just what those black streaks are, and why you can’t ignore them.

Roof Washing Topics: What Are Those Black Streaks?

Black streaks in your roofing indicate Gloeocapsa magma has begun to develop. You may know this contaminant better by its common name: roof algae.

Roof algae is technically an organism. Unfortunately, it doesn’t merely affect the attractiveness of your roofing. When you don’t schedule regular roof washing service, it attracts similar organisms. Together, they eat away at your shingles.

The Consequences of Unaddressed Roof Algae

You probably already know that you may face many problems if roof algae wears your shingles down.

Naturally, you’ll need to replace the damaged sections of your roofing sooner than you otherwise would have. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may in fact need to replace the entire roof. This will be expensive, but it will be necessary.

That’s because shingle damage leaves your home vulnerable to a range of other costly issues. For instance, if your shingles have worn down, they won’t insulate your home as effectively as they should. You’ll thus incur higher utility bills as a result of relying on your heating and cooling equipment more often. Overuse of that equipment will also put a lot of wear and tear on the system that can lead to expensive breakdowns and jeopardize the equipment’s lifespan.

On top of all that, rainwater and snowmelt will more easily seep into your home if your shingles are damaged. This can lead to such problems as water damage and mold growth. Like the issues mentioned above, addressing these problems will be expensive, but it will also be necessary.

The Importance of Expert Roof Washing

The above points should help you appreciate the value of scheduling regular roof washing. Even if black streaks haven’t developed to any noticeable extent yet, you don’t want them to have a chance to.

Just keep in mind that this is a task best left to trusted professionals. Many homeowners simply don’t realize that shingles aren’t as durable as they may assume. Numerous cleaning methods will actually damage them. Use the wrong method to clean your roofing, and you’ll likely just exacerbate the problem.

You need to hire a team familiar with the soft wash roof washing method instead. That’s one of our specialties at Evolved Pressure Washing. With a combination of gentle water and eco-friendly detergents, we thoroughly remove roof algae and other contaminants from your roofing, without the risk of unwanted damage. This is key to optimizing its lifespan. Remember, along with guarding against high bills, a clean roof will help you sell your home for a fair price if you ever choose to do so in the future.

Fortunately, if you live in Middletown, NJ, you benefit from having access to a reliable roof washing team right in your area. We at Evolved Pressure Washing have earned numerous five-star reviews from happy customers because we deliver impeccable service. Call us today at 732-996-6817 to learn more about how we can keep your roof in the best possible shape.