Can Roof Stains Be Removed?

The roof is the first thing that people see from the curb, which makes stains a real problem even if they’re generally harmless. In this blog post, Up and Above Contractors, LLC will discuss the causes of roof stains and how they can be removed.

What Causes Roof Stains?

Roofing stains are caused by blue-green algae (Gloeocapsa magma), lichen and moss. Not as common is black mold and mildew. Blue-green algae is not an algae but actually a type of bacteria with plant-like properties, and appears as small bluish spots on the shingle surface. Lichens appear as patches of fungal threads and plant material. Black mold and mildew look like dark spots on large areas, and are usually only seen during damp conditions, as their spores become active again. Unlike dust and dirt that gets washed off by rain, these causes thrive in most weather conditions, even under constant exposure to UV rays.

Are Roof Stains Removable?

Fortunately, there are ways to keep your roof free from roof stains. They won’t harm your roof, but they are unsightly and may appear even on new roofs.

Taking the preventative approach involves regularly inspecting your roof and calling your roofer when you see signs such as dark streaks. They may be harder to spot if you have a dark-colored roof, but they are visible on clear days. Zinc or copper strips can also be installed at the roof ridge. They disperse zinc or copper particles as it rains, which kills bacteria, fungi and other causes of roof stains. Roofing products like the GAF StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection feature formulation that resists roof stains.

What if you already have stains on your roof? You can have the roof sprayed with a cleaning solution, many of which are available off-the-shelf. You will need to use a spray nozzle attachment to properly spray your rooftop. Note that many of these products contain bleach, and therefore may not be suitable for wood shakes. You also have to make sure that your roof has proper drainage through the gutters to prevent damage to your landscaping.

For best results, have your roof cleaned by roofing professionals like Up and Above Contractors, LLC. We serve communities in Sussex, Morris, and Warren counties, including Sparta, Andover, Hackettstown and Wantage, NJ. Call us at (973) 300-0636 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.