"What are the dark stains on my roof?" Roof stains are warning signs.™ Ignoring them can be costly...
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What can I do about the black stains and streaks on my roof? A.Stop ignoring them. Just like the check engine light in your automobile, roof stains are warning signs, ignoring them can be costly. Next, educate yourselfand then contact a fully insured (workers compensation and general liability), shingle manufacturer approved, no pressure roof cleaning-treatment™ company, immediately.
Q. Can I clean the dark stain on my roof? A. It is not recommended because of the following reasons: safety and shingle granules. NOTE: Roof cleaning is possibly the most dangerous service that can be provided on your home and the roof is possibly the most expensive component of your home. First, no water pressure should be used to clean the roof shingles because this can create excessive granule loss. Additionally, if algae, mold, moss and lichen infestation are intertwined between the shingle granules, a greater problem is created. Water pressure will only remove a small amount of the infestation, however, it will remove a substantial amount of the shingle granules. NOTE: Granules are the life support of the shingle. Be forewarned, there are many roof cleaning products that promise to remove algae, mold, moss and lichen from the roof, however according to many of our customers (former "do it yourselfers") who tried the roof cleaning products, the products provided little results. Finally, remember, a roofer is listed in the category of the "top 10 most dangerous jobs" in America. When you add water and chemicals to the surface of the roof, a roof cleaner could possibly be the most dangerous job. Roof cleaning is very dangerous work and should not be taken as just another item added to your "honey do list."
Q. How much will it cost to clean my roof?
A. There are no set prices because the roof stain cleaning industry has no set roof cleaning procedure. Pricing can depend on several factors:
1) Insurance
NOTE: Some roof stain cleaning companies choose to carry only General Liability Insurance. Some companies choose wisely to carry General Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance and some companies choose not to carry any insurance.
2) Roof cleaning chemical products
3) Roof cleaning procedures (protection of plants, EPA CWA compliant, etc.)
4) Is the company a one-man operation or is a second employee on site (ground/safety person)
5) Warranty
6) Treatment program that helps control the reinfestation of algae, mold, moss and lichen
7) Clean the visible stains only or clean/treat the entire roof
There are more pricing factors; however, you get the point.
Do not select your roof cleaning company simply on price. Base your decision on the benefits the company provides.
Q. What are those dark stains and streaks on my roof? A. The dark stains and streaks on your roof originated from an aggressive algae called Gloeocapsa Magma. Gloeocapsa Magma has become a common sight on asphalt roofs thriving aggressively in the humid part of the United States. Although, Gloeocapsa Magma is found mainly in the Southeast, it is rapidly growing nationwide. Gloeocapsa Magma has become more of a problem in the last few decades as shingle makers changed (because of high energy prices) their manufacturing material process from true asphalt impregnated felt to an inorganic fiberglass mat. Although this fiberglass mat lasted longer than asphalt impregnated felt, it needed more weight. So, limestone was introduced to help fill the shingle composition.
Q. What causes the dark streaks and stains on my roof? A. Limestone in the asphalt shingle composition is a favorite food source for the blue green algae (living organism) called Gloeocapsa Magma. As the algae spreads from one roof to another by way of airborne spores, the spores land on the roof and take root in the limestone between the shingle granules. Because algae requires moisture to grow, when the Gloeocapsa Magma adheres to the limestone in the shingle composition, the shingle begins to hold a vast amount of moisture. This accelerates the growth of Gloeocapsa Magma. As the algae grows, it forms a scabbard/covering to protect it from ultra violet rays. Unfortunately, this scabbard/protective covering creates horrific dark stains and streaks on the roof, which ends the curb appeal of most homes. Roofglo’s Technologically Advanced Ultra Gentle No Pressure & Algae Treatment™ System can remove the algae and the scabbard/protective covering (roof stains) from the shingle without any applied pressure to the shingle, thus protecting the shingle granules.
Q. Why are the black stains and streaks only on one side of my roof? A. Gloeocapsa Magma generally starts to grow on the north side of the roof because this side usually receives a lesser amount of sunlight. As time passes, Gloeocapsa Magma will continue to grow on the entire roof.
Q. Can Gloeocapsa Magma damage my roof? A. Limestone is a valuable component in the asphalt shingle composition of your roof and a FOOD SOURCE for the blue green (appears black) algae, Gloeocapsa Magma. Gloeocapsa Magma eats the limestone filler and causes the base of your shingles to expand and contract with the hot and cold weather conditions. The back and forth movement loosens the granules on your shingles creating early granule loss. This back and forth movement can also cause wavy shingles and excessive granule accumulation in your gutters. A more costly problem may occur because Gloeocapsa Magma can trigger your shingles tabs to lift; therefore, allowing rain to seep underneath your shingles. This can and will cause expensive repairs to your attic, ceiling and interior walls. If the algae, Gloeocapsa Magma is not killed properly, it will continuously FEED on the limestone filler in your asphalt shingle, thus, noticeably shortening the lifespan of your entire roof. Contact RoofGlo now to schedule your roof algae, mold, moss stain cleaning-treatment™
service.
Q. I was told that the black stains on my roof are only dirt, tree sap and jet fuel. A. Not only does your dark stained roof contain an algae garden that spews out billions of microscopic airborne spores in and around your home and your neighbor's home, your dark stained roof affects your energy costs, curb appeal and the lifespan of your roof. Contact RoofGlo now to schedule your roof algae, mold, moss stain cleaning-treatment™ service.
Q. What will happen if I decide not to do anything about the algae, mold, moss and lichen stains on my roof? A. Since Gloeocapsa Magma is widely spread throughout the United States and Gloeocapsa Magma aids in the growth of mold, moss and lichen, if homeowners continue to ignore it, the massive amount of infested roofs will soon have to be replaced. To make matters worse, the damage to the attic ceiling/walls caused by moisture and deteriorating shingles will also have to be fixed/replaced. Although a premature roof replacement and moisture repairs are very costly to the homeowner, this can be the right scenario to jump-start the construction/roof replacement industry. Today you have to make a decision. Do you call RoofGlo, Virginia's only Technologically Advanced Smart Choice Ultra Gentle No Pressure Roof Cleaning - Treatment™ Company to help maximize your curb appeal and extend the life of your roof or do you wait until you have no option left, but to call an expensive roof contractor or roof replacement company to replace your deteriorating roof? The choice is yours.
Q. My roof is heavily stained. What is the best way to remove the stains and streaks without damaging my shingles? A. Unfortunately, many homeowners call concerning their deteriorating roof long after gloeocapsa magma, lichen, mold and moss have infested most of the roof. At this stage of growth, the infestation is heavily intertwined, rooted or nestled between the shingle granules.
There are several different procedures used by roof cleaning companies. However, based on our research including consulting with shingle manufacturers and spending thousands of dollars on different techniques, we discovered that our approved ultra gentle™ no pressure application procedure is crucial to removing gloeocapsa magma, lichen, mold and moss from the roof shingle without damaging the granules.
NOTE:Approved no pressure application means that a Shingle Manufacturer has actually utilized the roof cleaning company and its roof cleaning system to clean or treat their manufactured shingles.
Roof cleaning methods that require water pressure to remove gloeocapsa magma, lichen, mold and moss from the roof shingle can do just as much damage to the roof shingle as gloeocapsa magma, lichen, mold and moss. According to GAF Materials Corporation and other major shingle manufacturers, “Do not pressure wash the shingles to clean the shingles. Some roof cleaning companies offer this service. However, it is not recommended as it may dislodge granules, which can lead to premature shingle failure.”
Q. Are most roof cleaning companies the same? A. No.
Because roof cleaning is a procedure, homeowners are given a choice of options. If you simply want the ugly stains off your shingles “by any means necessary", as long as the price is cheap, there is a company out there for you. On the other hand, if you prefer experienced/knowledgeable industry leaders with the protection of your roof and their reputation in mind, there is a company for you. The key to choosing the right roof cleaning company is not because it claims to use "low pressure", "no pressure", "no high pressure" or is the cheapest bidder. The key to choosing the right roof cleaning-treatment company is education/knowledge.
Q. My neighbors had their roof replaced because of the dark stains, was that necessary? A. A very high percentage of roofs are replaced because of the unsightly appearance not due to the roof's functionality. Half of the roofs replaced in the humid parts of the United States didn't need to be replaced, only professionally cleaned by RoofGlo Incorporated. Contact RoofGlo now to schedule your roof algae, mold, moss stain cleaning-treatment™ service.
Q. I have a pressure washer, can I use it to clean the dark stains and streaks on my roof? A. NO! Never use any pressure to clean an asphalt shingle roof. Because Gloeocapsa Magma is intertwined between the shingle granules, removing it with the slightest force or pressure can remove the shingle granules causing additional irreversible damage to the roof shingles. In addition, climbing/walking on your roof with water and pressure can be extremely hazardous to your health. NOTE: Pressure washing is almost outdated. With new technology, roof shingles as well as vinyl siding, decks, etc. can be dramatically cleaned-treated without the use of piercing water pressure. Contact RoofGlo now to schedule your Ultra Gentle No Pressure Roof Algae, Mold, Moss Stain Cleaning-Treatment™ and No Pressure Exterior Cleaning Service.
Q. Can RoofGlo get rid of the black streaks and stains on my roof? A. Yes, we can safely clean your shingles using our advanced environmentally friendly solutions along with our technologically designed Exclusive Smart Choice Ultra Gentle No Pressure Roof Stain Cleaning Maintenance Treatment System™ (recommended by shingle manufacturers). Contact RoofGlo now to schedule your roof algae, mold, moss stain cleaning-treatment™ service.
Q. Why did my 40 year shingles only last a few years?
A. As with your automobile, HVAC system, window sills, etc., maintenance is the key to longevity. Your roof is no different. If you ignore the roof cleaning-treatment™ and the warning signs (algae, lichen, mold and moss), your decision can cost you thousands in a premature roof replacement.
Q. Although the roofs in Virginia are just as susceptible to Gloeocapsa Magma as the roofs in Florida, why does the average roof in Florida outlast the roofs in Virginia? A. For over 30 years, roof cleaning has been a part of the Florida homeowners cost effective maintenance plan.
Q. Money is tight, can you name a few reasons why I should purchase your service now? A. Tough economic times call for most homeowners to spend wisely. For this reason, attention must be given to the living organism, Gloeocapsa Magma that is noticeably and aggressively shortening (eating) the life of your roof. If you do not act now, you may have to unwisely spend thousands upon thousands of dollars to replace your roof when you could have wisely called RoofGlo, the affordable Smart Choice Ultra Gentle No Pressure Roof Algae, Mold, Moss Stain Cleaning-Treatment™ Company. Some additional reasons to act now are: 1) Maximize the Life of Your Roof; 2) Personal Health (reduce allergy spores); 3) Energy Cost Reduction possible; 4) Service Warranty; 5) Follow-up Maintenance Program; 6) Guaranteed Customer Service; 7) Restore Curb Appeal to Your Once Beautiful Home; 8) The longer you procrastinate, the more infested your roof becomes; therefore, the higher the cost to clean it.
WARNING: All roof cleaning companies are not the same, so educate yourself before you call. A shingle manufacturer approved no pressure application system such as The RoofGlo Ultra Gentle No Pressure Roof Cleaning - Treatment™ System, is crucial to removing Gloeocapsa Magma, lichen, mold and moss from the roof shingle. Unlike some roof cleaning methods, this system is specifically designed to remove Gloeocapsa Magma, lichen, mold and moss from the roof shingles without damaging the shingle granules. Our approved no pressure roof cleaning-treatment™ system can not only improve the curb appeal of your home, it can help extend the life of your roof, therefore, saving you thousands in a premature roof replacement.
"I was so impressed with RoofGlo's scientific knowledge of the algae stains on my home's roof and the leading edge designed no pressure equipment they used while cleaning my roof, I have contracted them to clean my rental property's roof, siding and deck." Mr. Green, Chesapeake VA
"My roof looks great! I appreciate the job. I am looking forward to RoofGlo performing some additional work for me this spring." Mr. Werner, Virginia
Despite the fact algae, mold, moss and lichen are affecting the lifespan of the roof, possible health and energy cost, it still has not occurred to many VA Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton Roads, Williamsburg, Richmond and Northern VA homeowners that the horrific dark stains on the roof are causing their once beautiful home to simply look unappealing.
Which roof best represents your home?
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