The roof is one of the most integral parts of any home. Roofs are among the first architectural creations of man. So why leave it unattended and vulnerable? A well-maintained roof can drastically increase the lifespan of your property and keep you secure from extreme weather conditions.

Sadly, most of us are negligent towards our roof’s quality until we start experiencing some inconvenience due to it. The roof has a large structural significance and should be inspected every now and then for unwanted debris, dust, moss, and other weather-related damages.

When you live in a place where the weather is extreme, the roof takes a pretty intense beating during harsh days. Eventually, the roof can cause adverse damage to your home that can take you by surprise. So how does one keep the roof strong and healthy? For that, we will first discuss what are the most common things that affect the roof and its structure.

Potential Threats to the Roof

1. Algae Growth

Algae growth is one of the most common things that affect the roof. These are nothing but black streaks of a bacteria that have chlorophyll but no stems, leaves, or roots. Algae on roofs are commonly found in humid and hot climates, where the weather is not as consistent and reliable.

Black algae or roof mold usually comes through excess dust accumulation. These spread through airborne spores and grow in a spread like fashion, carpeting your rooftop with its green, black slimy texture. One of the worst things about algae is that it spreads easily and at a very fast rate, and most of the time, you won’t notice it until it is too late.

Algae feed on the sunlight, moisture, and nutrients in the surroundings to spread. Weirdly enough, the roof is the most common spot of algae growth. Algae seem harmless, but things can get a little out of hand if it is not taken care of.

Algae get its nutrients from the limestone fillers on the roofs shingles. They feed on the inorganic substance of the roof’s material. They continue to grow until they have taken over your roof.

Why are algae dangerous for the roof?

Algae tend to break down the limestone to get food to sustain itself. This causes black streaks on your roof giving it a rather rustic and strange color. So, technically the algae are not only damaging your roof, but also giving it a strange dull tint. Color may not seem like much of a problem, but the algae don’t stop there.

Once it breaks down the limestone (or whatever roof material you have used), it starts affecting the structural integrity of the home. The limestone granules get digested and become weak. Their binding strength eventually dissipates which leads to broken and vaporized shingles on the roof. These algae can further spread inside your attic or home affecting the wood underneath. Then it is a downward spiral to eventually renovating the house.

2. Mildew Growth

Mildew is similar to algae. It is a white fungus-like organism that spreads quickly due to the humidity, heat, and wind. Other algae have black streaks, red streaks, or a greenish texture, but mildew is mainly white and a little more active than the algae. Algae have chlorophyll, but mildew does not. These spread in small patches at first, and then take over the roof like in an infestation.

Why is mildew dangerous for your roof?

The worst thing about mildew is that they spread faster and can seep through the cracks of the roof. Once they are inside your home, you’ll see them occupying moist corners in no time. Mildew does far more damage than any other debris. They devour their host for nutrients, which is usually wood and shingles, leading them to rot.

Once you notice mildew on your roof, there is a high chance that they might be present inside your house as well. The damage that comes from unattended mildew can be very expensive. So, it is advisable to get the roof cleaned regularly to avoid catastrophic remodeling expenses.

3. Moss Growth

Moss is just another distant cousin of algae and mildew. These are akin to plants that do not flower. Moss can be seen growing on trees, rocks, and other moist landscapes. Moss can actually be very beautiful as long as it is not causing any damage. Sadly, it is another common infestation that affects rooftops.

Moss thrives on the damp and cold climates. They absorb all the moisture and grow in dense and bushy textures. Unlike algae and mildew, these do not have black streaks. Once the conditions are met, moss establishes its roots in your roof shingles, fracturing them. This makes the shingles very brittle and weak, making the roof prone to collapsing during a windy day.

Why is moss dangerous for your roof?

The roots are always wet and can dig through your roof into your home, paving the way for more algae, mold, and mildew to spread inside. The worst thing about moss is that even if you have taken care of it, your roof will still have holes caused by the rooting of moss. The best thing to do here is to get your home and roof checked as well as cleaned before the moss takes control of it.

Conclusion

The spread of moss, mildew, and algae on the roof is inevitable, but it can be prevented at the right time before it causes irreparable damage. This is where we come into the picture. Our company ( No Streaks Window & Roof Cleaning) has been in the roof cleaning business for more than a decade. We for one, understand the unwanted problems and inconveniences that moss, mold, mildew, and algae can cause.

Our services cover inspection, cleaning, and renovating roofs. After all, the roof is very important and has to be looked after periodically. We follow an efficient and clean work ethic, ensuring that there is no inconvenience caused at your home by our work. Our technicians and cleaners are professionally trained in this field that makes them the vital candidates for the job. Just give us a call or reach out to us through our various social media account, www.nostreakswindowclean.com, and get your home the roof cleaning service it deserves.

Roof cleaning- results from roof washing, Moss, lichen, algae removal https://youtu.be/IPSwW0yRIH8