Have you ever noticed black streaks forming on your roof? Many people think that those streaks are a sign that they need a roof replacement but that’s not always the case. Often all that means is that you need a good roof cleaning from the professionals at Roof Cleaning Pros & Pressure Washing. The difference in cost is significant as a good roof cleaning can cost you only one-tenth of what a roof replacement would and can preserve your roof for the future.

These black marks that have appeared on your roof are from an unpreventable algae called Gloeocapsa magma. Also known as roof moss, roof fungus, or roof mold, it has an appetite for limestone.

Gloeocapsa magma started becoming noticeable on roofs about 20 years ago when manufacturers began mixing limestone granules in with the asphalt shingle mix in an attempt to add weight. Most of these streaks appear on the northern slopes of the roof where it’s often darker and wetter, conditions that are ideal for the growth of algae.

If you don’t treat these algae or clean the shingles, it can lead to the premature rotting of your roof over time. However, a good cleaning can keep these potentially harmful algae away from your roof for at least five years and maybe longer.

Here are the four additional advantages of getting a roof cleaning.

Give Your House a Clean Look

Not only is this alga, noticeable by the black marks, harmful to your home, it also damages the look of your home. A good roof cleaning will give your home the appearance of a new roof, even if it’s an older structure. And that look will continue because professional roof cleaners use chemicals that ensure the roof will continue having its like-new shine for a minimum of one year.

Protect Your Roof

Algae can permanently damage your roof so it’s important to have it cleaned if black marks begin appearing. However, as with any harmful bacteria, you don’t have to wait until damage has been done to protect your roof. Applying a biodegradable chemical cleaner every 18 to 36 months can help to prevent the algae from appearing on your roof and damaging your shingles. Extending the life of your shingles will save you thousands of dollars in the future.

Cheaper Than New Roof

Depending on the size of your roof, a new roof can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 to repair. Having your roof cleaned, which is often all you need rather than a roof replacement, will save you thousands of dollars and extend the life of your current shingles.

Keep Roof Warranty

Just because your roof shingles came with a multi-year warranty doesn’t mean that you still don’t need to clean them and keep them in good shape. In fact, in addition to the warranty, manufacturers suggest cleaning your roof, which will ensure that your roof will last much longer.

Think of it like a car. Just because you may have a 100,000 warranty on your car does that mean that you shouldn’t have your oil changed every 3,000 miles? Of course not. It’s the same with your roof. Taking good care of your roof will ensure that it’s in a good condition to protect for years to come.

If you do notice these black streak forming on your roof, it’s important that you hire the professionals at Roof Cleaning Pros & Pressure Washingroof to handle it rather than doing so yourself. Certain methods of cleaning the roof, such as pressure washing, can irreparably damage the shingles, which will force you to spend thousands on a roof replacement.

When you pressure wash your roof, it blows off the granules that protect the asphalt in the shingle from the UV rays of the sun. If you’re missing a lot of granules, you’ll have no choice but to replace your roof.

Like anything else, taking preventative measures to protect your roof from potentially harmful things will extend the life of your roof and allow it work to the fullest of its capability. If you see black streaks, moss, or any other type of potential problem with your roof, or if you just want to preserve your roof for the future, call Roof Cleaning Pros & Pressure Washing for a free quote. The choice could end up saving you thousands of dollars by not having to replace your roof.