When you think of areas of your home that need cleaning, your roof is probably not high on that list. However, there are some causes of roof stains that can damage your roof materials so it’s not an area to neglect. We’re sure you’ve driven past plenty of houses with black streaks and stains on their roofs as they’re unfortunately common, you may even have some on your own house. This is caused by a type of algae that thrives in hot moist conditions. Even those in the Northern parts of the country are susceptible to this as it can grow during warmer months, and it feeds on the materials in your shingles which causes the black staining. It’s not going to cause any major roof issues, but it can begin to break down the UV protection of your shingles causing bleaching staining and over time the shingles could break so it’s best to sort it as soon as you spot it.

Other potential causes of stains that need addressing are moss and lichen. Moss can hold many times its weight in moisture so it can lead to water damage on your roof and over time could begin to lift shingles and tiles. It can also grow quickly if left to its own devices so it’s best to remove it as soon as you see it. Lichen grows when algae mix with certain airborne particles to create yellow or grey patches and becomes trickier to remove. These spread roots which can loosen shingles so it’s another reason to remove algae as soon as you see the black streaks.

These are a few things that can cause roof discoloration and show how important it is to check your roof regularly. Every few months you should get up a ladder and make sure everything looks alright. If you’re unable to, there are roofing companies who will do it for you. Before proceeding with any repairs or maintenance, it’s also helpful to understand what details are included in roofing quotes to ensure you select the right services for your needs, so take the time to be prepared. We’ll now look into how to remove some of these common stains.

How to Remove Roof Stains for the Best Results

Removing the common algae that causes the black streaks we mentioned is very easy. Check your warranty for your shingles or tiles first and then you can remove it yourself if you feel confident enough and have some protective equipment. You’ll need an algaecide which is easily available in many stores. Choose a dry day and then bring in any outdoor furniture and decorations to prevent damage. Use a garden sprayer to spread the algaecide all across your roof and leave it for around 20 minutes before rinsing it off gently. It will take a month or so to stop the algae growing and take the stains away. Repeat this process every 1-2 years to keep your roof sparkling.

There are also products that will kill moss on your roof. Some are applied directly to the moss and others are powders which only need applied in lines on the roof. The powders mix with rain to kill the moss as it moves to the gutter. Depending on how much moss you have, you can also remove it gently with a brush or loosen it with low pressure water. High pressure water could damage the tiles.

Algae and moss both prefer to grow in moist conditions so if you’re having a lot of growth then you need to look into whether there’s an underlying issue that’s keeping your roof wet. Make sure to regularly clean your gutters so you have proper drainage and keep trees next to your roof trimmed down so plenty of sunlight gets through to dry out your roof after a rainstorm. For expert advice and solutions to protect your roof from algae and moss, reach out to Four Leaf Roofing & Windows and keep your home in top condition.

When you Might Need a Roof Cleaning Service

One cause of stains we haven’t discussed yet is rust. This will show up as reddish-brown stains on your roof and while the stain themselves are quite easy to remove, it’s best to bring in a professional to check what metalwork is rusting and what repairs are needed.

It’s also best to bring in professional roof stain removal if algae have turned to lichen. It’s more difficult to remove so you could cause damage if you tried it yourself. A roofing specialist can also assess whether any tiles or shingles have been damaged beyond repair before they cause too many problems. For reliable assistance, if you’re living in the village or nearby, consider reaching out to our roofers in Germantown , our specialists in roof repair in Menomonee Falls , or our teams providing Hartland roofing services. We are always ready to help.

If you’re struggling with roof staining, reach out to Four Leaf Roofing & Windows now and we’ll have your roof sparkling again in no time.