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From Shingles to Rubber


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From Shingles to Rubber

How many different kinds of roofs can you spot on the houses on your street? A few decades ago, you may have only seen shingle roofs, perhaps with the occasional slate roof mixed in. But these days, there are more kinds of roofing on the market. Metal roofs are becoming common because they can be made from recycled materials. Tile is a popular choice because it lasts a lot longer than other roofing materials. And then there are some roofers who install rubber roofs because they're smooth and easy to install. Learn more about roofs of all types on this blog.

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Should Black Streaks On Your Roof Have You Worried?

Most people love the look of a clean, fresh roof. On the contrary, looking up at a roof and seeking some black streaks can make you feel a bit disappointed. While those black streaks are not aesthetic, are they really something to worry about? Keep reading to learn more about what causes them and what can be done about them.

What causes the black streaks?

The most common cause of these streaks is algae growth. Algae is a type of single-celled organism that loves to take up residence in moist areas. Asphalt shingles are an attractive place for algae to grow, especially if those shingles are often wet. You may also see black streaks caused by algae on tile roofs and even on cedar shake roofs.

Does algae growth damage the roof?

Algae doesn't penetrate the roof's surface or eat away at the roof. It won't cause the roof to break down or deteriorate more quickly than it would have otherwise. However, moss does cause roof damage, and people often get algae and moss confused. If you see green moss on the roof, call a roof contractor to take care of it before your roof breaks down. 

What can you do about algae growth on your roof?

If the appearance of the algae does not bother you, then you really don't have to do anything about it. However, most people do want to get rid of the algae streaks for aesthetic reasons. Here are some ways to do that.

1. Treat the roof with copper-based herbicides.

Algae does not like copper and won't grow well in its presence. Many roofing companies, and even some landscaping companies, will spray your roof with herbicides that contain copper, which will get rid of the algae.

2. Have zinc or copper strips added to the roof.

You can also have a roofer come attach some thin strips of copper or zinc to the roof. They do this close to the top of the roof. Over time, some of the copper or zinc will rinse down over the shingles, putting an end to the algae growth. This is a longer-term solution and requires less upkeep than having the roof sprayed repeatedly.

If you see black streaking on your roof, call a roofer and ask them to implement a solution. However, there's no need to worry about permanent roof damage with this issue. Contact a local service, such as Holthaus Companies Inc, to learn more.