Top Ten Reasons to Clean Your Roof
1. Prolongs shingle life
2. Makes ugly roof stains vanish
3. Lowers utility bills
4. Reduces airborne allergens helping allergy sufferers
5. Inexpensive, fast, dramatic home Improvement
6. Helps resale value/ property value
7. Improves drinking water for cistern users
8. Puts doubts about your roof to rest for potential homebuyers and home inspectors
9. Cheaper than a new roof
10. “Extreme Makeover” for your roof improves curb appeal
Why are roof stains happening?
If you’ve noticed the incredible outbreak of roof stains in your town, you’re not alone. Roof stains are sweeping the Country from coast to coast. Until recently, most of us thought the stains were just ugly. Ugly yes, but there's more to the story!
Up to 80% of the homes and businesses in America will develop some type of roof problem caused by algae, fungus or moss. The reason: Shingle formulas have changed dramatically over the years. New shingles are not able to resist the growth of algae, moss or fungus. As a result, your roof will show signs of streaks and stains very quickly. Shingle manufactures didn't intend for this to happen and few saw it coming until it was too late.
Recent studies prove that shingles, wood shakes, even barrel tile are at risk from growing organisms that flourish on their surfaces. This means that algae, moss and fungus are consuming and destroying the roof. Until now, this wasn’t fully understood. Replacing the roof will not solve the problem. The stains come back again very quickly. New shingles take far less time to become infected!
Until the formula for shingles changes, roof stains are here to stay. To combat this problem most manufacturers now make algae, fungus and moss resistant shingles. These products are expected to inhibit growth for up to 10 years. You should read the fine print carefully before installing them. *In some cases, algae resistant shingles can damage your gutters, down spouts, valley flashings, etc. Here's why: Algae resistant shingles contain large amounts of copper. Copper leaches from the shingles, collects in gutters, and corrosion results. This phenomenon is called electrolysis. Many American homes have gutters made from zinc, aluminum or tin. These metals are incompatible with copper. Unfortunately, corrosion damage is not covered in the shingle warranty. Ask the manufacturer for more information. *(source: the manufactures warranty).
The recent housing boom will add a blizzard of complaints for shingle makers, and unfairly the people who install shingles for a living. Fortunately, the cure for roof staining is affordable, and if caught in time it’s very easy to treat. We wouldn’t dream of replacing vinyl siding, decks, carpet, concrete or fencing just because it got dirty. We clean these surfaces regularly. Now, any roof can be safely cleaned and protected using Roof Reviver™ Roof Cleaner. Can you afford not to use Roof Reviver™?
See proof that roof staining and streaking is damaging your roof.
Everyone agrees that roof stains are ugly. Moss, algae and black streaks are not pretty to look at. But, is this biological growth destructive? You bet it is! Hundreds of field tests confirm this. If you're still not sure, try a simple test.
There are several ways to test a shingle roof for granule loss. Many home inspectors perform them. The two easiest are explained below:
Method #1 is a visual inspection of the gutters. Where black streaks, moss or algae are present, excessive lost granules accumulate in the bottom of the gutter. In some cases, the entire bottom is covered! Now, inspect the gutters where no problems are apparent. There are very few granules to be found here. Seeing is believing. Why? Protective granules are being consumed and loosened by growing organisms. Permanent damage can result to any roof in less than 7 years! Most importantly, shingle manufacturers consider this biological growth a condition of the environment, and not a defect of the shingle. Therefore, the warranty does not cover this type of damage. The homeowner is on their own. Unless you just enjoy buying a new roof on occasion, treat it with Roof Reviver(TM) Roof Cleaner.
Method #2 is called a "Pick Test". Used by shingle manufactures to calculate "adhesion percentage", it simply shows how many protective granules stuck to the shingle, and how many fell off during manufacturing. Take a flat object, such as a block of wood and wrap tape around it so the sticky part is facing outward. Now press it firmly against the shingles where black or green growth is present. Take several samples to get a good collection of data. Now, repeat the test where no black or green growth is present. When finished, the difference in the samples should be visibly apparent. If not, you can pains-takingly count the lost granules and log the results.
You guessed it. Samples taken from algae growth areas contain far more lost granules than the non-algae growth samples. One of these simple tests will prove that algae, moss, lichens and black streaks are consuming, and destroying your roof. Once the protective granules are lost, the roof is ruined. Here's the good news: If caught in time roof damage is very easy to prevent. Roof Reviver(TM) stops the progression of roof stains on contact!
7 years ago we discovered that new shingles would be prone to serious attack by algae, moss and black stains. Shingle formulas were slowly changing to include extenders like limestone, cellulose and various wood products. Less and less petroleum and felt ingredients were being used. The unexpected (not to us) result was destructive algae infestation (black or green shingle stains) on millions of homes all across America. The stains also attack wood shakes and clay tile roof material. Shingle manufacturers did not intentionally create this side effect. However, moss, algae, and fungus are consuming and decomposing your shingles, just as a fallen tree is decomposed in the forest. Both are nutritious plant food. We knew that shingle formulas would not be changing back to the other stuff (non-algae food), so we went to work. After 5 years of testing and research, we had the safe and effective cure we were looking for. Successful treatment involves understanding the cause of the problem, not just splashing chemicals on the roof. Equally challenging is that algae are able to flourish on shingles as we stand helpless on the ground. After all, a roof is not the safest place to work. With this in mind, we developed affordable pumps that let anyone apply Roof Reviver™ from the ground. Once Roof Reviver™ has been applied to moss, algae or fungus, no other work is required. Rain will finish the rinsing process for you.
Algae, moss and fungus are not harmless. They are destructive and cost home owners millions in unnecessary water leaks and roof replacements. They even reduce the value and appeal of your home. One could argue that primitive algae are stealing from you. The look of most shingles after a few short years in service is disgraceful. Investing thousands in a new roof can actually make your home look worse, not better! What does the leading shingle manufacturer say about this new eyesore?
“Mold and mildew are functions of environmental conditions and are not manufacturing defects. As such, mold and mildew are not covered by this warranty or any implied warranty” Sorry homeowner, but you’re on your own.
If your roof is damaged prematurely by this type of growth, don’t look to the manufacturer for help. You would know this had you read your shingle warranty carefully. This pointless destruction is easy to prevent, and very affordable. Especially when compared to the rising cost of a new roof. At first glance, roof stains seem harmless enough. Not true. They are a very serious problem. If you already have black streaks or moss, or see it beginning to form, apply the Roof Reviver™ treatment now.
Why should I be concerned if my roof has Ugly Stains?
1.) Roof stains diminish the value and beauty of your home:
Roof staining is unsightly, embarrassing, and can diminish the overall beauty and value of your home. Nearly 50% of the total view of your house is the roof! Even an attractive and well cared for property, can’t conceal this eyesore. If you have an ugly roof, it shows!
2.) Roof stains are costing you money on your gas and electric bill:
Studies prove that the darkening effect caused by roof stains, trap excessive heat under the roof, in some cases as much as 25 degrees. This unwanted heat shortens shingle life, increases air conditioning bills, and adds to personal discomfort.
3.) A dirty roof could stop you from selling your home:
Do you plan on selling your home? A functional, yet badly stained roof will raise doubts with potential homebuyers, real-estate agents and home inspectors. Far too many roofs are replaced just because they look bad. Simply put, a stained and darkened roof is assumed to be worn out. Cleaning your roof before you list your home could save you thousands of dollars!
4.) Helps your roof function properly:
Your roof is a huge collector of dust, dirt, smog and other air pollutants. You may have noticed this black material on lawn furniture, decks, siding and awnings. This grime must be removed if your roof is to look its best, and function properly!
5.) Roof cleaning is a fast and affordable project with dramatic results:
There are very few low cost home improvement projects that can offer dramatic benefits quickly. Roof cleaning is one of them. When done properly, the results are amazing!