16 Feb Not Just Cosmetic: How Roof Cleaning Can Improve the Longevity of Your Richmond, VA Roof
There are plenty of different qualities when it comes to selecting shingles for your roof. As a general rule, most shingles tend to be medium and sometimes low quality. The warranties of these shingle roofs vary from 15 to 25 years at most.
Since shingles are known to attract different types of fungi, shingle-making companies take certain steps to prevent fungal growth. They usually place copper, petroleum distillates, and zinc granules both inside and on the shingle itself to prevent all kinds of fungal growth. However, the weather and other external elements take their toll and your shingles deteriorate with time, losing their granules and fungus fighting capabilities.
Fungus spores are very hardy and they can survive with small quantities of zinc and other anti-fungal measures. Some of the more common algae and fungi include various types of lichens, mildew, mold, and moss. But the most common one is black algae.
If there are dark gray or black stains on your roof, it is likely playing host to a black algae infestation. These stains will give your roof a dirty and run-down look. In the long run, black algae can also decrease the lifespan of your shingles. This form of algae spreads very rapidly from roof to roof. If it has appeared on your neighbor’s roof, you will almost certainly get it too. You will see those black stains on the sides that are not exposed directly to the sun since it likes moisture.
The key thing to remember is that it won’t go away on its own. Since it’s growing on your roof, it will simply continue to grow until you do something about it.
Get Your Roof Pressure Washed to Extend Its Life
The longer you let these unseemly growths run riot on your roof, the harder it will be to get rid of them. Ultimately, you will have to get new shingles to replace the ones that have rotted away.
However, you can avoid losing a lot of money on a new roof by getting Sparkle Wash of Central VA to take a look at your roof. Many novice pressure-washing outfits use excessive pressure and bleaching agents that can crack the shingles.
Sparkle Wash only used soft washing techniques and gentle scouring agents. Rest assured, these techniques won’t damage the shine and the natural beauty of your shingles. This method effectively ensures that your roof will not only remain clean but will continue to serve you for a long time.
If you are interested in roof cleaning in Richmond VA just give the good people at Sparkle Wash a call.