It's undeniable that your roof is an integral part of your home—and for reasons that require no explanation—but what about stains? ...
It's undeniable that your roof is an integral part of your home—and for reasons that require no explanation—but what about stains? Does the appearance of your roof matter beyond cosmetic issues? What causes roof stains? Well, let's take a look.
Black or green staining
If the stain is black or green, moss or algae are common culprits. Both often grow on areas of roofing that are covered by shade and so stay moist and cool more frequently. Algae and moss are unsightly but mostly harmless. They can, however, reduce the lifespan of your roof by hastening the degrading of materials over time.
The remedy here is to work to avoid sources of shade, such as overhanging tree branches and begin a reasonably routine cleaning schedule. The simplest removal method for algae is simply to power wash your roof. Moss, on the other hand, is a bit trickier. You can either remove it by hand or use a spray to kill it, and then wash it away.
You can also have zinc strips installed that act as a fungicide preventing algae (the black spot creator). It’s best to have a licensed contractor perform this step, such as Armor Services Roofing Cincinnati.
White staining
White staining usually indicates there has been hard-water buildup. This typically results from an air conditioner leak or overflow draining onto the roof. Once again, this is not a huge problem and can be power washed away, but you will want to have a look at the cooling unit to prevent reoccurrence.
Red or red-brown staining
Usually seen around metal components such as chimneys, this is indeed rust. Rust stains should be treated with a vinegar wash and then rinsed. You'll also want to identify the source of the rust, replace rusting elements, and determine why they rusted. For instance, they may not have had a rust-resistant coating or may have been damaged.
Clogged gutters
If your gutters are clogged, this can also cause water staining. This is just one reason why it’s so important to clean out your gutters from leaves and debris regularly. If you do find that there is staining due to a clog, see if you can clear it out yourself. If you are unsure of how to clean it out or have tried and it is continuing to get worse, it’s a good idea to call an expert.
General discoloration
Debris, underlying damage, and heavy pollen among other things can cause all variety of discoloration on your roof. The above are just the most commonly seen. Anytime something changes in your roof, and you don’t know why. It’s best to speak with a professional.
While most causes of staining on your roof are unlikely to do damage on the short term, they can shorten the life span of your roof if left unaddressed. Many issues are also easy to fix, but if you find yourself without the skill, time, or desire to climb on your roof, contacting a roofing contractor is advised.
