WHAT ARE THESE BLACK STREAKS ON MY ROOF?
Clean my Roof
Algae, moss and fungus are among the oldest and most primitive life forms on earth. Ridding your home of them is
difficult because they have developed a unique molecular structure, which enables them to survive, where other
organisms cannot. Wiser with age, they can exist on material considered far too difficult for most other living things.
Chlorine and bleach based cleaners are a poor choice at best for treating moss, algae, and fungus. Chlorine has little, if
any ability to actually penetrate the cell wall of these plants, so it's effectiveness is only temporary. Re-growth of algae is
only weeks or months away if you use chlorine. Proof of this can be seen in millions of swimming pools, ponds, and so
on. Chlorine is also very toxic to humans, fish, and animals. Other roof cleaning products contain lye or sodium
hydroxide, and although quite effective for roof cleaning, there are some very important drawbacks. Sodium hydroxide is
the principal ingredient in most drain and oven cleaners. It is very corrosive and may damage gutters, siding, and
painted surfaces, to name a few. Special skin and breathing protection is also required. Most types of vegetation will not
tolerate even the smallest dose of this chemical. The use of sodium hydroxide should be left to professionals who have
the proper training, equipment and expertise to minimize health risks and property damage.

Research has lead us to a safer and more effective product for treating roof algae, moss, fungus, mildew and lichens.
Our product is oxygen based and has the ability to penetrate the dense cell wall of these plants, prohibit new growth,
thus killing the plant. Dirt, soot, and crud dissolving agents are also added to clean and brighten the shingles. It also
possesses a lingering cleaning ability. Rainfall re-energizes any residual,  which helps it keep on working. Best of all, our
product has none of the harmful side effects of chlorine or lye. It is 100% biodegradable and safe for vegetation,
animals, gutters, and siding. When you consider all of the facts about various cleaning products, Ours  comes out on
top in every way.
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I have heard people say that the black streaks on roofs are caused by everything from acorns cracking on the
surface to tree sap or shingle degradation due to granule loss.  While these might be possibilities, the fact is that in
most cases, the stains and streaks are a form of algae or moss.   

Roof algae, commonly known as Gloeocapsa Magma, is a type of algae that thrives in humid and warm climates
and usually appears first on the North slope of the roof where shade is prevalent and moisture tends to
accumulate.  The result is usually a black streaked roof.  Roof moss is more prevalent in the Pacific Northwest and
Canada and it is an actual moss growth like what can be found on a tree or rock.  Roof algae and moss spores are
carried by the wind until all roofs in the area are infested.

Roof moss is very dangerous because it will grow underneath the roof shingle and act like a sponge soaking up
water after a good rain.  Eventually the moss will cause roof leaks if not treated.  Roof moss also accumulates on
the North side of the home or where shade is most prevalent.

Roof algae, once attached to a shingled roof, feeds on the dead organic matter used in the manufacturing process
of the shingle.  As the fungus breaks down the asphalt shingle, the ceramic granules protecting the surface of the
shingle are loosened and begin to fall off.  This causes the roof to deteriorate prematurely and diminishes the
roof's abilities to reflect heat rays.  If not treated, the roof algae will reduce the life of your roof, diminish your home’
s curb appeal and increase your home cooling expenses.

Unfortunately, traditional roof cleaning methods have used high pressure washing and/or hazardous chemical
ingredients such as bleach, sodium hydroxide (Lye), copper, zinc, or acid.  These techniques could damage the
integrity of the roof, your landscaping and even cause harm to siding, brick, windows, gutters and awnings.  Now,
there is a safer product on the market called Spray & ForgetTM that can eliminate these problems.   Spray &
ForgetTM is a no-rinse cleaner and preventative.

The initial removal of roof algae and moss is always more difficult then the prevention of roof algae or moss once
the roof is cleaned.  A standard practice should be to clean your roof and then apply a preventative such as Spray
& ForgetTM every 18-24 months to keep the stains from returning.  Roof cleaning and prevention has never been
easier.

Many people spend countless hours and money cleaning their respective homes every year only to ignore one of
the most visible and important parts of the home, the roof.  Adding a roof algae/moss prevention program to your
annual spring cleaning chores will result in a beautiful home that looks fresh and clean! For additional information
on roof cleaning products, preventatives and equipment, view our web site at www.sprayandforget.com.

Article written by Scott Dudjak
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