If you have noticed an incredible outbreak of roof stains in your neighborhood you’re not alone.

Roof stains are sweeping the country in alarming proportion. Until recently most of us thought this to be purely cosmetic. This however is not the case. The stains that appear on your roof are living organisms that are methodically reducing the lifespan of the investment you made in your homes roof shingles. These organisms feed on the base of the shingle (primarily the limestone filler) causing the reflective ceramic granules to loosen and end up in your gutter. As these granules ‘disappear’ you will notice as rise in your homes utility bills. Unable to effectively reflect the suns rays away from your home in summer your air conditioner will find itself working overtime to keep your house cool. The black streaks also absorb and hold heat to your roofs surface. In winter your heating bill will inch upward as the shingles are less likely to retain the heat in your home as they did when they were new. An infected roof not only reduces your homes curb-appeal and property value but can also have an adverse effect on the occupant’s respiratory system. Beware allergy sufferers!

 

Barrel tile is also affected by mold and when an inexperienced contractor is brought in for mold removal the results can be disastrous. High-Pressure cleaning machines can destroy the glaze or surface area allowing the mold to come back even more aggressively in the future.

 

Cedar Shake roofs are the most expensive and one of the roofs most affected by mold and moss. Growth on a wood roof retains moisture and does not allow the roof to naturally dry out, negatively affecting its appearance and dramatically shortening the roofs life.

 

A roofs life expectancy can be reduced by as much as 50% leading the homeowner to believe roof replacement is their only option.

 

All these factors can contribute to premature roof replacement and an unhealthy environment, a costly proposition for any homeowner.

 

RCIA offers homeowners a comprehensive list of qualified roof cleaning contractors that are able to identify which type of organisms you may be infected with and safely remove them from your home. By keeping your roofs surface free of these invasive organisms you can be assured that your roof will last longer, retain its curb appeal, heating and cooling effectiveness, and not affect the health of its occupants.