Millions of perfectly beautiful American homes become ugly with discoloration. Many homeowners blame it on mold, mildew, moss or even tree sap, but the real culprit is actually blue-green algae. While it has “blue-green” in the name, it looks black or brown because of the coating it generates to combat ultraviolet (UV) rays. It stays on roofs, feeds on moisture and gets nutrients from dust in the air. Considering about 80% of properties in the U.S. are constantly exposed to these elements, these microscopic pests cause a pandemic mess.
How Can It Affect Your Roof?
Blue-green algae discoloration is bad news for you in many ways. Experienced roofing repair contractors, including Krech Exteriors, would say it’s primarily an aesthetic concern because it’s downright unsightly. Algae growth can hurt your home’s curb appeal and affect its value.
Moreover, blue-green algae discoloration may shorten your roof’s service life. The dark streaks can draw more heat, potentially accelerating the wear of your shingles.
Is Algae Growth Preventable?
Fortunately, you can prevent algae discoloration. Copper ions are lethal to algae, inhibiting their growth year after year, especially when there are high levels of moisture. Copper is why it’s rare to find blue-green algae in areas near the flashing. When it rains, trace amounts of metal from the flashing spread toward adjacent roofing shingles, discouraging algae growth.
What’s the Best Kind of Prevention Available?
The most effective protection against algae growth and discoloration is GAF’s StainGuard Plus™ Time-Release technology. Shingles developed with this breakthrough have granules that release copper. Unlike those made with older technologies, they have specially engineered capsules infused with thousands of copper microsites. And since they don’t release copper excessively, their algae-fighting power can last years longer than other discoloration-resistant shingles.
StainGuard Plus technology is available on GAF’s Timberline® Ultra HD® shingles. This in-demand roofing product comes with a 25-year warranty against pronounced blue-green algae discoloration, maintaining its enchanting appearance on its own.
Choose the right roofing solution to impede algae growth effectively. Call Krech Exteriors at (651) 968-8888 today to schedule your FREE, in-home consultation in Minneapolis or St. Paul, and tell us about your roofing needs.
