Is your roof alive with critters ready to break down the limestone of your shingles, and get inside? You may have Gloeocapsa magma and not even know it. This ancient line of photosynthesizing bacteria feeds off moisture and is taking over homes without homeowners even knowing it. Before the Roof Algae monster gets you, give Coastal Roofing a call for a free inspection today!
Don’t Be Fooled!
We know what you’re thinking. Just when you thought it was safe to be outside, we’re telling you there’s something new to be scared of. There absolutely is, and this monster will strike without you ever expecting it, leaving black streaks and stains along your roof. It waits for innocent victims to walk across them and suddenly they slip on their own shingles sending them spiraling down a rabbit hole to the unexplainable land of roof decay.
Don’t be fooled, this is just an April Fools! Since you’re here though let’s discuss how important it is to keep your roof clean. While an algae monster is definitely something that you would see in a Ghostbuster movie, Gloeocapsa magma is something very real and can very much be growing on your roof.
Not a Hollywood Monster But Also Not Your Roof’s Best Friend
Now that you know there’s no “real roof monster” on your roof let’s discuss what this Gloeocapsa Magma is and what it actually can do to the roof of your home.
Blue Green-Algae
So what is this moldy-looking streak you see on your roof? It is Gloeocapsa Magma or Blue-Green Algae. It can appear on your roof as black stains or streaks and in some cases, homeowners can also see this algae growing in like a blanket of mossy green growth.
What Causes the Algae Growth On Your Roof
For algae to grow on your roof it has to have the ideal environment. Typically, it likes to grow in areas that have humid weather or areas that have a lot of rain. So for us southern states, this growth should be something we all look out for.
One of the biggest issues of Algae or other botanical growths on your roof is that once it occurs, it can quickly spread and take over your whole roof. Because of the quick growth and coverage on your roof, it can cause your roofing material to become damp and stay damp. This growth can create serious issues for your roof.
What Can Roof Algae Do To Your Roof
Two of the biggest issues that can occur when algae is left to grow freely on a roof are:
Rotting of the Roof
How does this occur? It occurs when blue-green algae or other growth, like moss, takes over the home of your roof. This type of growth can cause dampness or moisture to get under your shingles and over time it can cause the roofing fascia to rot.
Decrease In Longevity
When algae, moss, or mold starts to grow on your home’s roof, it slowly starts to feed on the limestone in your shingles. Over time, it makes your shingles brittle or creates holes that are irreplaceable. It can also interfere with your shingle’s ability to reflect sunlight from your roof. When sunlight can no longer be reflected, the heat has no other place to go except inside of your home.
Take the Extra Step to Protect your Roof
The good news is there are preventative measures you can take as a homeowner to protect your roof. Here are some things you can do to ensure your roof is safe from algae growth.
Have You Found Yourself Already Needing a New Roof?
Sometimes we find issues on a roof when it’s too late for a quick fix or Roof Repair. You may have had an issue for several years and not have known it. So what can you do to make sure this doesn’t happen to you again? Use a product you know will protect your roof. When customers are considering a new roof we highly recommend a roofing system that includes Atlas Shingles with Scotchgard protection.
Why do we recommend Atlas shingles? Because the Scotchgard protector by 3M was created with unique ceramic-coated granules. The granules on these shingles are engineered with copper ions which creates a natural protective barrier from things such as algae, lichen, and moss. If you’re not sure if your roof needs to be replaced due to algae growth, contact Coastal Roofing today.
Looking for Prevention?
Remember taking preventative measures are always better than being reactive. As a homeowner, we want peace of mind that our home is fine, the foundation is sturdy, the walls are secure, and the roof is protecting us. However, we don’t always have the time or energy to try and take care of this. This is why we’ve created a service for our customers that can help give them peace of mind.
Roof Protect was created with your roof and home in mind. This service by Coastal Roofing is recommended for anyone with a new roof or someone trying to increase the longevity of their roof. Our team takes care of your annual inspections and looks for roofing issues that can be easily looked over.
It Can Happen To You
If you have lived in your home for more than a year and have not gotten a roof inspection, don’t wait until a problem occurs to call a licensed and insured roofing specialist. Remember that your roof, in many ways, is the first line of defense in keeping you and your family safe.
Have you lived in your home for quite some time and never thought to do an annual inspection? Maybe you didn’t know it was important to do annual inspections if this is you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Coastal Roofing for a complimentary inspection.
