The most common class of roof algae is Gloeocapsa magma, a bacterium that eats water and expels oxygen. It causes the black stains you may see on your roof. The black stains are buildups of algae that can prevent the sun from burning off the bacteria. Roof lichen is a combination of both algae and fungus.
Roof algae is primarily a visual problem although it reduces the lifespan of your roof over time, but roof mold is not. Roof mold could cause real, lasting damage to your roofing system if left untreated.
- Appearance. One of the first problems homeowners experience with roof algae has to do with appearance. Most homeowners only realize they have algae when it causes ugly black streaks, dark spots, or green mossy fuzz on the roofing system. Roof algae can significantly decrease curb appeal.
- Home value. If a homeowner is trying to sell their home, they may run into issues if they have roof algae. Roof algae are signs that their roofing system could have considerable damage and may need replacing. This can decrease their home’s resale value, until and unless they schedule repairs.
- Algae and lichen can adhere to your roof, cause permanent stains, and ultimately damage the underlying materials.
- Wood rot. If moisture sinks down into the wood of your roof, you could have a serious problem on your hands. Standing water can soften and rot the wood, permanently compromising its strength and safety. Wood rot can lead to roof leaks, expensive repairs, and wood replacement.
- Mold. Another risk of moisture trapped in your roofing system is the development of real mold. Standing water and humidity, paired with growing algae spores, can be a breeding ground for harmful mold. Mold can pose serious health risks to you and your family.
- Integrity. If you allow an algae and/or mold situation to stay on your roof, it could damage its integrity beyond the point of simple repairs. Letting algae take over the roofing system for years may make the tiles irreparable, and significantly shorten a new roof’s lifespan. Rotting wood could force you to replace an unstable roof.
- Damage to other structures. Algae spores can travel on the wind and easily attach to other structures on your property. Roof algae may start on your home, but it won’t be long until you notice similar growth beginning on the roofs of sheds, barns, and carports. It could even travel to neighbors’ homes, spreading the issue throughout the neighborhood.
- Health. Lastly, but more importantly, roof algae can damage health. If algae turn into a mold or mildew problem, your family could be breathing in dangerous bacteria while spending time in your home or yard. The sooner you deal with roof algae, the better for health and safety purposes.
Roof algae, fungus, mildew, moss, and mold could ultimately hurt your health. Breathing in mold or mildew spores can cause respiratory problems and diseases, allergies, asthma, nausea, vision problems, and other health hazards. It is important to act quickly once you identify algae on your roof
For more roof cleaning info or to schedule a cleaning in Huntingdon, Tyrone, Williamsburg, State College, Lewistown, Hollidaysburg, Duncansville, Bellwood areas call 814-386-8787