There’s a lot of false information about roof algae cleaning floating around right now, and I guess this is to be expected because it’s still a relatively new industry and most homeowners still aren’t that familiar with it. But I’m tired of seeing all the confusion and decided that it’s time to set the record straight. It’s time to blast some common roof cleaning myths out of the water once and for all. So, without further ado, I give you the top ten myths about roof stain removal. Myth #1: Black roof stains are caused by tar, acid, dirt, or jet fuel. Roof stains are caused by a hardy type of blue-green algae called Gloeocapsa Magma. All it takes is for one algae spore to land on your shingles and take hold and then it’s off to the races. The algae will continue to multiply and spread, its growth fed by the limestone filler in the shingles and moisture.

Myth #2: Algae on roof shingles is really a signal that it’s time for a new roof. Simply the presence of algae stains does not necessarily equate with needing a new roof. In many cases all a roof needs is a good professional cleaning to restore its original look and health. You might notice that roofers don’t like roof cleaners very much, and this is because we keep them honest. If a roofer tells you that you need a whole new roof just because of some algae staining tell him to take a walk and look up your local non-pressure roof cleaning company instead. You’ll save a huge amount of money.

Myth #3: Roof algae removal will have no real impact on a home’s curb appeal. Most people are shocked when they see how much better their home looks after a roof cleaning. I think this is because most homeowners have gotten so used to seeing the stains on their roof that they’ve completely forgotten how good it once looked. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve cleaned the roof of a house that had been on the market for months with virtually no activity and within days of the cleaning it finally started getting serious offers. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again that no matter how beautiful your landscaping, no matter how clean your windows, no matter how precise the painted trim, if your roof is covered in filthy algae stains then it will still ruin your curb appeal, if not in your eyes then in the eyes of your family, friends, neighbors, and potential buyers.

Myth #4: Roof algae is only a cosmetic issue so it can be ignored for now. If not cleaned off and kept at bay roof algae has the ability to shave years off the life of your shingles. It’s important to remember that roof algae is a living organism that needs food to continue to grow. Guess what the favorite food of roof algae is? That’s right – your shingles! Shingle makers now use limestone filler in the manufacturing process which the algae just loves to chew on. This will result in premature loss of shingle granules and general deterioration. Shingle granules are vital to the health of your roof and home because they work to deflect UV rays and heat away from your roof surface. If they are gone or covered with algae then you will have a hotter attic and higher AC bills. You’ll also have to replace the roof a lot sooner, and with the average new roof these days topping $10,000 it’s just a no-brainer to keep your shingles clean and functional for a fraction of the cost.