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THE LIVINGSTON CO. DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

WHAT’S EATING YOUR ROOF?

Black algae leaves streaks that blight your home, damage your roof

By SALLY RUMMEL

Contributing Writer 

       There’s a good chance that your roof has begun to look “old and tired” before its time. Black streaks also know as (Gloeocapsa Magma) is causing not only blight in your home’s appearance, but it is also a hazard to the life of your shingles and potentially a health risk to your family.
 

       Those “black streaks” are actually limestone-eating algae which is black in color. This form of algae tends to feed off the limestone used to thicken and help add weight the shingles.

       “These streaks are not only unsightly, but cause the shingles to fail prematurely by loosening the protective granules as well as causing the shingles to decay from moisture held within the algae. They also don’t allow the shingles to reflect heat properly, which increases cooling costs, said Bob Geroux, a licensed builder and founder of RWG Construction Co., Inc. in Howell.

       “Just as mold and mildew can grow on your vinyl siding, wind-blown algae can land and grow on your roof,” he added. “Replacing your roof because of this algae is like replacing your siding instead of having it cleaned. Those unattractive growths can be cleaned, restoring your roof to a consistent clean color.”

       Geroux has created a new division in his company, called UglyShingles.com, partnering with Steve Van Oast to focus on the removal of this algae before it literally “eats” your roof. If it’s not removed, the mold will act like a “wet carpet,” causing the wood underneath and the shingles to rot.

       “The algae is getting to be an epidemic,” said Geroux. “Most people don’t realize that it’s a situation that can easily and inexpensively be fixed, saving homeowners thousands of dollars on the replacement of their roof.”

       The change in the appearance of a roof cleaned by UglyShingles.com is nothing short of dramatic. As soon as the Non-Pressure, Soft-Wash Solution - a mixture of household, nontoxic chemicals - is applied and allowed to dry, the black streaks are immediately gone and the roof looks “like new” again.

       Prior to applying the algae-removal solution on a roof, the Certified Roof Cleaners of UglyShingles.com thoroughly water and rinse nearby vegetation and install catch devices to downspouts in order to fully protect all nearby plants.                                                                                      

       Licensed, Insured and Certified, UglyShingles.com performs each roof cleaning without the use of a pressure washer, which may damage the shingles. Using this soft washing system protects the integrity of the roof, safely removing mold and resulting in longer shingle life. “The use of a pressure washer will not only wash away your granules, but it will also wash away your warranty,” said Van Oast.

       “In today’s economy, it is much more cost effective to clean your roof rather than replace it prematurely,” said Geroux. “It costs on average of 93 percent less to clean your roof than to replace it. The process we use actually stops the mold from coming back for years, and also prevents algae from spreading to your siding and trim, pool, walkways, driveway and patio.”

       UglyShingles.com serves homeowners in Livingston, Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. “Ask about our senior citizen discounts,” said Geroux. “Call 1-888-742-5794 today for your FREE consultation.” 

Here’s why you should consider cleaning your roof:

• Mold has proven to be harmful to your health.

• Your roof is growing mold and black algae that can be removed.

• Your insurance company may deny your claim for a leaky or damaged roof due to poor maintenance.

• If not removed, the mold on your roof acts like a wet carpet that causes the wood underneath and your shingles to rot.

• Roof cleaning safely removes mold and results in longer shingle life.

• We use a special biodegradable process that stops the mold from coming back for years.  Satisfaction is guaranteed!

• You can avoid the cost of replacing your roof prematurely by letting UglyShingles.com clean and protect your investment.

• Reduce the heat within your attic and lower your energy costs when we remove the heat absorbing black stains!

• If you do not remove the black algae it can spread to your siding & trim, pool, walkways, driveway and patio!

• It's better to spend a little bit now than a lot later! Remember, it costs on average 93 percent less to clean your roof than to replace it.