Water stains found on a roof can be visually unappealing and are oftentimes indicative of a larger roofing problem. These stains can affect your home’s property values, and if they are left untreated can leave your roof and home vulnerable to mother nature. If you find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance of dealing with water stains on your roof it is important to be aware of what the various colored stains mean and how to properly deal with them.
Black or Green Stains
Black or green stains found on your roof are evidence that actual organisms such as algae or moss are surviving on your roof. The sunlight, heat, and moisture make roof conditions ideal for the growth of these microorganisms. The buildup turns to mold and mildew and leaves streaks that become eyesores. The buildup can even turn to moss and lift shingles leaving your home vulnerable. A simple solution would seem to be to scrub or power wash the stains, however, this method may further damage the roof leaving irreparable damage.
White or Yellow Stains
White or yellow stains provide evidence of a hard water buildup from an air-conditioning system or cooler. Oftentimes these stains are found underneath the air-conditioning and are highly visible. These stains also indicate a ripe climate for the buildup of funguses that can eat an entire roof.
Remedies
Regardless of the color of the roof stain, it is important to act quickly to avoid further unnecessary roof damage. The first step is to identify the root cause of the stain so you can properly deal with the issue. Next, you should treat the stain with either vinegar or bleach. Vinegar will fade the damage whereas bleach will kill the growing organisms. Please note: stronger chemicals can be dangerous and toxic and are not recommended as part of a do-it-yourself project. Finally, you should apply a stain-resistant primer before applying any paint.
When in doubt, a qualified, reputable roofer can help. An experienced roofer will generally work more quickly, and more efficiently, and provide you with a solution that will last longer than work done on your own. And finally, let’s not forget the potentially dangerous trip up the ladder you will save yourself. Roofing projects are costly and important and should usually be left to the professionals.
Who to Call
While taking care of the water stains on your roof may appear to be simple, for safety reasons a call to your local roofing contractor may be warranted. At Crown, we have the knowledge and expertise to work with all types of roofing systems. From roof repair and roof maintenance to a new roof, our expert professionals can take care of it for you. Crown handles all types of roofing systems from tile, shingle, slate, and metal. There is no job that is too small and no task that is too big. Crown has offices across Central, South, and Southwest Florida. Contact us today for a free estimate.