Not many things ruin the aesthetic appeal of your roof faster than discoloration. Even quality roofing materials are prone to stains, which is why you should invest in regular roof repair and maintenance to protect your roof's integrity.
Besides harming your property's curb appeal, a discolored roof could be a sign of serious underlying problems, which you can learn about in this article.
Algae Growth
If you notice brown or black patches on your roof, that's an obvious sign of algae growth. Algae stains are easily mistaken for soot and bird droppings, so it would help to ask a roofing expert to come in for inspection to determine the exact cause of the stains.
Algae growth is common in warm, humid regions and can affect any roofing system. Also, your roof is more susceptible to algae growth if it's in a shady and damp area, like near overhanging tree branches.
Algae need nutrients to grow, and unfortunately, the shingle fillers in most roofing systems offer just what the spores need to thrive.
You can prevent algae growth on your roof by:
- Unclogging gutters
- Trimming overhanging branches
- Getting rid of pooling water after rain
- Investing in non-porous roofing material
Note that algae discoloration is often hard to remove from the roof surface. And even if you choose to use harsh cleaning chemicals, you might end up compromising the strength and integrity of the roofing system. Therefore, invest in professional roof repair or replacement, depending on the extent and severity of the stains.
Rust
Rust or corrosion normally occurs when the iron component of the roof is exposed to water and oxygen. It often has a reddish-brown hue with a flaky appearance. If not handled sooner, rust causes your roof to wear out and become weak. Eventually, you may experience multiple leaks when the roof can no longer withstand the pressure from external elements.
If your entire roofing system is made of metal, rust stains will spread slowly to the whole roof with time. On the other hand, if only some roof elements, like a chimney, flashing, and antenna mounts, are made of metal, then the rust stains will only appear around those things. You can hire a professional roofer to paint over these sections and give your roof a fresh new look.
Schedule an inspection with a roofing contractor if you notice any roof discoloration. The expert can identify the exact cause of the stains and recommend a lasting solution.
When you have something you like inside a jar, you probably put a lid on it — right? In a way, you can think of your house in the same manner. You like and value the items inside, along with the inside of the house itself. So, it only makes sense that you would protect the interior of your home with a lid. That lid is your roof.
Keep that perspective in mind as you read this blog. Learning more about roofing will feel more interesting if you remember what a roof does: it protects the inside of the home and the people who live in it.