The roof of the house is a vital defense that helps to keep us dry and warm. Throughout the year, the elements are continually putting roofing materials to the test. Understandably then, over time, the roof shingles will be subject to general wear and tear as well as staining.
Water stains on the roof can be due to a variety of reasons, but they all share something in common: They are not pleasant to look at. Therefore, we have put together a few quick tips on how to prevent water stains on the roof.
Common Culprits
Water stains are inevitable in areas that have substantial seasonal changes and are subject to humid conditions. Simple water stains can be easily dealt with through simple maintenance and cleaning. However, in some parts of the country, the high levels of moisture are perfect conditions for algae and mold—both of which will leave unsightly black stains on your roof.
Stay on Top of Maintenance
Prevention is always the best form of cure, and you should make sure that you regularly check your roof for any signs of damaged shingles or blocked gutters and downspouts. Both of these things can lead to water getting into the interiors, which can cause problems with damp and mold.
It also makes sense to trim any overhanging trees, as they can shade the roof, which will cause the roof not to dry properly.
Make Some Roofing Modifications
If you live in an area that is humid and may be at risk from algae spores, then it would make sense to make some simple modifications to your existing roofing, such as adding a layer of zinc or copper, which are both toxic to algae.
Thin layers of these metals added to your structure will help, as when it rains, the metal molecules will run down the roof, killing any algae present on the surface. It is also a great idea to consider looking at your existing guttering systems if they drain out on parts of the roof. The water can pool on lower parts of the roof, which can lead to all sorts of problems if not properly maintained. Look at extending downspouts to aid proper drainage away from the exterior structure of your house.
Replace Old Shingles
If your shingles are old or are in a sorry state of repair, it makes sense to replace them with new shingles. This is especially true if you live in an area that has a high level of algae spores.
A lot of the shingles on the market now are manufactured to help reduce the impact of algae, mitigating the need to worry about the appearance of those horrible black stains. Some manufacturers have added copper to the mixture, which helps to break down algae. Also, some shingles have been treated with algicide to offer around ten years’ worth of protection.
