Why Is Your Roof Discolored?

Stains can quickly ruin the aesthetics and integrity of your building. Unfortunately, even the best quality roofing material is susceptible to discoloration, primarily if it lacks proper care and scheduled maintenance.

Sometimes, discoloration may signify serious issues that could make your roof wear prematurely. Therefore, you should contact professional roofing experts as soon as you notice minor stains. The professional will inspect and assess your roof to establish the cause of the stains and advise you on the best way forward.

Read on to understand some possible causes of roof discoloration.

Algae Stains

If your roof has black or brown stains, that could signify that you have an algae problem. Algae stains are not easily noticeable in the initial stage, and you may mistake them for dirt or bird droppings. Consequently, you may take too long to rectify algae discoloration, which puts your roof at risk of more damage.

Algae are a common problem during the rainy season. Rainwater carries algae spores and deposits them on your roof. The spores may also come from trees above your roof. Moreover, your roof is more prone to algae growth if it's located under the shade where it barely gets sunlight.

Although algae do not pose a significant damage risk to your roof's structure, the stains ruin the curb appeal of your building and are a turn-off to buyers if you plan to sell your property.

As much as you want to remove the stains and restore your roof's appeal, you should not attempt to clean algae yourself. You lack the skills and products to clean the roof efficiently. In addition, the harsh chemicals you may use on the roof may cause further damage to the material, which will necessitate expensive replacements.

Instead, contact a roofing expert for roof algae removal. The specialist will apply the right tactics and tools to remove algae safely. They may also advise you to replace the roof based on the extent of algae growth and offer you tips to prevent the problem from recurring.

One step to protect your roof from algae stains is to cut overhanging tree branches. You should also invest in good roof drainage to ensure that water does not sit on your roof and create an ideal environment for algae to thrive.

Corrosion

Also known as rust, corrosion happens due to exposure of the iron component of roof material to oxygen and moisture. The issue manifests as a reddish-brown stain with flakes. If you don't handle rust quickly, it may cause premature wear and tear. Some obvious signs that you have roof rust include the following.

Spots and Cracks on Roof Paint

Corrosion becomes visible when the paint layer that protects the shingles from moisture damage deteriorates, and the metal component gets into direct contact with water and air. As such, rust may appear as small dark spots in the initial stage. If you notice the rust early, your roofing contractor may be able to combat the spots and repair the affected parts.

Weak Roof

As the rust becomes severe, it makes the affected areas of the roof porous and weak. At this point, you may start to notice large dark brown patches. When rust gets to this stage, you cannot repair it. Replacement is the best solution.

Now that you understand the potential causes of roof discoloration, you are better positioned to protect your property from the culprits. Don't hesitate to contact us at Alpha Roofing Services for scheduled inspection and maintenance. Our roofing contractors will evaluate the extent of the stains on your roof to establish the best solution to restore your roof's integrity and protect it from wear and tear.