Drive down any street in the Des Moines area and you can see it – dirty looking roofs with black streaks from the peaks to the gutters. Those black streaks are caused by algae and they can be quite costly to remove, not to mention they also can potentially lower your home’s value. The Midwest is a major problem zone for algae growth due to the high levels of humidity, and with the housing market like it is, one important aspect of any exterior home improvement project should be the curb appeal after completion. Roofing is one of the most important projects because it is so visible and protects your home. Ensure great curb appeal by protecting your home against roof algae!
Algae –What, how and why?
The black discoloration found on roofs in central Iowa is most often algae and not dirt, mildew, oil, or fungus. The area’s most commonly affected by this are those places where moisture collects and stays there for a while. It may take months or years for the streaks to become noticeable and they are caused by the dark pigmented sheath algae will develop to protect itself from ultra-violet rays. Algae spores can also be carried by the wind and that is why in some neighborhoods there are so many affected homes.
How to prevent roof algae? Well it is really simple actually. Copper stops algae! That’s right. Copper-fortified granules uniformly distributed across the surface of shingles will prevent algae from ruining the appearance of you roof.
Why should you consider the extra expense of an algae-resistant roofing system? Can you imagine a roof that looks exactly like it did the day it was installed after 10 years? That is the key component to consider – appearance. What has been your thought when you see those black streaks? How about if you were considering buying that home? I can’t tell you how many times I have been called to look at a roof for a realtor because their customers thought it was in terrible shape because of the black streaking from algae.
This is the fact: When black algae streaks are on a roof it will make your home dirty and old looking, it will lower the curb appeal and value of your home.
Buresh Home Solutions Inc. is proud to offer a 3M Scotchgard Algae Resistant Roofing System from Atlas Roofing. The Lifetime Pinnacle Pristine Architectural Shingles also carries a Lifetime Limited Warranty, a 130mph wind warranty and an industry leading 15 year premium protection plan.
To learn more about learn more about these products visit www.atlasroofing.com or to visualize your roof with the new shingles installed visit www.atlasroofing,com/visualizer.