Read your covenants / Deed Restrictions.

Its only 5 Days into March and Home Owner Associations (HOA) are already busy at enforcing Deed Restrictions and/or covenant rules. Which rules? Rules most people don't even know about. Restrictions governing the appearance of your ROOF SHINGLES. No I am not kidding!

Most people think about deed restrictions governing barking dogs and where the garbage cans are stored, but in Florida and other states, the "Home Appearance" clause now insists that your roof be 'free of stains, algae or other unsightly distortions'.

Over the last several days I have spoken to a number of homeowners in a St Petersburg Florida development who have received letters telling them to Clean their roofs, or the neighborhood association would have them cleaned and send them the bill!

Why you ask? Its pretty simple actually, think about crab grass.
When your lawn is covered in crab grass, it looks bad, and property values may reflect the unattractive appearance. When you remove the crab grass from your lawn, and your neighbor doesn't, well the crab grass ends back up in your lawn too! The whole neighborhood suffers.

Roof Stains are pretty much like crab grass, but much worse!

• Roof Stains are caused by an airborne algae that will spread from roof to roof (if everyone does not keep a clean roof, then no one will have a clean roof).
  
  
• Black streaks on your roof (which is the most visible part of the house) will make the house look bad, and everyone's home then suffers a decrease in value.
  
  
• Roof Algae will lead to premature shingle failure.
  
  
• Worst of all, roof algae, can allow mold to get into a home creating 'sick home' syndrome.

The solution, 2 parts. First Clean your Roof. Second Block Stains from returning.

The Clean Roof Forever Plan gives you the tools to meet your deed restrictions, make your roof last as long as it should, and keep the house healthy.

Learn more about Clean Roof Forever at
http:\\www.cleanertoday.com

Clean AND Protect, 2 steps to a clean roof.

Homeowners around the country have been learning about the risks of Black Stains and Streaks forming on shingle manufactured after 1978. The Limestone in these shingles is the favorite food of "cyano bacteria gloeocapsa". Unfortunately, homeowners don't learn about this algae until their roof is badly stained.

Roof Cleaners offer a relief to remove the unsightly stains from asphalt shingles. These do-it-yourself formulas offer a huge savings over professional cleanings. (Of course professional cleaners provide a valuable service of an experienced roof cleaner). Cleaning your roof shingles can be done in an afternoon.

A clean roof immediately can be recolonized by the algae, repeating the process, so that in another year or two you need to clean the roof AGAIN. So what can you do?

If your roof is already stained: CLEAN then PROTECT.
1. Use a quality roof cleaner like Roof QSE or Roof OX, clean the roof.
2. Protect the roof from returning stains by annually applying Roof ARMOR.

If your roof is Clean: PROTECT now!
Protect the roof from forming stains by annually applying Roof ARMOR.


This approach will ensure a clean roof and Pride in your largest investment.

Learn more about Roof CLeaners at www.cleanertoday.com

Insurance Policy Ugly Roof Stains

The news is out...

Everyone knows that roof stains are ugly, and detract from the value of your home.
We know the stains allow heat to build up in the house, causing the airconditioner to run longer, making energy bills higher.

But, now, the insurance industry is concerned about the appearance of your roof!!

Your insurance company can inspect your home anytime, and frequently it is a driveby inspection. Condition of home is noted, how well painted, chipping paint AND ROOF CONDITION!

YES, Roof Condition.
Insurance Inspectors note the condition of the roof, and report it back to the insurance company who will may require that your clean the roof, or threaten cancellation of your policy! Of course, if they cancel you, the next insurance company may not insure your home for the same reason.

BUT WHY?
Insurance companies actions confirm for us that they believe roof stains will lead to further problems with the roof integrity, roof mold, and the eventual movement of that mold inside the home. All of these items are 'risks' for the insurance company, because they may result in a claim against the policy.

What to do? Clean your roof before an inspector sees it!
Home inspections can occur at any time, however the most frequent triggers include:

• New Policy
• Annual Policy Renewal
  
• Change in coverage amounts
• Addition of riders

A Clean Roof makes contributes to neighborhood values, and good health.


www.cleanertoday.com sells top quality roof cleaners that can prevent the damage to your roof, and loss of insurance. Check out ROOF QSE and roofOX products provide the Cleaner, then annually apply Roof ARMOR to prevent the stains from re-appearing.

Stained Roof causes Home Owner Insurance Problems

Everyone knows that roof stains are ugly, and detract from the value of your home.
We know the stains allow heat to build up in the house, causing the airconditioner to run longer, making energy bills higher.

But, now, the insurance industry is concerned about the appearance of your roof!!

Your insurance company can inspect your home anytime, and frequently it is a driveby inspection. Condition of home is noted, how well painted, chipping paint AND ROOF CONDITION!

YES, Roof Condition.
Insurance Inspectors note the condition of the roof, and report it back to the insurance company who will may require that your clean the roof, or threaten cancellation of your policy! Of course, if they cancel you, the next insurance company may not insure your home for the same reason.

BUT WHY?
Insurance companies actions confirm for us that they believe roof stains will lead to further problems with the roof integrity, roof mold, and the eventual movement of that mold inside the home. All of these items are 'risks' for the insurance company, because they may result in a claim against the policy.

What to do? Clean your roof before an inspector sees it!
Home inspections can occur at any time, however the most frequent triggers include:

• New Policy
• Annual Policy Renewal
  
• Change in coverage amounts
• Addition of riders

A Clean Roof makes contributes to neighborhood values, and good health.

A fungus amoung us

PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH ROOF Algae
A long proven, scientific fact suggests a light, colored roof will absorb less heat, thus reducing utility billsand extending the life of asphalt shingles. A roof covered with Algae will absorb more heat due to its blackpigmentation. Convection stored in upper levels of the home is unable to dissipate heat due to theinsulating factors inherent with the Algae. These factors will result in higher utility bills.

The presence ofthis Algae in such close proximity to a living environment can pose some health concerns for those withallergy problems. The possibility does exist for this Algae to invade the home through exposed areas andcause other problems.

ROOF QSE (quick Simple Effective) will decolonize, and remove these micro-organisms, reducing the risk to you and your family..Our products are SAFE...When Cleaning your roof, remember airbourne particles can come from your neighbor's roof as well.

Clean roofs also protect property values.

Learn more at Cleaner Today Education Center

Consider it part of Routine Maintenance

Did you clean your roof with chlorine?

If so, your shingle life was shortened because it will dry out and crack the shingles and fungus will grow sooner. It is interesting to note that some manufacturers recommend that roofs actually be cleaned with bleach or chlorine---of course, they are in the business of selling shingles, therefore, the quicker your roof succumbs, the quicker they will be able to sell you a new roof.

Roof Cleaning ... Routine maintenance

Roof Cleaning should be part of your annual maintenance plan. 
Why? Because roof algae stains are a reality of Home ownership and Clean roofs also protect property values.

How often you clean your roof depends on several things:

There are many uncontrollable variables that help hasten algae/fungus staining.
First, fungus will always appear initially on the north side of the house and roof.
This is because moisture stays there longer and, algae/fungus needs three things to grow: moisture, heat and a nutrient.
Other variables besides the direction your house faces are the type, grade and manufacturer of your shingles, whether you have a pond or pool nearby creating abundant moisture and how hot and humid the weather is.

Continuous warm weather promotes fungus growth. Also, if you have trees near your house and they shade the roof, that promotes quicker fungus growth. If you haven't cleaned the leaves and pine needles off, that keeps your roof ripe for fungus growth too.

These variables combine to create the need to clean your roof immediately!
Here's why: As the algae and fungus grow on your roof, they eat away the base of the shingle and expand and contract with the outside temperature. This growth and movement loosens the granules, creating premature granule loss, dramatically shortening the life of your roof. A 25-year roof may not even last 15 years if nothing is done. A fungus-covered roof not only is an eyesore but it is unhealthy as well; do you want fungus spores all over, around and in your home? And what about those people with allergies?

Came With the wind.....

Shortly after your new roof was installed, the wind carried a once harmless bacteria to your roof top. Years ago this bacteria would have starved and the story would have ended. But in the 1970's shingle manufacturers changed the composition of asphalt shingles and included limestone as a filler.

Nearly every roof in the country has been replaced since 1976 (30 years ago), and as a result a strange growth has been occurring on roof tops across the country. This growth is the lowly microorganism, Gloeocapsa magma commonly called “Roof Algae", Roof Bacteria, Roof stains or Roof Mold. This roof algae has been given a new lease on roof top life right over your head.

Today when the wind carries roof algae, squirrels track roof algae, or birds deposit roof bacteria to your roof top, the creature finds a feast of limestone providing it a source of nourishment never before known. Of course, roof algae need more than just food, they require 2 other components to sustain life: Sunlight and Moisture (rain). Yup, you've got it! A roof top always has moisture and sunlight. So the party on your roof has been going on for quite some time. Roof Algae are smaller than a pin tip, so even though they have been fed since your roof was replaced, you probably wouldn't notice them from the ground, but roof algae that are well fed start colonies, and expand!!

Roof Top Woodstock?

Colonies of roof bacteria have been growing over your head. How big is the party you ask? Well, roof bacteria are pretty small, in fact as single celled microorganisms over ten thousand algae live in a square inch. By the time YOU can see the algae, the colony has become roof top Woodstock! A square foot of roof top with roof stains can have over 1,800,000 creatures feeding. That is nearly 2 million roof algae camped out at your roof top Woodstock! That's why over time, and in different spots you will see the colony begin to appear. Generally, after 2-4 years (within months on the coasts, or very humid areas) the colonies will be large enough to see with the naked eye.

Groupies too?

The roof algae are certainly a problem in their own right, but its worse when you consider their groupies! That's right, groupies! When algae setup a Roof Top Woodstock, they invite friends like mildew, mold and fungus. These friends live off of the organic waste products from the bacteria. So when you get millions of algae on the roof, the mildew, mold and fungus join the show.
Much like the roof algae, mold and fungus are airborne and also tracked by birds and squirrels. In the past fungus and mold had no chance on a roof top (unless leaves or branches littered the roof) because fungus and mold require organic food. Asphalt shingles, even with limestone offer no food to mold and fungus. But as we now know, roof algae feast on inorganic limestone, which creates 'organic algae waste' which makes for a feast of fungus food!

And this a problem?

Everyone likes a great party, but this roof top party is in a word: 'trouble'. Our roof tops make up over 40% of the visual appearance of the home, and the cleanliness of our roof is as important as keeping the grass cut. Neighborhoods property values and home owner pride are impacted by how people 'feel' about your home and how you feel about theirs. Keeping neighborhoods clean, keeps communities strong!

Beyond the way roof stains makes us feel, the trouble is more measurable:
The stains caused by roof mold, and roof algae:

• Reduce shingle life
• Create neighborhood eyesore
• Increased air conditioning bills
• Reduce Property Values
• Allow mold to work its way inside
• Introduce Risk of Bird born Bacteria

The bottom line, your $10,000 shingle roof will last half as long as it should.
Costing you $10,000 more than it should!

Roof Cleaning... Yes.. roof cleaning

As unusual as it may sound, your roof may be cleaned. Considering the shelter it provides from sun, rain and airborne particles, the roof constitutes the largest and most expensive mechanical system in your home. Care should be taken to keep the roof clean and stop the party. Solutions for this range from professional roof cleaning services, to do-it-yourself roof cleaners that can be sprayed on, and rinsed off. In any case exercise care so as to not damage shingles, or the roof. Choose a roof cleaner that is simple, effective and proven.
Over the course of the last 2 years, roof cleaning businesses have been experiencing an increase in volume that is requiring the addition of trucks and crews. For savvy individuals, a roof cleaning business has very low startup costs, and can create a sustainable income.

Bird Flu Update

The question of Bird Flu or Avian Flu (H5N1 strain) has become the most common roof bacteria question in the last 6 months. Simply put, consider that Avian Flu (H5N1 strain) is another groupie which if delivered to a clean roof top, would have no food. But on a roof where a roof top Woodstock in full swing, well avian flu spread by birds could join the party. While having a clean roof has always been prudent, now it may be even more advisable to keep a clean roof.

Written by Roof Warrior who recommends Roof QSE