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

Why are your asphalt shingles turning black

So why are your asphalt shingles turning black?

It's algae! Not the kind from a swimming pool, but a specialized algae that loves limestone (your shingles are full of limestone)

Algae needs three criteria to grow.
Heat, moisture, and nutrients.

Gloeocapsa magma thrives in warm humid environments and normally appears on the North slope where additional shade and moisture support its growth. Gloeocapsa produces its own energy source, and feeds on inorganic materials like calcium carbonate, an asphalt shingle filler material. Feeding on inorganic material distinguishes algae from fungus and mildew, which require organic material to survive.

Thus, elimination of algae may reduce fungus and mildew accumulation; so will removing loose debris from your roof deck and gutters. (Leaves, twigs, and tree bark.)

These roof stains are seen in nearly eighty percent of the United States in various degrees.
In Florida your roof may be completely covered with algae in as little as four years.
Also, this particular algae strain has become hardier and is able to migrate to less humid environments than it has in the past. In areas where it traditionally has been found, staining is manifesting earlier and more severely on a greater number of roofs.

Treatment early is essential, otherwise your 25 year roof may only last 12...

Continue the education, and find the solution to roof stains at Cleaner TODAY

Ready... Apply... Rinse!

Cleaning a Roof can be done easily...
Results are driven by how you get ready, apply and Rinse...

Getting Ready....
First things first, you need a roof cleaner..
A variety of Cleaners are on the market, the main differences are in the chemical constructions, and coverage. Google Roof QSE or Roof OX for a couple cleaners that offer both home owner and contractor grade cleaners.

Apply.....
Applying a cleaner to the roof involves getting on the roof! Typically a pump up sprayer (like you have for your garden chemicals) is filled, and sprayed on the shingles. Garden hose sprayers (like Miracle Grow ) don't work because they over dilute the cleaning chemicals.
The Cleaner is sprayed on, and then you wait 30 minutes, (This is when cleaning Happens).
At this point the Algae is KAput!

Rinse....
The key to SEEING your roof again is removing the algae 'residue'. Until this is done, you won't see your shingles..
Some products say not to rinse, and thats fine, but you won't see results for quite some time!
You can rinse from the ground, but there is not always enough umppph to knock the residue down.
The best way, is to rinse directly from the Roof... a jet spray on a hose does the trick! (If you have a pressure washer, you can use it as long as the pressure is under 200 PSI).

You can read more details at:


Roof Cleaner Education

Any way you slice it, cleaning a roof can be done for less than a nickel a square foot, vs $3.00 for new shingles!

Enjoy a clean roof!