Many homeowners forget about their roof until they have to deal with a storm or a leak.

The roof can still be damaged by weather and environmental factors. However, a proactive homeowner can identify problems early on and take action to fix them.

What It Is

The growth of blue-green algae is a common problem on roofs, especially in areas with hot, humid summers, according to This Old House. A roof with black streaks or other colors could indicate the presence of the algae. The streaks are caused by the vegetation eating away the roof shingles’ minerals. This problem is often overlooked and it can be much more difficult to correct once it becomes serious. The right products can help stop further algae growth.

What To Do

Take a two-step approach to help manage mold and improve your roof’s overall appearance:

-Clean current discoloration. To get rid of mold, mildew, and other stains from vegetation, treat shingles with a cleanser such as Stainhandler Roof & Deck Cleaner to help restore the appearance of a roof that has been infested with excess vegetation.

Stainhandler Roof & Deck Cleaner is free of bleach, so it can be used on any areas of the house without risk of damaging adjacent landscaping. Use the cleanser in the following manner: first dilute it, then use a sprayer to spray the affected areas. Next, wait about half an hour before you rinse the area with water.

Future problems can be overcome

Roof maintenance products can be used to prevent mold, mildew, and fungus invasion.

Stainhandler’s zinc strips provide an environmentally-safe protection. These strips are approximately 5 feet long and can be applied to roofs with clear adhesive caulk. This product moves rain away from roofs so that it doesn’t pool or promote vegetation growth.

Visit this site to learn more about how to keep your roof in tip-top shape and free of mold, moss and mildew. stainhandler.com.