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Homeowners in Atlanta and North Georgia are noticing that their roofs are turning green. Many are sounding the voice of concern. Beatriz Brown, a home owner in Roswell started getting worried when her roof started turning green. "It didn't start all at once. It came on slowly. At first, I thought it was the reflection of the sun on my roof." Tammy Crisp, owner of RainTec Roofing in Atlanta, confirms that Beatriz was not alone in her concern. "This fall and spring, our offices have been swamped with many calls from homeowners throughout North Georgia concerned about their roofs turning green."
After some consoling, Crisp explains that the green roof effect is simply the result of the unusual amount of rain that Georgia has experienced in the last year and the resulting growth of algae. Algae growth causes a dark discoloration on roofs. The algae is usually brown to black in color which results in a streaked, dirty looking rooftop. It can be mistaken for soot, dirt or tree droppings, which typically produce only localized discoloration. It's caused by the growth of air-borne algae which deposits on your roof. The good news is that algae growth does not affect the service life of your roofing material. It occurs most often in warm, humid climates such as the Southeast (where algae-resistant shingles are available).
Discoloration of roofs caused by fungus or algae is difficult to remove, but may be lightened by spraying a diluted solution of chlorine bleach, trisodium phosphate, and water onto the roof. Solutions range from one cup TSP, one gallon bleach and four gallons of water, to one cup TSP and 2.5 gallons each of bleach and water. This solution can then be rinsed from the roof in 10 to 15 minutes. Do not scrub. Scrubbing will loosen and remove granules. After spraying be sure to thoroughly flush the roof and the greenery around the home (grass, bushes and shrubs) with water. The effectiveness of this type of cleaning may only be temporary, and the discoloration may recur. High pressure washing is not recommended due to the possibility of removing granules, thereby shortening the life of the Roofing System.
For a more permanent solution, RainTec roofing recommends re-roofing with Owens Corning Algae-Resistant Shingles. They are specifically designed to inhibit most algae growth for extended periods of time and are backed by the strongest product and algae resistance warranties available to homeowners. When asked if homeowners could install a new roof over their existing roof. Crisp explains, "Maybe - it depends on the structure of the house. Roofing over an existing roof is possible if the additional weight can be handled by the house support. Our professional contractors can determine whether this is a good option and offer expert advice."
RainTec Roofing is a woman owned company which repairs and replaces roofs in Canton, Jasper, Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth, Woodstock, Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming and Atlanta, Georgia. To speak to a roofing expert from RainTec Roofing, homeowners can call 678-233-0321 or visit http://www.roofcontractorsatlanta.com.
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