What You Need to Know About Blue-Green Algae on Roofs

What You Need to Know About Blue-Green Algae on Roofs

Dec 13, 2019 | Roofing, waterproofing and exteriors

The roof is one of the major players in your home’s overall curb appeal. A quality roof can even increase your overall resale value if you choose to put your home on the market.

However, there is one issue that can cause a blow to your roof’s aesthetic appeal: blue-green algae. What’s worse is that it can affect almost every roofing material out there – asphalt shingles, tile, slate, and even metal. So, what can you do about this issue?

How to Remove Blue-Green Algae

While blue-green algae can affect almost every roof on the market, removing it can be a fairly easy task as all it takes is a little chemical cleaner. When it comes to removing algae from your roof, you can opt to buy cleaning products from your local hardware store; you can also opt for the safer option of making your own solution. Simply make a cleaning solution by mixing water, bleach, and trisodium phosphate before pouring it into a pump-type garden sprayer.

After wetting the roof with the solution, let it remain there for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with a hose. However, keep in mind that going up your roof to do this can be a hazardous task so consider enlisting the assistance of roof repair and maintenance experts to get the job done.

Alternatively, if you have asphalt shingles, and you have plans of replacing them, consider installing shingles that have GAF’s StainGuard Plus™. Compared to other asphalt shingles with older layered technology, shingles with the StainGuard Plus time-release technology have specially engineered capsules that are infused into the roof itself, ready to be activated once it comes into contact with moisture to combat blue-green algae.

How to Prevent Blue-Green Algae Growth

On the other hand, if you want to prevent blue-green algae from growing on your roof again, simply have your roofing experts install a strip of copper- or zinc-coated sheet metal along the sides of your roof just below the ridge. This is because both copper and galvanized steel can be toxic to algae, preventing it from growing on your roof.

Planning to conduct some work on your roof soon? Simply turn to Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors, your leading service provider when it comes to roofing and home exterior renovations. Give us a call at (904) 404-7221, or fill out our contact form to get a FREE quote.

6 Signs You’re Dealing With a Waterproofing Issue

6 Signs You’re Dealing With a Waterproofing Issue

Oct 17, 2019 | Roofing, waterproofing and exteriors

You must keep your basement in good shape to protect it against the elements. This can be made possible through basement waterproofing. Unfortunately, some homeowners completely disregard doing this, which can cause major problems for the home.

  1. Rust – If you have any furniture with metal features or photos hanging by nails in your basement, make sure to check them every now and then. If you notice that the nails are becoming rusty or patches of rust are appearing in places where there is metal, it means that you’re dealing with a waterproofing issue, and you should have it rectified immediately.
  1. Bugs – Insects love turning cool, moist, and dark environments into their breeding grounds. If you notice that insects are making their home in your basement, you don’t need to increase your extermination efforts; it’s likely you need to get your basement waterproofed.
  1. Mold – Mold in your basement is a telltale sign that you’re facing a basement waterproofing issue. If there’s mold, it means there’s water seeping into the area, allowing it to grow and spread. With that in mind, once you spot mold, call an expert to check the extent of the damage, and waterproof your basement to prevent this in the future.
  1. Watermarks – You’ll be able to tell that water is seeping down your basement walls if you notice a few watermarks. Once this happens, you need to call a professional immediately to prevent the water from causing damage to the whole foundation.
  1. Cracks – Cracks on your basement’s floors and walls mean that there’s a potential water seepage problem. To prevent it from wreaking havoc in your home, get the basement waterproofed as soon as possible. If you don’t have the funds to waterproof the entire room, just waterproof the affected section until you can have the rest done.
  1. Musty Odor – On the other hand, if the water seepage doesn’t seem visible, make sure there are no odors. If you smell a musty odor in your basement, it means that the room needs to be waterproofed as water has been seeping there over the years.

Planning a roof repair project? Then turn to Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors. When it comes to roofing and waterproofing services, we are your leading provider. Give us a call at (904) 404-7221, or fill out our contact form to get a free quote.

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