There are different types of roofing materials, all of them with their own pros and cons. You have your choice of slate, tile, or metal roofing. But the most popular roofing material in the U.S. is still the asphalt shingle roofing system.
Asphalt roofs have come a long way, with manufacturers developing and introducing new technologies to make their products better in many ways. They look and perform better than their older counterparts.
Despite the technologies that make asphalt shingles more durable and better-looking, however, one of the biggest challenges to these shingles — staining — is still common.
What Causes Roof Stains?
Gloeocapsa magma, or blue-green algae, is the usual culprit behind the stains you see on asphalt shingle roofs. This type of algae grows a dark, hard coating as protection from UV rays. That’s the part that you see when you look at the stain.
These algae are so light and tiny that they can be carried by the wind, so it only takes one roof in your neighborhood to have the stains and you and your other neighbors will soon have stained roofs too. These algae won’t damage your residential roofing system, but they can definitely make it look old and dirty.
Is There a Roof That’s Safe From Stains?
As a matter of fact, you can find asphalt shingles that resist algal growth far better than others. GAF, the biggest roofing material manufacturer in the U.S., offers StainGuard® Plus™.
There are copper and zinc strips that you can buy and install on the ridge of your roof. The strips leach copper or zinc to your roof to help fight the growth of blue-green algae.
GAF StainGuard Plus shingles, however, have embedded copper capsules. With StainGuard Plus Time Release Algae-Fighting Technology, your roof can resist algae growth much longer than if you installed copper or zinc strips. The granules release copper when they receive moisture from the morning dew or light rain.
GAF StainGuard Plus comes with a 25-year limited warranty.
Let’s talk about the right roofing system for you. Get in touch with Cantrell Roofing, LLC, for roof maintenance or installation. Call us today at (903) 848-9494 (Canton), (903) 848-9494 (Burleson), (903) 848-9494 (Sherman) or (903) 848-9494 (Tyler). You can also fill out this form for a free consultation.
