What is Gloeocapsa Magma and What Can You Do About It?

The Dark Spots and Streaks on Your Shingles Aren’t “Just Dirt”

If you own a home or a business (or both), chances are pretty good that you have a roof. Here in Southwest Pennsylvania, you’ll see traditional asphalt shingles, terra cotta tiles, slate, and a variety of metal roofing systems.

What do they all have in common?

All of these roofing systems can become a breeding ground for Gloeocapsa Magma, a blue-green algae that rides in on the wind to set up shop wherever it finds warmth and moisture.

You’ve probably noticed that some houses have pronounced black streaks or large areas of dark discoloration on the roof whenever you’re driving down the road. But Gloeocapsa Magma can affect more than the aesthetics of your roof. If left unchecked, it can cause other, more serious problems.

Gloeocapsa Magma: Know Your Enemy

What is Gloeocapsa Magma?

Technically, it is a type of bacteria rather than a true fungus. Specifically, it is a type of blue-green algae that develops protective pigmentation to shield itself from harsh UV rays. The dark, protective pigment is what you’re seeing when you see dark streaks or patches on your roof.

The good news is that knowing what Gleocapsa Magma is makes getting rid of it quick, easy, and affordable. A combination of a strong antimicrobial cleaning agent and low-pressure rinsing can remove the problem to leave your roof looking as good as new.

What Happens if Gloeocapsa Magma Goes Untreated?

The effect of dark streaks and stains on your roof to the curb appeal of your home or business is obvious enough. But you’re probably wondering if the algae can do harm to more than the look of your roof.

If the algae establishes itself on your roof and goes untreated for an extended period of time, it can cause problems beyond the unsightly streaks and splotches.

Because it is so dark, Gloeocapsa Magma holds heat.

That means that in the summertime, your house has the equivalent of an electric blanket covering it up and making it warmer even as you spend money on your utility bills trying to keep your home cool.

Gloeocapsa Magma also holds moisture.

Holding moisture against your shingles and the underlying structure of your roof can promote the growth of mold, moss, and lichens. It can also promote rot in the structural elements of your roof.

Finally, it’s worth noting that the algae can do significant harm, including the loss of granules and accelerated softening of shingles. If it is left unchecked, it can be a primary cause of premature failure of your roofing system.

What Can You Do About Those Dark Streaks and Splotches on Your Roof?

Newer lines of premium shingles have antibacterial properties to prevent the growth of Gloeocapsa Magma. But if you’re years or decades away from being due for a new roof, you’re probably looking for a more affordable and less disruptive solution.

Compared to the cost of a full roof replacement, the cost of annual or biannual roof washing is a drop in the bucket.

When you partner with a professional exterior cleaning service, you can expect to get a complete roof wash in just a few hours.

The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) recommends low-pressure soft washing for shingled roofs. They recommend using a solution of 4 to 6% Sodium Hypochlorite to kill Gloeocapsa Magma, clean your shingles, and prevent regrowth.

What to Look for When You’re Looking for a Roof Wash

If you’re thinking that your home or business could use a good cleaning, you might be wondering how to go about finding qualified professionals to do the work.

The first thing to look for when you’re researching exterior cleaning service companies is verification that the company is licensed and insured.

Having the right coverage, protection, and professional qualifications is a good starting point, but you should also consider whether the company you’re looking at is one that you’ll enjoy working with.

At So Clean Solutions, we prefer to start the process with an onsite evaluation. That gives us a chance to get a better sense of the challenges we’ll face when we perform the cleaning. It also gives us a chance to listen to your goals for the project, ask questions, and offer recommendations based on our experience.

Once we determine the services you want and need, we prepare a detailed estimate and submit it to you for approval. That gives you a chance to review the plan and ensure that it will deliver the results you’re looking for and align with the budget you have for the project.

We want all of our customers to be excited about working with us and excited about the results. Our goal is to provide a level of service that leaves you feeling like you got more than your money’s worth.

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