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What's with those roof stains?

roof streaks

Notice the roof on this home? See the dark stains that appear to be flowing downward?

This is a common occurrence in central Ohio, especially in homes over 5-6 years old. Buyers often think the roof is bad and in need of replacement. This may not be the case.

Many times the streaks are simply caused by an algae that grows only on the northern side of the roof where sunlight doesn't penetrate. (it's similar to moss growing on the north side of trees). It may be more prevalent in wooded areas as Cardinal well. Some experts say bird droppings provide the environment for the algae to grow.

There are companies that can solve the problem and make the roof look like new again. To correct and clean the roof, they spray-wash the roof with a special mixture that kills the algae. The cost for this procedure is far less than the cost of a new roof.

If you are a buyer and drive-by such a home, don't automatically assume it has a bad roof. It may just need a good cleaning. If you are a seller and your roof has these streaks, you'll improve your curb appeal by having the roof washed prior to putting your home on the market.

If you would like more information on the Central Ohio area,
then I recommend these links to pages on my web site or blog:

Average central Ohio home prices by school district - updated monthly
Average central Ohio home prices by suburb subdivisions - updated monthly
View a list of Central Ohio new home builders
Powell Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
Lewis Center Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
Dublin Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
Worthington Ohio area map
Hilliard Ohio area map
ElaineReese.com for lots of helpful info for home buyers and sellers
ReesesPiecesOfRealEstate.com (my blog) for more personalized info for buyers & sellers
View videos of Elaine's listings

This post and photos are the property of Elaine Reese, Real Living HER, Worthington Ohio 43085.All material and photos are considered copyrighted and may not be used, copied or stolen by any other parties. Plagiarism is against the law!

Posted by Elaine Reese, REALTOR® in central Ohio on 03/08/2007 09:28 PM

Comments (14)

central ohio, home for sale, buyers, sellers, home inspection, fixups for selling, olentangy living

14 Comments on What's with those roof stains?

Elaine,

I have noticed those streaks in our market where we get 100" of rain a year. Thanks for the heads up.

Fran

03/08/2007 09:35 PM

by Fran Gatti - Realtor® Crescent City CA Real Estate (RE/MAX Coastal Redwoods)

Your streaks might have a different cause - rain. Do you have companies that spray for it? I believe the companies here use a zinc mixture.

03/08/2007 09:48 PM

by Elaine Reese, REALTOR® in central Ohio (Real Living HER, Worthington Ohio)

The Cardinals are singing and the good part is we can enjoy 60 degree temps and maybe even take care of our roof stains. Life is good!

03/09/2007 05:35 PM

by Carole Cohen Realtor®, ePRO (Howard Hanna Cleveland City Office)

Wasn't the sun today wonderful!

03/09/2007 07:15 PM

by Elaine Reese, REALTOR® in central Ohio (Real Living HER, Worthington Ohio)

I didn't know that.

This just gives me one little tid bit of info that tuck away... and when I need it pull it out to help a seller know why their house looks the way it does.

Learning something new everyday in the rain... that's Me.

THANKS

03/10/2007 07:54 AM

by Craig Schiller (REAL ESTAGING, a nationally recognized leader in Staging.)

Craig, many of the homes in my neighborhood have these stains now. We have many trees and lots of people also feed the birds - me included. Whenever I see a bunch of birds sitting on the top of my roof, I think about the money they are going to cost me. Depending on roof size, I've heard the cleaning/treating cost is around $800. When the roof is cleaned, it looks like a brand new roof.

03/10/2007 08:01 AM

by Elaine Reese, REALTOR® in central Ohio (Real Living HER, Worthington Ohio)

Please do not power wash!

Read this article:

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tvprograms/asktoh/qaarticle/0,16588,401167,00.html

03/11/2007 10:16 AM

by Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI (Residential Building Inspectors)

OK, Mike, I changed the original post to be "spray-wash" rather than "power-wash". Thanks, for catching the semantics.

03/11/2007 12:41 PM

by Elaine Reese, REALTOR® in central Ohio (Real Living HER, Worthington Ohio)

This is a great informational post. Thanks for the tip.

03/11/2007 09:13 PM

by Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service)

To the two inspectors (Mike and Mark), I always cringe when a buyer thinks these streaks mean a new roof is required. Of course, an old roof can look similar, but if the streaks are only on the north, then it's a good sign it's the algae.

03/11/2007 10:43 PM

by Elaine Reese, REALTOR® in central Ohio (Real Living HER, Worthington Ohio)

Elaine,

It is nice to hear that you understand the difference between the two. I also appreciated the information on how to remedy the problem.

03/11/2007 10:49 PM

by Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service)

Regarding my last comment, we just closed on the home in the photo. Seller didn't have it cleaned before listing. When the buyer's agent called me to fax an offer (which was low) she said it was low because the home needed a new roof. So I had to explain to her that this 6 yr old home didn't need a new roof - that it was just algae. She's a new agent and didn't know. Wish new agents wouldn't jump to conclusions prior to having an inspection. DUH!

03/11/2007 11:03 PM

by Elaine Reese, REALTOR® in central Ohio (Real Living HER, Worthington Ohio)

Well Elaine, lets hope that the new agent has found out about active rain and joined. Maybe they will be able to learn from all of the great tips that are posted here. Thanks again for tips, and I wish you many happy sales.

03/12/2007 06:40 AM

by Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service)

Mark, I doubt that this agent will be joining AR as she's with a minimum-service broker and doesn't even have a web site.

03/12/2007 10:02 AM

by Elaine Reese, REALTOR® in central Ohio (Real Living HER, Worthington Ohio)

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