Special offer

What Are The Dark Streaks On My Roof?

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty

Is this a question you've wondered about from time to time?  Whether it was happening on your roof or someone else's?  Well, ask no more.  Here's what our friendly neighborhood home inspector, Jim Schwarz of Center Grove Real Estate Inspections had to say:

Dark streaks on your roof are algae growth.  This typically shows on the North or East exposures of the roof surface that stay cooler and more damp than the sun exposed surfaces.

These streaks are also an indication that the roof is beginning to approach its latter stages of useful life.  As the algae grows, it begins to harden the shingle, making it brittle and more susceptible to damage.

This damage will show up as granule loss, which will then expose the mat of the shingle to more heat and weather.  Over time, the degradation of the roof will accelerate.

Roofs like this should be monitored bi-annually to find necessary repairs and to best determine the point of eventual replacement. 

Great insight...thanks Jim!

This information was originally posted at:  www.iShopGreenwood.com

Comments (2)

Anonymous
Gideon

I was looking at your comments and thought I would add my own two cents here. It is possible to increase curb appeal and slow the effect that mold and mildew has upon a roof. I have seen roofs less than 15 years old having the same problem. As a roofshampoo(Tm) dealer in southeast PA, I am constantly turning the black, green and moss covered roofs back to almost brand new cosmetic condition through proper cleaning methods. This really helps houses sell well for my Real Estate friends that recommend this type of service. IT CAN BE DONE> Don't prematurely re-roof when just a cleaning by an experienced professional(WHOEVER THAT MIGHT BE IN YOUR PART OF THE COUNTRY) is all that's needed. What do you think?

Apr 16, 2009 07:59 AM
#1
Shawna Ebersole
Keller Williams Realty - Greenwood, IN
Greenwood, IN Real Estate

I completely agree.....sounds like a great thing to consider.  Thanks so much for reminding us of this!

Apr 16, 2009 01:10 PM