What causes roof shingle discoloration?

Algae Growth on Asphalt Shingles Algae growth may cause discoloration on roofs resulting in brown or black streaks on a rooftop. Algae may be mistaken for soot, dirt, or tree droppings, most of which typically produce only localized discoloration.

How do you clean discolored shingles?

A mixture of trisodium phosphate (TSP), bleach, and water will also remove stains. Oxygen bleach lightens stains as well and is less harmful to the environment, but it doesn’t produce as immediate or dramatic an effect as chlorine bleach.

Do roof shingles lighten over time?

Asphalt shingles do indeed fade, but the rate at which they lose color can vary, especially when it comes to shade. Dark gray shingles will fade to lighter grays more easily than shingles that start out in lighter shades. If you want your shingle color to last, try to pick out lighter colors.

How do you fix a discolored roof?

If everything looks okay and you or your roofing professional feel you do not need to replace any metal components, stains from the roofing materials can be treated with vinegar or oxalic acid. This helps to protect the metal components from further rust damage.

Can you pressure wash roof shingles?

NEVER aim your pressure washer up the roof, as it can push water under the shingles. Spraying water under your shingles can both tear off the shingles and force water under them and into your home. Cover a few shingles at a time, and move the wand slightly closer to the surface as more power is needed.

Will vinegar damage asphalt shingles?

Q: I have moss on my roof, little green plants. A: The insurer should have told you that moss on the roof can cause the shingles to decay, but that will take a long, long time. Yes, vinegar will kill the plants, because vinegar is like acid rain, which can damage any green living thing. Bleach will also kill it.

Will bleach damage asphalt shingles?

Chlorine bleach / TSP chemical combination can kill plants, and the phosphates hurt the environment. Chlorine bleach also dries out a shingle roof causing curling, and ultimately shortening asphalt roof shingles life.

Which is better light or dark roof shingles?

The Temperature Light shingles fair better in warmer weather, as light colors tend to deflect sunlight and keep your house cooler. Dark shingles are the opposite; they absorb heat, which makes them excellent for colder climates. They also tend to make snow melt much more quickly.

Do dark shingles make house hotter?

Black and dark-colored roofs. In general, dark-colored roofing materials will absorb the heat and cause your attic and/or the top of your house to be warmer than a lighter colored material.

Will bleach damage roof shingles?

Is it bad to pressure wash roof?

Using too much pressure when washing a roof can loosen the granules on shingles, causing those tiles to become thin and brittle. You can even loosen old and loose shingles or blow shingles right off a roof with too much pressure from a power washer!