“…has led to earlier roof replacements, lowered property resale values, insurance companies canceling policies and increased utility costs as the black stained roofing draws in more heat.” –\u00a0Contractors Foundation<\/span><\/h3>\nOrganic based… hmm…. what does this mean? What does that have to do with our roof getting dirty. \u00a0Well, like a pig goes to the mud, the little bacteria spore that is floating around the world from the foundations of time, loves to EAT YOUR ROOF SHINGLES! \u00a0That’s right… our shingles were being eaten alive!<\/p>\n
We began our funeral preparations.<\/p>\n
It’s\u00a0a cyanobacteria (green or blue bacteria) called\u00a0Gloeocapsa magma<\/a>\u00a0 (GM)<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/i>This particular type of cyanobacteria is responsible for creating black stains and streaks on roofs.[1]<\/a><\/sup> The bacteria accumulate over time as it feeds on moisture and calcium carbonate.[2]<\/a><\/sup> This accumulation begins to show the black stains as the cyanobacteria develop their dark and hard UV<\/a>-protective outer coating. \u00a0-Wikipedia<\/i><\/p>\nOver time, Gloeocapsa magma breaks down the shingles by feeding off of the limestone granules embedded in the shingles.<\/strong> This decreases a roof’s ability to reflect ultra-violet rays of light and shortens the life of the roof.<\/p>\n“Once the bacteria have become noticeable, the stains will continue to worsen year to year. As the bacterial colony grows, gravity pulls it downward, resulting in the smear-like stain down roofs.[3]<\/a><\/sup> Most “experts” within the subject area conclude the bacteria to be harmful, if left untreated, as the growth holds moisture within shingles causing premature aging, rotting, and\/or granule loss.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe buildup of GM<\/strong>\u00a0on residential properties has led to earlier roof replacements, lowered property resale values, insurance companies canceling policies and increased utility costs as the black stained roofing draws in more heat. \u2032Contractors Foundation\u2032”<\/p>\nWhat to do? \u00a0What to do? for Heaven’s sake!<\/p>\n
We wanted our roof, not only free from this ugly bacteria, but sound and affordable, also<\/p>\n
Replace the roof, right? \u00a0Not always…\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nWe considered the costs… Typically, the cost to replace would have been between\u00a0$5000 -$10000 depending on the square footage of our home and possibly the following:<\/h4>\n\n- The Preparation<\/li>\n
- The Materials<\/li>\n
- The Labor<\/li>\n
- Enhancement and improvement costs\n
\n- Skylights<\/li>\n
- Solar<\/li>\n
- GSW Logo … just kidding!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
(We did have some shingles that needed repaired and\/or replaced for the record) Remember the fruitless mulberry tree?<\/p>\n
So, back to the research…<\/p>\n
Power Wash(PW)… right<\/strong>? \u00a0 WRONG! \u00a0Especially not on an Asphalt roof.<\/strong><\/h4>\nPower Washing<\/strong>\u00a0may damage or\u00a0dislodge the loose “organic granules” already on their last legs and ready to find it final resting place down the roof, into the gutter, and then meet the “itsy-bitsy spider” in the downspout.<\/p>\nI then found that EVERY<\/strong> roof type, whether Asphalt Shingle, Wood or Shake Shingle , Metal Shingle, Slate Shingle, or Tile Shingle<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>all have something in common, other than keeping rain out of your home...<\/strong> it will have GM<\/em>\u00a0growing on it and slowly destroying the beauty, life expectancy, and UV functionality of your roof.<\/strong><\/p>\nIt has to be eradicated or remove the shingles… either or!<\/p>\n
Back to PW. \u00a0In some cases, PW will be used to clean tile, concrete, and metal shingles, but it only gives the shingle an “HAIRCUT”. \u00a0It buzzes the top off, removes the top layer, but doesn’t always kill the root of the bacteria growing on the shingle. \u00a0High pressure force feeds the water into the nooks and crannies of the shingle and actually “FEEDS” the plant the precious nutrient of WATER. \u00a0So, we’ve found out that, in this CA Drought, that the Moss, Lichen, Algae, and GM\u00a0<\/strong>like the DELTA SMELT<\/a><\/strong>, laying dormant in the hot Northern Californian Climate, only to awaken and emerge victorious with the first precious droplet of the dew from HEAVEN or something like that.<\/p>\nPW also uses High Pressure<\/strong> (1500-3500 PSI), a lot of water and the only way to clean the roof is to walk on it that may cause damage to the roof. \u00a0This method is usually \u00a0inexpensive, temporarily effective with immediate results, but plan on paying next year to schedule another “Haircut”.<\/p>\nPW near lakes and streams are recommended by not always the best choice because of the reasons above.<\/p>\n
We considered (DIY) doing it ourselves with the products from the big box stores… Um.. the commercials for this stuff are great, \u00a0but figuring out which is best for you, what are the active ingredients, is the mix correct, AND how will it affect my plants, animals, kids, deck, fence and lawn furniture that now is rusty and staining my back patio?<\/p>\n
Stick to the Professional! \u00a0We learned the hard way! We’ll miss that rose bush!<\/p>\n
Another method we found was Soft-Washing<\/strong> \u00a0(SW). \u00a0This is the method that we chose because, although a little bit more expensive, it was well worth it, because, not only are there immediate results, but we were assured that, professionally done, it would last for 3-5 years.<\/p>\nSW<\/strong>\u00a0only uses between NINE to FORTY\u00a0PSI. \u00a0This Non-Pressure application reduces destruction to the shingle and completely eradicates the bacteria.<\/p>\nThe formula of “Electrified”\u00a0Salt Water (SH), Amine Salts\u00a0and Soaps penetrates the “hiding spots” of the GM and Bacteria killing it on contact and even preventing it from growing back for years to come. \u00a0As a precaution and reassurance to the homeowner, the SW technician will make sure\u00a0that all plants, shrubs, and trees are well watered or protected from the PH balanced solution by the time it safely meets the spiders\u00a0in the downspout.\u00a0 (see FAQ<\/a> page)<\/p>\nSo, \u00a0that’s our\u00a0story. We learned a lot about our home, our city and community as a whole. \u00a0We found out that Sacramento homes are infested with this GM cyanobacteria that will enventually do more harm than good to a homeowners pocketbook in the long run. \u00a0 We’d like to help educate others of what needs to be done to revitalize their roof and bring it back to like new status. \u00a0We know eventually, we will have to repair or add another layer of shingles but, we never did have\u00a0the Funeral for our Roof. We never tore it off \u00a0or \u00a0replaced it, \u00a0but because we did a little research, we only spent a few hundred dollars instead of a few thousand.<\/p>\n
Restore or Remove? \u00a0 \u00a0Restore!<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
Over time, Gloeocapsa magma breaks down the shingles by feeding off of the limestone granules embedded in the shingles.<\/strong> This decreases a roof’s ability to reflect ultra-violet rays of light and shortens the life of the roof.<\/p>\n “Once the bacteria have become noticeable, the stains will continue to worsen year to year. As the bacterial colony grows, gravity pulls it downward, resulting in the smear-like stain down roofs.[3]<\/a><\/sup> Most “experts” within the subject area conclude the bacteria to be harmful, if left untreated, as the growth holds moisture within shingles causing premature aging, rotting, and\/or granule loss.<\/strong><\/p>\n The buildup of GM<\/strong>\u00a0on residential properties has led to earlier roof replacements, lowered property resale values, insurance companies canceling policies and increased utility costs as the black stained roofing draws in more heat. \u2032Contractors Foundation\u2032”<\/p>\n What to do? \u00a0What to do? for Heaven’s sake!<\/p>\n We wanted our roof, not only free from this ugly bacteria, but sound and affordable, also<\/p>\n Replace the roof, right? \u00a0Not always…\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n (We did have some shingles that needed repaired and\/or replaced for the record) Remember the fruitless mulberry tree?<\/p>\n So, back to the research…<\/p>\n Power Washing<\/strong>\u00a0may damage or\u00a0dislodge the loose “organic granules” already on their last legs and ready to find it final resting place down the roof, into the gutter, and then meet the “itsy-bitsy spider” in the downspout.<\/p>\n I then found that EVERY<\/strong> roof type, whether Asphalt Shingle, Wood or Shake Shingle , Metal Shingle, Slate Shingle, or Tile Shingle<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>all have something in common, other than keeping rain out of your home...<\/strong> it will have GM<\/em>\u00a0growing on it and slowly destroying the beauty, life expectancy, and UV functionality of your roof.<\/strong><\/p>\n It has to be eradicated or remove the shingles… either or!<\/p>\n Back to PW. \u00a0In some cases, PW will be used to clean tile, concrete, and metal shingles, but it only gives the shingle an “HAIRCUT”. \u00a0It buzzes the top off, removes the top layer, but doesn’t always kill the root of the bacteria growing on the shingle. \u00a0High pressure force feeds the water into the nooks and crannies of the shingle and actually “FEEDS” the plant the precious nutrient of WATER. \u00a0So, we’ve found out that, in this CA Drought, that the Moss, Lichen, Algae, and GM\u00a0<\/strong>like the DELTA SMELT<\/a><\/strong>, laying dormant in the hot Northern Californian Climate, only to awaken and emerge victorious with the first precious droplet of the dew from HEAVEN or something like that.<\/p>\n PW also uses High Pressure<\/strong> (1500-3500 PSI), a lot of water and the only way to clean the roof is to walk on it that may cause damage to the roof. \u00a0This method is usually \u00a0inexpensive, temporarily effective with immediate results, but plan on paying next year to schedule another “Haircut”.<\/p>\n PW near lakes and streams are recommended by not always the best choice because of the reasons above.<\/p>\n We considered (DIY) doing it ourselves with the products from the big box stores… Um.. the commercials for this stuff are great, \u00a0but figuring out which is best for you, what are the active ingredients, is the mix correct, AND how will it affect my plants, animals, kids, deck, fence and lawn furniture that now is rusty and staining my back patio?<\/p>\n Stick to the Professional! \u00a0We learned the hard way! We’ll miss that rose bush!<\/p>\n Another method we found was Soft-Washing<\/strong> \u00a0(SW). \u00a0This is the method that we chose because, although a little bit more expensive, it was well worth it, because, not only are there immediate results, but we were assured that, professionally done, it would last for 3-5 years.<\/p>\n SW<\/strong>\u00a0only uses between NINE to FORTY\u00a0PSI. \u00a0This Non-Pressure application reduces destruction to the shingle and completely eradicates the bacteria.<\/p>\n The formula of “Electrified”\u00a0Salt Water (SH), Amine Salts\u00a0and Soaps penetrates the “hiding spots” of the GM and Bacteria killing it on contact and even preventing it from growing back for years to come. \u00a0As a precaution and reassurance to the homeowner, the SW technician will make sure\u00a0that all plants, shrubs, and trees are well watered or protected from the PH balanced solution by the time it safely meets the spiders\u00a0in the downspout.\u00a0 (see FAQ<\/a> page)<\/p>\n So, \u00a0that’s our\u00a0story. We learned a lot about our home, our city and community as a whole. \u00a0We found out that Sacramento homes are infested with this GM cyanobacteria that will enventually do more harm than good to a homeowners pocketbook in the long run. \u00a0 We’d like to help educate others of what needs to be done to revitalize their roof and bring it back to like new status. \u00a0We know eventually, we will have to repair or add another layer of shingles but, we never did have\u00a0the Funeral for our Roof. We never tore it off \u00a0or \u00a0replaced it, \u00a0but because we did a little research, we only spent a few hundred dollars instead of a few thousand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nWe considered the costs… Typically, the cost to replace would have been between\u00a0$5000 -$10000 depending on the square footage of our home and possibly the following:<\/h4>\n
\n
\n
Power Wash(PW)… right<\/strong>? \u00a0 WRONG! \u00a0Especially not on an Asphalt roof.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Restore or Remove? \u00a0 \u00a0Restore!<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.californiamosscontrol.com\/nomoss\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/NoMossSoftWash_LOGO-RGB-Small-1-300x300.jpg\"){kind=logo}
<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"