#STREAK SMARTS HOW TO#

If you’re going to wash off black algae, avoid using a power washer, which can damage your roof shingles. Your roofing system needs to be handled carefully so it lasts as long as possible. Now that you know roof algae can potentially cause problems-and it’s certainly not going to improve if you ignore it-you may be thinking, “Can’t I just scrub it off?” Well, you can if you’re very careful about how you do it. Can You Clean Black Streaks off Your Roofing? And if you have cedar roof shakes-or even wood siding near the roof-the algae can support the growth of moss and mildew, leading to wood rot. Removing the algae can potentially wear down your shingles, especially if you’re walking atop your roof and using tools that aren’t ideal for roof care as you try to scrape the black goop off.īut leaving the algae unchecked can allow it to build up even more, which may weaken your roofing and lessen its lifespan.

#STREAK SMARTS HOW TO#

Beyond that, there’s some debate about how to deal with the issue. Without a doubt, black roof algae can diminish your home’s curb appeal. Do You Need to Remove Roof Algae? Is It Harmful? Add to that the humidity and warmth common in many areas, including Kansas City, and you’ve got a recipe for roof algae to multiply until it appears as unmistakable black and brown streaks across your roofing.

This type of algae feeds on limestone, and unfortunately, today’s roofing shingles are composed with a filler that contains limestone in it. It can spread through the air from house to house, so if you see this issue on a neighbor’s home, you’ll likely discover it on yours as well. It’s also common in areas that have a lot of mature trees. When your roofing shows splotchy, black marks, the culprit is an algae called Gloeocaspa Magma -a substance that tends to grow on north-facing and west-facing roof shingles. What Exactly Is This Black Stuff on Your Roof? Here’s why you’re seeing these unsightly marks and what to do about them. These black streaks are definitely unattractive and frustrating. If so, you’re facing what many homeowners have asked our roofing professionals about. And you’re wondering if it means you’re dealing with a serious roof problem. Ugly, black streaks are marring its appearance. The committee meets quarterly and on an as-needed basis to review, develop and approve the Street Smarts action plan, program budgets, marketing plans, and financial plan.You’ve pulled into your driveway, glanced up at your roof, and discovered-to your dismay!-that it looks discolored. Serving on the Street Smarts Program Advisory Committee are members of the public agency partners and interested parties. The program has been promoted throughout the San Ramon Valley through a brand awareness campaign, community events, school activities and discussions, neighborhood initiatives, corporate sponsorships, banners and more. The purpose is to supplement, and complement the ongoing efforts involving engineering and enforcement. Street Smarts brings education to the equation. The purpose is to address traffic safety problems at its source: in the minds of drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. The program is intended to grow and evolve as new issues relating to traffic safety surfaces. The program expanded in 2005 to reach middle school students and in 2007, high school students. In its first year, the Street Smarts Program launched efforts targeted to the elementary school population through a Poster Contest. Realizing that traffic incidents do not stop at political borders, the San Ramon Valley community came together to create the Street Smarts program. Street Smarts was created in 2004 following the tragic deaths of three San Ramon Valley children in two separate traffic-related accidents. Street Smarts History – Rallying Behind a Cause

Streak smarts