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What Is The “Black Stuff” on My Roof?

Find out more about the destructive fungus that grows on many roofs in South Carolina.

Do you remember the first time you looked up at your roof and noticed those UGLY black stains appearing on your shingles? Do you remember how you felt when you saw it slowly spreading across your roof? Have you ever wondered how this can be happening and what is causing it?

You are not alone! This is a common problem found in the Southeast. In the South’s hot and humid climate, it seems inevitable that a fungus will actually begin to grow on your shingles leaving behind those UGLY stains. Like all fungi, they multiply by microscopic spores that float through the air. After landing on a hospitable surface they begin to germinate. The spores that settle on the northern exposure of the roof typically stand a better chance of survival because it is normally the last part of the roof to dry after rain or morning dew. Once the sun heats the roof, the moisture trapped around the base of the granules begins evaporating. This raises the humidity on the surface of the shingles, thus creating a perfect breeding environment for fungi. The tar used in the manufacture of asphalt shingles is fossilized, dead organic matter. This is the specific food source needed to support saprophytic fungus. These fungi feed on dead organic matter decomposing and destroying the host they are living on.

A roof covered with fungus will absorb more heat due to its black pigmentation. Convection stored in upper levels of the home is unable to dissipate heat due to the insulating factors inherent with fungus. These factors will result in higher utility bills. Studies have revealed as much as 10 to 20 degree decrease in the under roof temperature after the fungus has been removed. There can be a noticeable difference in your electric bill if the change in your attic temperature reduces the in-home temperature by just a few degrees.

Besides making your roof look old, studies indicate a decrease in the life of the shingles because of the granule loss. Also, the mold and fungus spores from your roof can be tracked into your home. For those suffering from allergies, this could be a real problem. The roof area generally represents 40-50 percent of the total front elevation. If fungus is covering this much area, it will certainly create a major impact on the overall appearance of the home. Fungus covered roofs are unsightly and make your home look prematurely old.

Replacing your roof is not an option. Environmental Studies show that if you replace your roof, you could see the black stuff back on your roof as early as six (6) months – even with fungus resistant shingles.

So How Do You Get Rid of the Stains and Stop the Fungus From Destroying Your Roof?

CALL — Brite Roof: 864-828-3582

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