Dark stains on the roofs, particular on asphalt shingles, are normally caused by algae growth. These are generally found in hot and humid places. While they do not affect the structural integrity of the home and roof damage can only be minimal, these black streaks are not pleasing to look at. If you are planning to sell your house, the stains do not help to notch up the price.

If you have algae problem on your roofs, there are simple solutions to remove the dark stains and prevent the recurrence of algae growth on your roofs.

Removing Existing Algae from the Roof

1. Safety Precautions. Before starting work, make sure that you are properly equipped for the task. Wear shoes with good traction to keep from slipping on the roof. Observe caution when working on steep-angled roofs and protect your eyes and exposed skin from harmful chemicals.

2. Clean with Bleach and Chemicals. Cleaning removes algae on the roof. To prevent algae from recurring, follow periodic cleaning schedule using water mixed with equal amount of bleach. Special products specifically created to remove algae from roofs, including asphalt shingles, are also very effective. Be conservative though in the usage of harsh chemicals that could damage the roof when used repeatedly. Cleaning on a cloudy day is preferable because cleaning fluids could evaporate quickly on hot and sunny days.

3. Replace the Roof. You can replace your roof with new materials if the old ones are already damaged or worn out and need replacement. This will effectively remove algae from the roof but it could prove costly since you will be replacing the entire roof.

Preventing the Formation of Algae

1. Copper Granules. Manufacturers of roofing materials now include copper granules in the manufacture of roofing products. Asphalt shingles with copper contents are available. The resulting shingles are resistant to algae and are marketed by manufacturers as such. Use this type of shingle if you reside in an area with known algae infestation.

2. Copper and Zinc. These two metals are toxic to algae. To prevent algae formation, you can install zinc or copper metal sheets on both sides of the roof just below the ridge. Galvanized metal sheets are more economical than copper but work just as well. Rains will wash down some of the copper or zinc metal on the roof, which kills the algae it comes in contact with. Zinc metal strips specially made to prevent algae are also available.

Atlanta, similar to other southeastern US cities, experiences abundant rainfall throughout the year. Although a direct hurricane hit is rare, the city is struck with several tropical storms of varying strengths.

Residents of Atlanta should always prepare their homes against storms since weather in the city can be unpredictable and disaster could strike anytime. Preparedness is the key to avoid serious damage to your homes, particularly the roof that bears the force of bad weather.

Preparing your roof against storm is not a last-minute task. Most preparations require work to be made weeks in advance of any impending storm in Atlanta. Failure to prepare could mean your roof tearing off and causing not only heavy damage to your property but also endangering the safety of your family. Consider these useful tips in preventing damage to your roof and avoiding costly repairs.

Seal Your Roof

Storms invariably bring a lot of water with them, which could damage your home if it manages to seep through. Prepare for the effects of storms by waterproofing your roof decks. You can use a sticky tape to seal seams on the deck. You can also use sticky membrane layering to cover the entire roof deck. An alternative but equally effective material is polyurethane foam.

Extra Strength Roof Shingles

Wind resistant roof shingles are available in the market that can withstand winds of more than 100 miles per hour. These are specifically designed to stay in place during storms and not fly off from the strong winds, thus protecting your home and keeping it safe and dry.

Reinforce your Roof Deck

Roof decks are very vulnerable to bad weather. In fact, your roof deck may not be properly fastened to the trusses and rafters in such way as to withstand the strong winds that accompany storms. To make sure that your roof decks stay in place even during extremely bad weather, use strong adhesives to bond the deck to the trusses and rafters in addition to the common nail fasteners.

Use Straps and Clips

In standard home construction, trusses and rafters are normally fastened directly to the top plates of the structure. During a storm or hurricane, however, this method is not enough to keep your roof in place. The intense winds will rip your roof off your house dealing extensive damage to your home. You can prevent this by reinforcing the roof using metal straps and clips to secure the trusses and rafters to the structure.

Ever slipped a little while walking on a roof? Maybe even, briefly, thought about roofing shoes?

Take a quick, twenty-second look, here, to see what can happen if you fall.

Whether or not you watched the video, you’re likely to agree that safe shoes or boots for roofing are an essential tools-of-the-trade investment for roofing contractors.

The cost of the footwear is minimal, compared to what you could end up spending if you fall. Best of all, the shoes might even save your life. By wearing safety shoes, you may avoid costly medical bills, being off workbecause of an injury and most importantly, leaving behind family members to grieve the loss of a loved one.

The solution is simple. Anytime there’s roof damage that requires commercial roof repair, it’s each professional roofer’s responsibility to work safely. Wearing safety footwear isn’t optional, it’s necessary. With proper sole grip on your shoes or boots, moving around on a roof poses less danger, especially on steeper slopes.

Shoe or Boot Options for Roofing Safety

When it comes to footwear that keeps you safe while working on a roof, you have a few effective options to choose from, depending on your preference and budget. Choose from an attachable boot add-on (for boots with gripper soles) that has interchangeable foam or spike pads, made to keep you on your feet, or shoes and boots designed specifically for roofing professionals. These safety work shoes are versatile, having a business casual look, but also having the performance of a rugged work companion with traction sole construction that keeps you from falling.

Additional Benefits of Safety Shoes for Roofing

Walking on a roof can be a balancing act at times. Safety shoes for roofing have a special design to help each step a roofer takes be a steady one. And, no matter if it’s pinnacle shingles or pro panel roofing that needs repair in extremely hot weather, safety shoes for roofing have a stay dry lining that pulls moisture away from the roofer’s feet.

Roofers bend and squat a lot, too. That’s why shoes made for roofing have flexibility and durability, to keep soles from cracking or tearing. And, talk about being on your feet all day, roofers seem to live in their shoes. Thankfully, manufacturers of roofing footwear made sure to add the cushioning and support needed to do the job comfortably. Stain resistance is another way that manufacturers have constructed these shoes to make a lasting impression for the life of the shoe.

Having the right equipment for roof repair is crucial in providing quality workmanship. Roofing professionals with an outstanding reputation know this to be true. They’d never put a nail where a staple should go if it caused a shoddy look. The same goes for roofing shoes; they’re a necessary tool for the job. Without them, a roofer has to work harder to stay safe, feel less comfort than necessary and be at greater risk than any one who loves him ever wishes he would.