What are Those Black Streaks on My Roof?

What are Those Black Streaks on My Roof?

Posted by Texas Traditions on

The black streaks on your shingles don’t mean you need a new roof.

Black streaks running down your roof are a type of roof algae knowns as Gloeocapsa Magma. These pesky bacteria tend to cluster in groups and locate themselves typically on the north side of roofs where the lack of sun can stimulate their growth. They like to feed on limestone – a key filler ingredient in asphalt shingles.
What are Those Black Streaks on My Roof?
For the ones that are exposed to sunshine, they have a unique method of survival. According to the microbe wiki at Kenyon University, when exposed to strong sunlight, the bacteria forms a black/dark green sheath around itself as a form of protection from ultra-violet rays. The pigmented covering is what shows up as dark streaks on the roof.
You may have noticed that the stains don’t appear below any copper- or zinc-coated metal flashings that you may have on the roof around chimneys or vents. This is because the coating is toxic to the algae. Each time it rains, trace amounts of the metal are washed down the roof, preventing the growth in that area.
The bad news is that if your roof is plagued by algae, it’s not going to go away. Cleaning will remove the stains but they usually return. Repeated cleaning can actually cause damage to the shingles if harsh chemicals and power washing is used.
It is important to note that while these streaks are not pleasing to the eye, they do NOT affect the performance of your roofing system. We’ve heard reports that there are some not-so-honest contractors knocking on doors telling homeowners they need to replace their roof because of the streaks.
The good news is that shingle manufacturers have begun making shingles that are resistant to these algae. We offer GAF StainGuard Plus shingles with powerful algae resistance and a 25-year ltd. warranty against discoloration.  Since studies show that your roof can account for up to 40 percent of your home’s curb appeal, when it’s time to re-roof, consider choosing an algae-resistant shingle.
At Texas Traditions Roofing, we can advise you about options and systems that can meet your home’s needs. Schedule a free assessment today.

Pumpkin Spice is Back - That Means it’s Time for Fall Maintenance

Pumpkin Spice is Back – That Means it’s Time for Fall Maintenance

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After a long, hot summer, we’re ready for some cooler temperatures, fall foliage and of course, football!

It’s that time of year when everywhere you go, there is something pumpkin flavored to try – from lattes to pies and bread. Leaves will be falling and there is once again excitement on the football field under those Friday night lights.
Pumpkin Spice is Back - That Means it’s Time for Fall Maintenance
It’s also time to think about fall maintenance measures for your home – especially your roof and gutters. You might be thinking that it can’t be too hard to do it yourself by taking a look at your roof and cleaning out the gutters. But before you pull out the ladder, consider a few things first.
Hire a professional. It makes a lot of sense to hire a professional roofing contractor to provide a full roof and gutter inspection as the seasons change. A professional will inspect the roof and gutter systems to determine if there are any issues that can be addressed easily now, before they turn into a leak or a larger, more costly problem.
A homeowner with an untrained eye might not be able to spot a problem that would be recognized by a professional contractor. Whether an issue with the roofing material itself or with the gutters, problems are not always obvious.  This puts your roofing and gutter system, and your home, at risk.
Ladders can be dangerous to a casual user. Professional contractors follow very strict ladder safety guidelines and understand that this is critical to a safe and successful journey to the rooftop. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that falls from portable ladders are a leading cause of occupational fatalities and injuries – and these are professionals who use ladders every day.
A DIY’er certainly has the best intentions and may be hoping to save money by tackling the task themselves. Many good-intentioned homeowners end up injured due to improper use of the ladder and sometimes end up damaging the gutter by crushing it with the ladder. If you do insist on doing it yourself, please review OSHA’s Ladder Safety Quick Card. We want you to stay safe and uninjured.
Schedule a free evaluation. At Texas Traditions Roofing, we’re happy to perform a free evaluation and estimate to help you keep your home and its roof in top shape. Our trusted roof advisers are Haag certified in damage detection and will provide their honest opinion and recommendation on what is needed to protect your home throughout the winter. Schedule yours today.

What to Do if Your Roof is Leaking

What to Do if Your Roof is Leaking

Posted by Texas Traditions on

It means that the Texas Traditions Team is professionally trained in advanced damage assessment techniques.

In the roofing industry, the Haag name is very well known as a forensic engineering and consulting firm specializing in failure analysis, determining extent of damage and providing repair options.  They developed a certification program for roofing contractors where their engineers teach a three-day intensive training session.
What to Do if Your Roof is Leaking
The program teaches participants how hail and wind interact with various roofing types, how to perform inspections safely and provides an understanding of roof area calculations and applicable codes. Contractors attending also gain comprehensive knowledge of manufacture, installation, weathering, hail damage, wind damage, maintenance, mechanical damage and repair costs for every major roofing type including composition, wood shingle/shake, concrete and clay tile, asbestos, fiber cement, and various synthetic, slate and metal.
Not just any contractor can sign up for training either. Experience matters. To be eligible to participate in the Haag Certification course, students must have completed a minimum of 100 residential roof inspections as the primary on-roof inspector.
Why should this matter to you?
It matters because you can rest assured that when Texas Traditions Roofing performs a free damage inspection, we understand what signs to look for and where to look, because we have been trained by engineers in advanced damage assessment techniques.
We won’t overlook areas that may be missed by other contractors who have not received advanced training. Problems caused by severe weather events aren’t always visible to the naked eye and often require a more intensive inspection.
Working for you and with you
If your neighborhood has experienced hail or other severe damage, our team of experts is ready to perform a no-cost inspection and meet with your insurance adjuster at your home to ensure that they fully understand the extent of damage. Download our free Storm Damage Guide to learn more about the process.
Schedule your free roof inspection today.

Spring Cleaning – Don’t Forget Your Roof!

Spring Cleaning – Don’t Forget Your Roof!

Posted by Texas Traditions on

Follow these three easy tips to ensure that your roof stays in tip-top shape this spring.

Spring is the season for cleaning out and cleaning up inside and outside of your home. From planting flowers and landscaping to clearing out the garage, it’s fulfilling to keep your home looking nice. A spring cleaning area that many homeowners overlook is one of the most important ones – the roof!
Spring Cleaning – Don’t Forget Your Roof!
How do you ‘spring clean’ your roof? Here are three things you can do to be sure your roof is ready for the April showers and spring storms that are inevitable.
First – Look for encroaching vegetation. Are trees growing and closing in on the roof? Branches should never be allowed to touch the roof. As the wind blows, the branches sway and can cause damage to shingles.
Second – Check your gutters. Look for dents or other signs of distress, such as the gutter pulling away from the house that could indicate damage or poor performance. Check inside the gutters for debris or excess granules from the shingles. (TIP: Use a selfie stick to take a picture to ‘see’ what is happening inside your home’s gutters).
Third – Give your roof a thorough visual examination from the ground. Do you notice any missing shingles? Are there discolored streaks on the roof (indicator of mold or algae which can slowly degrade the roofing material)?
If you see any areas of concern, be sure to contact a local, licensed, professional roofing contractor who can properly assess the roof and make recommendations for remedying any situations that may need attention.
At Texas Traditions Roofing, we are happy to provide a free inspection and review any areas of concern that you may have noticed. We are licensed by the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas and stand behind our work, offering a workmanship warranty on every home.
Click here to schedule a free inspection