A soft wash roof treatment being performed on a home.

Beware of Black Streaks! Gloeocapsa Magma and How Z Pressure Washing Can Save Your Lake County, IL Roof

A soft wash roof treatment being performed on a home.

Does your once-pristine roof in Lake County, Illinois, Kenosha County, Wisconsin, or Racine County, Wisconsin, now sport unsightly black streaks? You might be facing an enemy you can’t see: Gloeocapsa Magma. This airborne algae feeds on your roof’s limestone filler, causing a chain reaction of problems.

Gloeocapsa Magma: A Silent Destroyer of Roofs

Gloeocapsa Magma isn’t just unattractive. It wreaks havoc on your roof in several ways:

  • Shingle Deterioration: As it feeds, Gloeocapsa Magma weakens the shingles, leading to premature aging and cracking.
  • Granule Loss: The algae growth loosens and detaches the protective granules on your shingles, exposing the asphalt underneath to harmful UV rays and harsh weather.
  • Moisture Retention: The algae acts like a sponge, trapping moisture and creating a breeding ground for further fungal growth and potential leaks.
  • Increased Energy Costs: A dark, algae-covered roof absorbs more heat, forcing your HVAC system to work harder and raising your energy bills.
  • Curb Appeal Decline: Black streaks are an eyesore, significantly diminishing the beauty and value of your home.

Fight Back with Safe and Effective Soft Washing by Z Pressure Washing

At Z Pressure Washing, we understand the importance of protecting your roof, the lifeblood of your home. We offer a safer alternative to harsh pressure washing: “Soft Washing”. This method utilizes a low-pressure application of specially formulated algaecide that eliminates Gloeocapsa Magma and other organic matter without damaging your shingles.

A cluster of a bacteria called Gloeocapsa Magma that are green in color

A snippet from the MicrobeWiki site:

Description and significance

“Gloeocapsa magma is a photosynthetic cyanobacteria consisting of a small group of algae spores [8]. It is responsible for the black/dark green stains that form on roofs. These black stains are the bacteria themselves in mass amounts covering the surface of the roof shingles. Gloeocapsa magma has been around historically and up through the present, except only in the recent decades has it been considered to have detrimental effects worthy of prevention. This cyanobacteria causes substantial destruction revolving around shingle decay and loss of reflective power. Over time, Gloeocapsa magma begins to break down the contents of the shingles by feeding off of the limestone granules embedded in the shingles and this decreases the roof’s ability to reflect ultra-violet rays of light. Also, the quality of the shingles slowly diminishes [10]. They have been found to curl up at the corners as well as form raised humps on the surface. This ultimately can result is broken or disintegrated shingles. In the long run, this has been known to increase air conditioning bills and lead to more frequent roof repair and reconstruction [8]. The main preventative strategy known to date is frequent (annual) roof cleanings using roof algae cleaners [2]. Installing copper or zinc strips along the roof boarder also inhibits bacterial growth by killing off new colony formation.”

Why Choose Z Pressure Washing for Your Lake County Roof Cleaning?

  • Experienced Professionals: Our trained technicians understand the delicate nature of roof cleaning and use the safest methods for optimal results.
  • Advanced Equipment: We employ top-of-the-line equipment designed for soft washing, ensuring a thorough cleaning without compromising your roof’s integrity.
  • Eco-Friendly Solutions: We use environmentally responsible cleaning products that are safe for your family, pets, and landscaping.
  • Free, No-Obligation Quotes: Call us today at (847) 731-2000 to schedule a free consultation and get a quote for your roof cleaning project.

Don’t let Gloeocapsa Magma steal the life and beauty out of your roof. Invest in its longevity and curb appeal with a professional soft washing service from Z Pressure Washing. We proudly serve homeowners in Lake County, Illinois, Kenosha County, Wisconsin, and Racine County, Wisconsin.

Call us today at (847) 731-2000 and reclaim the health and beauty of your roof!