What Is Scotchgard?
Your home is a major investment.
A roof that retains its natural beauty and performance helps increase your home's overall value. But, no matter how beautiful your home may be, the presence of algae that cause unsightly black streaking could increase maintenance costs and reduce property values. Contrary to popular belief, the black discoloration found on homes in areas where moisture settles on shingles is not caused by mildew or fungus... it's roof algae.
Important Benefits of the Scotchgard™ Algae Resistant Roofing System
The following benefits can result from the Scotchgard™ AR System:
- The Scotchgard™ logo on quality shingle brands is your assurance of long-term algae and stain resistance.
- A roof retains its aesthetic appearance thus increasing appeal.
- Expanded options in color selection mean customers don't have to choose black to try to "hide" algae stains.
- Lower overall cost than repeated cleanings over the life of the roof.
- Environmentally responsible. Won't harm plants and shrubs.
Important Additional Information
Following are questions and answers that provide detailed, helpful information about algae staining on asphalt shingle roofs.
Unsightly black stains on shingles are often mistaken for fungus, mildew, dirt or oil, but are actually caused by a hardy type of algae. This common problem has increased during the past 20 years, indiscriminately settling on rooftops from coast to coast. Dark algae streaks are visible when algae cover roofing granules¿the ingredient in a shingle that gives vibrant colors of white, cobalt blue or hunter green, for example, to rooftops.
The primary type of algae found on rooftops¿Gloeocapsa magma¿thrives in humid environments, often appearing first on the north slope of a roof where extra shade and moisture support its growth. Algae can derive mineral nutrients from fillers such as calcium carbonate in asphalt shingles. Increased use of moisture attracting calcium carbonate fillers cause asphalt shingles to retain moisture longer, thus promoting algae growth.
The organism Gloeocapsa produces a dark-pigmented sheath to protect itself from ultra-violet rays. By the time the black streaks are noticeable, the algae usually have been growing for months or years¿the result of generations of dead algae cells built up over time.
There are no proven damaging effects of algae accumulation on shingles. However, the dark algae streaks are the number one appearance-related problem reported to roofing contractors. Consumers commonly mistake the dark stains for faulty shingles, leading them to complain to the contractor or manufacturer about a shingle¿s performance.
When environmental conditions are right for algae development, the problem rapidly expands, covering an entire roof. Once algae are present in an area, airborne spores are carried from rooftop to rooftop, infesting whole neighborhoods. All roof types, including wood shakes, concrete and clay tile, and asphalt shingles are susceptible to algae infestation.
Cleaning is the most commonly used homeowner defense against algae build-up on asphalt roofing shingles, but at best, it is only a "quick fix." Typically, roofs must be cleaned frequently to minimize obvious staining. Not only are repeated cleanings costly ($400 - $700), but some cleaning methods can damage a roof and shorten the life of the shingles. Excessive scrubbing or power washing loosens the granules¿and in essence, the color. It also deteriorates the asphalt once the protective granules are lost due to sunlight, causing further degradation to the shingle. Potent bleach solutions also can damage shrubs and bushes, and can be caustic to the homeowner or roof cleaner.
Look for the Scotchgard™ logo on quality shingle brands with the Scotchgard™ Algae Resistant Roofing System. Many shingles feature algae resistance. But your assurance of long-term algae and stain resistance can only be achieved when the precise level of granules in the Scotchgard™ AR System is uniformly distributed across the surface of the shingle in combination with standard colored granules.
Consult with a quality professional roofing contractor about the Scotchgard™ Algae Resistant Roofing System. The Scotchgard™ logo on quality shingle brands is your assurance of long-term algae and stain resistance.
Yes, but many experts and homeowners agree that it's much less expensive to prevent algae growth from the outset. The price difference is minimal when one faces the accumulated cost of frequent roof cleanings. The extra cost associated with the Scotchgard™ System refers to the materials only, because the labor cost to install these shingles is the same as it is for regular shingles.
Visit www.scotchgard.com/roofinggranules
Scotchgard™ Home Owners Guide pdf
Scotchgard™ Roofing Contractor's Guide pdf