4 Reasons for Roof Discoloration
Roof discoloration can result from multiple factors, and there are many reasons it should be addressed.
For one thing, roof discoloration makes your roof look older. Unfortunately, the negative impression doesn’t end with your roof—discoloration on your roof can make your whole house look older.
While this isn’t great from an aesthetic perspective, it can be a particular issue if you’re trying to sell your home. Prospective buyers might shy away because the house looks older and shabbier than it should, simply because of your shingles.
Steele Roofing, an experienced East Texas roofing company working from Tyler, Longview, and the surrounding East Texas area, has seen a lot regarding roof repairs, roof cleaning, roof discoloration, and damage to roof shingles.
While asphalt shingles are the preferred roofing choice for numerous reasons, they can show signs of weathering over time, especially when they’ve experienced prolonged exposure to the elements. Roofs in Texas experience the harsh ultra-violet rays from the sun and the natural contracting and expanding that comes from shifts in temperature as the seasons change and temperatures rise and fall.
Here is a guide to help identify the different types of roof discoloration.
Asphalt Bleed-Through
Because asphalt shingles are made of…asphalt…your roof can sometimes experience something called asphalt bleed-through. When this occurs, it appears as unattractive dark streaks down your roof. Bleed-through is caused by the weathering of your shingles from exposure to the elements and generally happens in older roofs.
It’s important to contact a professional roofing company to diagnose the black streaks on your roof. They’ll be able to determine whether your roof simply needs a good cleaning or whether more drastic measures are necessary. They might even recommend a roof replacement. While the bleed-through doesn’t necessarily mean there’s extensive damage to your shingles, it’s possible the discoloration also means your roof is getting to an age it should be replaced before other damage occurs. 
Algae Stains
Dark stains on your asphalt shingles could also be caused by algae growth. If you have sections of your roof that don’t get much sun because of your home’s placement or tree cover over your roof, it might be an ideal location for algae growth. East Texas has many months of humid weather. This type of moist environment is ideal for algae growth. When algae take hold and begin to grow, it traps moisture, which can, over time, lead to even more harm to your shingles and roof.
Algae spores move from place to place through the air and attach themselves to desirable surfaces. Algae can grow on anything except metal roofs.
A professional roofer must clean your roof with a chemical cleaner that will kill off the algae before it has a chance to take root and become lichen. Which is much harder to get rid of and has the potential to do more damage over time.
If it’s possible, remove overhanging branches that are creating a shady environment for algae to grow.
If you plan on installing a new roof, talk to your local professional roofer about algae-resistant shingle options. These shingles contain metals such as copper that inhibit the growth of algae.
Red or Brown Colored Roof Stains
Red or brown stains on your roof around your chimney could be caused by rust. The material around your chimney is called the “flashing.” It’s generally made of metal to protect your roof from the higher temps around your chimney. Metal exposed to the elements is prone to rust. Contact an experienced roofing company to clean and remove the rust stains.
If your flashing is older and rusting, there’s a chance it could also be damaged. Damaged flashing could quickly turn into a leak. Have your roof inspected by a professional to determine the source of the stain and whether you need repairs.
Organic Matter Roof Stains
East Texas is known for its beautiful woods. If you’re lucky enough to live in a home shaded by the lovely arboreal growth, you might also be experiencing the downside. Roof discoloration is caused by the breakdown of organic tree materials such as leaves and branches. The brown stains that appear can make your roof look older and less attractive—especially to prospective buyers if you’re attempting to sell your home.
What’s more, if you don’t clear the accumulated tree debris, you risk growth from other roof-damaging natural factors, such as moss or fungi, which love to grow in the moist environment created by organic matter lying on your roof.
You don’t have to be stuck with a discolored roof. Instead, contact your local roofing company and schedule an inspection today.
