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Roof Algae: What is it and How Do I Remove it?

Roof with green algae on top

Even though it’s not easy to spot, unless you’re extremely tall, roof algae could form all over your roof. Not only is it unsightly when found, but it can also be dangerous if left to grow and accumulate. Left untreated, it could lead to the growth of mold and mildew that can destroy your home’s interior as well as affect your health.

Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of this issue and tackle it safely. The experts here at JM Roofing and Siding know why this substance forms, how to remove everything from your roof and home, and how to keep it from forming again in the future. 

What is Roof Algae?

There are many different types of algae, but the two most common types found on roofs are black and green algae. Black algae is more difficult to remove than green because black algae grows in moist areas, while green thrives on dry surfaces. If the top of your house has a lot of dead vegetation or other organic material that can harbor moisture, then your risk for algae growth increases. 

How do Your Remove Roof Algae?

If you find this problem on your home, gently scrub your roof with a soft bristle brush, rinse with water, and avoid using soap. Rinsing the area well will help to remove all traces of algae! If you do use soap, be sure to rinse off any residue completely, or else the soap may discolor your shingles. Repeat this process regularly (weekly or bi-weekly), especially during hot summer months, to prevent further growth of algae on your roof.

Best Practices to Avoid Roof Algae in the Future

Simply put, maintenance is the best preventative practice for protecting your humble abode! The best way to avoid roof algae in the future is to stay on top of your maintenance and have your roof inspected at least once every year. However, if you are having trouble cleaning up an established growth, professional help might be needed.

Roofing Professionals in Fairfield County

If your roof needs to be replaced or repaired, our team is ready to help! JM Roofing & Siding of Norwalk, CT, will ensure your roof is durable enough to handle anything because our quality is over your head.

Request a free estimate today at 203-299-0716 or online. We look forward to helping you become eco-friendly!

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Roof Maintenance Tasks For Summer

Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean that there isn’t plenty of maintenance that needs to be done on your roof! The more time you take to do some basic maintenance tasks now, the less you’ll have to worry about fixing leaks and other problems once the temperature gets warmer and the rain storms start rolling in. Take a look at these four important tasks you should be doing on your roof this summer.

Schedule Seasonal Inspections

Although you don’t have to inspect your roof every day, it is good practice to schedule a seasonal inspection. Like how you would check your tire pressure before hitting winter weather, it’s smart to get on top of any potential issues before they become bigger. The best time to do so is in spring when temperatures are more moderate.

Keep up with Repairs

Skipping maintenance on a home is one of the quickest ways to fall into financial trouble. It’s often easier to put off a roof repair or gutter cleaning, but you could end up spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on repairs. 

A general rule is that if you can see the damage, it’s time to act — and by acting now, you’ll be able to avoid much larger (and costlier) issues down the road.

Clean Gutters Properly

One of summer’s biggest headaches is a clogged gutter. This can lead to water flowing over your roof, which can damage your house, as well as mold and rot inside. Cleaning out your gutters throughout the warmer months is a summertime project that can help prevent such problems.

Waterproof Under The Shingles

Summer is no stranger to heavy rain and thunderstorms. Shingles are designed to resist water damage, but they can’t do their job if your roof isn’t waterproof. 

Waterproofing beneath your shingles should be done annually. This prevents your roof from becoming a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria and mold that can hurt your health and lower its lifespan.

Roofing Experts of Norwalk

Our team of experienced and professional roofing contractors looks forward to serving Connecticut residents’ roofing needs. We can thoroughly examine the roof, identify the underlying problem, and make the needed corrections. Homeowners who notice any preceding concerns are urged to contact us as soon as possible.

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Can Roof Moss be Composted?

It is a common occurrence for roofs to get moss on them. It can be unsightly and detract from the curb appeal of your home. While some types of moss are beneficial to the environment, most roof moss is more of an issue than anything else. Roof moss can block sunlight from getting into your home and increase cooling costs by up to 20%. Luckily, removing this problem is quick, easy, and eco-friendly!

Why Does Moss Form?

Often, moss, algae, and other issues will form on your roof due to moisture and outdoor debris. The more water gets on your roof or debris ends up stuck, the more it will be susceptible to turning green. Also, parts of your roof that receive the least amount of sun tend to get these moss spots more easily. 

How to Remove Moss From Your Roof

No matter how confident you are in your home maintenance skills, removing the moss from your roof is a matter that is best left to professionals. This is suggested mainly because moss can create slippery surfaces, making climbing up unsafe for homeowners. 

A professional will come in and hose off the worst areas downwards with water. After, they’ll utilize a soft-bristle scrub brush to remove any remaining moss. Professionals will know how to go about this without lifting up your shingles or damaging them. 

How to Compost The Moss

Any leftover amounts of moss that washed down from your roof can, in fact, be composted! Whether you are placing it in a composting bin or throwing some into your garden, try to avoid adding too much. Moss can spread easily, so as long as it’s a smaller amount and mainly the ones that fell off your roof in pieces after getting washed off, it can provide a nutrient-rich environment in its new home. 

And if any leaks or damage occurred due to the large build-up of moss on your roof, our team here at JM Roofing is here to assist you with all your repair and maintenance needs! 

Roofing Experts of Norwalk

Our team of experienced and professional roofing contractors looks forward to serving Connecticut residents’ roofing needs. We can thoroughly examine the roof, identify the underlying problem, and make the needed corrections. Homeowners who notice any preceding concerns are urged to contact us as soon as possible.

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How Frozen Gutters Can Lead to Roof Leaks

Ice forming on the gutters from freezing rain

The winter months are almost here, which means freezing temperatures are just around the corner. And with freezing temperatures comes frozen gutters. There are many leaking issues this can cause, ones that you’ll need to keep in mind during coldest days. Here are some problems that will lead to leaks and what you can do to prevent this. 

Ice Dams

Frozen gutters are dangerous because they cause ice dams on the roof. This causes water to leak through your ceiling and get trapped under insulation. The ice will also form on top of your insulation, which can make it sag or crumble away completely.

Broken Gutters

The water that sits in the gutter, slowly freezing over time, expands as it freezes, which causes cracks in the metal. This creates small holes on the underside of your roof, which allows ice and snow to build up. Eventually, this will become heavy enough to break through the surface of your roof!

Melting Snow

The process of freezing and thawing can cause major issues for your roof. The constant freezing and thawing causes water to seep into the cracks of your roof, which can lead to leaks. The problem is that once the ice melts, it often leaves behind some debris that can block gutters or cause them to overflow when the rain begins again. This overflow then leads to more water damage on the ground around your home’s foundation, not just on the roof itself.

Roofing Replacement in Norwalk, CT

When you need your roofing system replaced so it is safe for your family, you need to hire the best contractor possible. The JM Roofing and Siding experts are licensed and insured to serve you in Norwalk, Connecticut, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for a free estimate!

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Flat Roof Maintenance Checklist

Flat roof on business building

What is a flat roof? Well, a flat roof is any type of roof that does not have a slope, such as the kind you would find on a commercial building. Flat roofs are extremely popular in commercial buildings because they can offer lower maintenance costs and require less installation work than other types of roofs, such as pitched or gabled roofs. They also provide excellent wind resistance.

If you’re wondering what you can do to properly maintain this kind of roof, then look no further. The good news is: flat roofs are not too difficult to maintain! But, there are some important things you should keep in mind:

Proper Flat Roof Maintenance 

Check Water Drainage

The first thing you will want to do is make sure the surface of your roof has an appropriate slope or pitch so water can flow off it more easily and does not collect on top. Flat roofs are more prone to leaks and damage than sloped roofs because there’s nothing to stop water from getting in when it rains. Be sure to regularly check and monitor water drainage and be sure to fix any problems promptly.

This also includes keeping the downspouts and gutters free from clogs, so water doesn’t back up and leak into your business or home.

Take Care of the Rubber Membrane

One of the most important things to remember when maintaining your flat roof is that the rubber membrane must be in good condition. This usually means resealing any cracks or pinholes in the rubber, which should be done at least every five years. Professionals will use an acrylic coating to keep this membrane clean and sturdy. 

Trust the Professionals

Ensure that you hire professionals who know what they’re doing when it comes to repairs or installation on flat roofs. They should also provide a thorough education for future owners so that the property doesn’t needlessly suffer at the hands of an amateur who could make things worse and create dangerous conditions for your roofing. 

Contact Us for a Roof Inspection Today

Don’t wait to have your roof inspected; our team is ready to help you! The JM Roofing and Siding experts are licensed and insured to serve you in Norwalk, Connecticut, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for a free estimate!