ServicesRoof Treatments
Roof Treatments in Menands
Black streaks and green moss on a roof are living growth, not dirt. We apply a treatment at low pressure that kills moss, algae and lichen where they sit. The shingles stay intact, and over the following weeks the dead growth weathers off.
What a roof treatment does
Most dark streaks on asphalt shingles come from a type of algae that feeds on the limestone filler in the shingle. Moss and lichen show up next, mostly on shaded slopes that stay damp. Moss is the one to watch. It holds water against the roof, works under shingle edges and slowly lifts them.
A roof treatment is a liquid solution we spray on gently, with about the force of a garden hose. It works its way into the moss, algae and lichen and kills them down to where they attach. We don't scrub the roof or blast it with high pressure, because that strips the protective granules off your shingles. Rain does the rest. Dead algae fades first, and moss dries out, loosens and comes off over the next few weeks to a couple of months.
Our winters make this matter more. A slope covered in moss stays wet into the cold months, and that water freezes and thaws over and over in the shingle seams. Treating the growth early cuts that down. We have been in business 5 years, and we're licensed and insured.
What's included in a roof treatment
- A look at the roof first
- We check the roofing material, how much growth there is and where it's heaviest. If treatment isn't the right fit, such as shingles that are already curling and failing, we tell you plainly.
- Protecting plants and siding
- We wet down shrubs and beds under the drip line before we start and again after. Delicate plants get covered.
- Low-pressure application
- The solution goes on slope by slope, with extra attention to the shaded side and the seams where moss roots in.
- Spot attention for lichen
- Lichen grips harder than algae. We give those spots a heavier application and explain that they take the longest to let go.
- A walkthrough when we finish
- We show you what we treated and tell you what the roof should look like over the coming weeks, so you know what's normal.
Signs your roof could use a treatment
Black or dark streaks
Long dark stains running down the slope are algae. It spreads every season it's left alone.
Green moss in the seams
Moss starts as small tufts along shingle edges and grows into mats. Those mats hold water against the roof.
Gray-green crusty spots
Round, flat patches that look like paint splatter are lichen. They cling tightly and slowly wear at the shingle surface.
One side always looks damp
A north-facing or tree-shaded slope that stays dark after the rest of the roof dries is where growth gets started.
Moss bits in your gutters
Clumps of green debris in the gutters or on the ground below usually means a lot more is still up on the roof.
What sets the price
No two roofs are alike, so the number comes after we look at yours. There's no charge for the quote, and we can go over it with you on site or by phone. These are the things that move it.
Roof size
A bigger roof takes more solution and more hours of work up top.
Pitch and height
Steep slopes and two- or three-story eaves call for extra setup and fall protection. A single-story ranch with a gentle pitch goes faster.
Amount of growth
A roof with faint streaks usually needs a single application. Where moss has built up into thick clumps or lichen covers much of a slope, we use more product and spend longer on those areas.
Access around the house
Narrow side yards, decks, fences and big plantings under the eaves add time to setup and to protecting what's below.
How the job goes
- 1
Your call and a look at the roof
You call, we talk about what you're seeing, and we come look. You get a free quote and a straight answer on whether treatment makes sense.
- 2
Prep on the day
We set ladders carefully, wet down the plants below and cover anything that needs it. You don't need to be home, but outdoor pets should stay inside.
- 3
Applying the treatment
We work the solution across each slope at low pressure. Most homes take a few hours from start to finish.
- 4
Rinse plants and walk through
We rinse the landscaping again, pick up our gear and go over what we did. Then the weather takes over, and the roof keeps improving after we leave.
Roof treatment questions
Will the treatment hurt my shingles?
No. It goes on gently, so nothing scrapes or blasts the granules off. High pressure is what damages shingles, and we don't use it.
How soon will the roof look clean?
Algae streaks usually start fading within a few weeks. Moss dries and comes loose over a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on how much rain we get. Lichen is the slowest and can take longer still.
Is it safe for my plants and pets?
We wet and rinse the plants below before and after, and cover the delicate ones. Keep pets inside while we work and until the roof and ground have dried.
How often does a roof need treating?
It depends on shade and trees. A sunny roof can go a long time between treatments. A roof under heavy tree cover tends to grow back sooner, and we'll tell you what we'd expect for yours.
Can you treat my roof in winter?
We need the roof dry and above freezing for the treatment to work, so we schedule from spring through fall. If you notice growth in winter, call and we'll plan it for the first good stretch of weather.
Let's take care of the moss and streaks
Tell us what you're seeing on your roof. We'll come look, explain your options and give you a price before any work starts.