My friend Molly has the opposite of a green thumb- she kills every plant she touches. From succulents to shrubs, none stand a chance against her enthusiastic overwatering…and sudden onsets of forgetfulness in the middle of life’s chaos.
Still- she loves them. For her birthday I gave her a lenten rose.
The perennials are one of the easiest to care for. Underwatering…or overwatering…they don’t seem to mind. The only thing they really need is shade.
Even the easiest plants to care for have a few special requirements- and the same goes for your roof.
At Martin, we always install high-quality USA made materials for our customers here in Schuylkill County. That means you can trust your roof is going to last for decades with very little upkeep whether it’s fully exposed to the sun or hidden under a forest canopy.
But a roof installed in full-shade? Still needs a little TLC.
Fully shaded roofs can encounter issues like:
- Algae growth
- Damage from low hanging branches
- And additional water damage
when compared to asphalt shingle roofs installed in full sun.
But before you start clearing the property around your house? Let’s take a look at how a little TLC can protect your full shaded roof. Here are three maintenance tips to keep your full shade roof happy and healthy for decades to come.
#1. Keep Your Roof Healthy – Trim Back Your Landscape
Asphalt shingles are made up of tiny granules secured to an underlayment. Great shingles are designed to last 25-30 years, but over time these granules scrape off while protecting your home.
Unfortunately, fully shaded roofs have additional forces at work- accelerating the deterioration of your shingles.
Let’s be honest- the odds of a tree collapsing onto your roof without any potential warning signs? Almost impossible. But tree branches scratching at your roof and creating weak points? It happens all the time.
Low hanging branches can scrape off the granules on your asphalt shingles, but that isn’t the only issue they cause. Bugs and rodents love the easy path to your roof.
The solution: Trim your branches twice a year and monitor overhanging branches year round to keep your roof healthy.
#2. Want A Long Lasting Roof? Clean Those Gutters!
…You change your car’s oil to protect the engine…
…Or update your phone when it slows down…
…And you go to the dentist to get your teeth cleaned to prevent major problems…
And for your roof? Cleaning your gutters is just as essential.
I know, we talk about cleaning gutters a lot here on Martin’s resource blog, but this quick maintenance is especially important for homeowners with fully shaded roofs.
You know the drill: Grab a ladder and hose, and get to work! Scoop out any buildup, and rinse out your gutters and downspouts.
If you notice any signs of gutter or roof damage while you’re up there? Give us a call. We’re happy to take a look at the damage and make any necessary repairs.
Another thing I’d recommend for full shade roofs? Invest in gutter guards.
We’ve talked about gutter guards in the past, but it’s time for a quick refresher. Gutter guards are protective barriers that block gutter debris while still allowing water to drain. While there are several styles to choose from, we recommend mesh guards for homes dealing with falling tree debris.
Why? Mesh guards…
- Are the easiest guards to clean
- Can be installed on any roof material
- And are a strong line of defense against ice dams
In a sunny, suburban home- gutter guards are a nice thing to have.
But if you live in a full shade home? The extra protection is a life saver.
#3. Your Roof Shouldn’t Be Green…With Algae Growth
Algae growth on your vinyl siding is one of the biggest exterior eyesores– but it’s not dangerous to your home’s health.
On your roof? Algae is a different story.
Algae left too long on your roof leads to mold, and mold leads to serious health issues for your family and your home’s structure.
(Has your algae already progressed to mold? Please take immediate action and call a professional!)
Algae:
- Causes permanent stains
- Damages your underlayment
- Leads to wood rot
Keep in mind it isn’t always bright green, either. Look for black streaks, white spots, and round lichens. All of these are signs of algae.
The good news? Cleaning algae off your roof is as simple as cleaning it from your siding. Here’s how to clean your roof:
#1. Buy or Make a Solution. You can buy pre-mixed solutions at most hardware stores, but you can also make your own. Use a 50:50 solution of warm water and laundry strength bleach.
#2. Apply the Solution. Using a sprayer, treat every algae spot on your roof. Allow the solution to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it with a garden spray nozzle (NOT a power washer!)
#3. Still Noticed Stains? Call an Expert. NEVER power wash your shingles. This can damage your shingles beyond repair and create immediate points of entry for water.
If the stains persist, call a trusted expert to take a look.
GAF Algae-Resistant Shingles: An Expert Solution
If you’ve found signs of damage too severe for a quick fix, it might be time to replace your roof. Even with good maintenance a standard asphalt roof, a standard asphalt roof only lasts 25-30 years.
The good news? GAF’s algae resistant shingles are the perfect solution for your full shade roof.
These shingles are designed with capsules infused with copper microbites. They release copper overtime to combat algae growth. And GAF is so confident in their product that they offer a 25 year algae protection warranty.
Want help assessing your roof? Our team would love to help. We’ll assess your roof and help you make the best plan to care for it.
Want to talk more about repairing or replacing your full shade roof? Give us a call at 570-345-0436 to get on our Summer schedule.
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