If you’re curious about what causes dark streaks in cedar roofing, read on for some helpful information. The discoloration that appears below the butts of overlapping shingles is not the result of fire, but rather a reaction to the flashing. It’s a type of stain that consists of rust or blue-black stains that appear as the shingles age. While the oxidation doesn’t affect the wood’s water-shedding ability, it can be a visual sign of damage to the wood. roofing near me
Generally, cedar will become grey with age, but black streaks are a red flag. These streaks can signal a serious problem with the shingles, and immediate action is recommended. To prevent a problem from deteriorating your cedar roof, clean it with a gentle cleanser. The natural resins found in cedar will help protect it from rot, so power washing is not recommended.
If you’ve noticed dark spots on your cedar shake siding, they are caused by tannin, a compound found in the wood. This substance protects the tree, but also darkens the cedar. To remove these dark spots, you should apply a wood brightener containing oxalic acid and let it sit for about half an hour. After that, you can rinse the wood with a hose to remove any residual dirt.
There are many ways to determine what causes black streaks in cedar roofing. The most common cause is algae. Algae spores can group and cause streaks. These algae can grow on the roof and look like dirt, mildew, soot, or even mold. Fortunately, these streaks are easily removed. However, you should seek professional help if you see streaks on your cedar roofing.
Before applying any type of preservative, make sure your cedar shakes are properly cleaned. If you’re not sure how to clean cedar shakes, you can always hire a contractor to clean the shingles for you. A power-washing of cedar shakes is not recommended unless you’re sure the contractor has experience with the material. In general, the shingles will dry naturally in two to four days under normal conditions. After that, you can apply oil-based semitransparent stains to preserve the wood’s natural color. You’ll need to be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use a stain, however.
The darker streaks in cedar roofing are caused by gloeocapsa magma algae. These algae grow on a roof’s north side. Their dark color helps protect them from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. They usually appear on the north side of a cedar roof. Typically, gloeocapsa magma thrives in warm, moist environments. In humid regions like the Southwest and Coastal regions, this is a year-round issue, while in colder areas, it only appears seasonally.
A simple solution to moss growth on cedar roofing is a mixture of water and baking soda. While pressure washing will remove moss, it will damage cedar shingles. Instead, you should try to remove the moss by cleaning the roof with a garden hose instead of a power washer. Once you’ve removed the moss, the next step is to remove any overhanging trees and plants. In addition to removing moss, you should cut off any branches and plants around your cedar roof.
