Hydro washing tile  or stucco

Why is my home or stucco turning greenish or black?

I have seen many homes with a black or greenish color to them.  While there might be many possibilities for what is causing this discoloration, I have many customers that think the discoloration came from jet aircraft, trees, or anything else they could imagine. The fact of the matter is in most cases, the stains and discoloration are from algae or moss.

Where did the algae come from?

The algae on your roof or stucco walls is commonly known as Gleoeocapsa Magma ,and is a type of algae that thrives in humid and warm climates like San Diego.  This algae will usually appear first on the north side of the roof or stucco walls where shade is prevalent and moisture tends to accumulate. These algae spores need three things to grow; heat, moister, and some kind of nutrient. The nutrient comes from dirt and dust that accumulates on your home all summer long and from the roof tile its self. Another major source of algae growth is created by wet wood shingle roofs. Algae discoloration is not caused by pollution, soot, or jet exhaust. Roof moss or algae spores are carried by the wind and then deposited onto your roof and stucco walls soon after all the roofs in the neighborhood will be infested with the greenish black algae.

Will algae cause roof or stucco damage?

Algae and moss will cause the roof and stucco walls to deteriorate prematurely; this will also diminish the roofs abilities to reflect heat rays. Roof algae and moss are very bad because they will grow underneath the roof shingles and act like a sponge soaking up water after a good rain. Eventually the moss will cause roof leaks if not hydro washed or treated properly. If algae and moss are not removed or treated it will reduce the life of your roof or stucco walls, diminishing the value and curb appeal of your home. The algae that grow on your roof will also plant seed spores on the stucco and walk ways. Lemon Grove Stucco will always hydro blast or sand blast to remove algae from the walls that we are re-stuccoing. Lemon Grove Stucco will hydro wash your roof for an additional fee. Roof cleaning is not part of our standard sand blast re-stucco job.

Will you use hazardous chemicals?

Lemon Grove Stucco uses only water pressure to clean with, so no chemicals are used. Unfortunately some company’s use products which contain hazardous chemical ingredients such as bleach, sodium hydroxide (lye), acid, zinc, or cooper. Using chemical products can and will damage the integrity of your roof and stucco. Not to mention harm caused to your landscaping, awnings, rain gutters, and last but not least the environment.

Is it hard to clean my stucco walls?

Your walls are not going to clean itself nor is it only going to take a few minutes. Cleaning your stucco walls to rid them of algae and moss is a project that is going to take some time and effort.  Lemon Grove Stucco can professionally pressure wash your stucco walls.  We will always use caution around vents, skylights, windows and doors.  We will achieve professional results without killing your plants and grass. Lemon Grove Stucco can clean most stucco walls in one or two days. Your stucco walls will be clean and look like new again.