Defending Your Roof
A Closer Look at CertainTeed’s StreakFighter® Algae Warranty
When it comes to protecting your clients’ homes, the most often overlooked aspect is the health of their roofs. Over time, algae and streaks can take hold, diminishing their home’s curb appeal and potentially compromising the integrity of their roof. Let’s explore CertainTeed’s StreakFighter Algae Warranty, diving into what it is, how it works, and the myriad of benefits it offers homeowners.
What is StreakFighter Algae Warranty?
CertainTeed’s StreakFighter Algae Warranty is a ground-breaking roofing solution that tackles one of homeowners’ most common headaches: algae streaks on their roofs. Standard roof shingles are highly susceptible to black staining, smears, blotches, and streaks caused by algae spores, especially the unsightly black streaks caused by blue-green algae called Gloeocapsa Magma. This type of algae is airborne and can rapidly infest roofs, leading to aesthetic degradation and potential damage.
Algae is difficult and expensive to clean. The discoloration can cause an aesthetic nightmare, which could decrease the value of your client’s home. Studies show that algae growth isn’t harmful to the overall building, but the growth of algae on highly reflective colors or cool roof specialty shingles can reduce solar reflectivity as the algae spreads across the face of the shingle. As this happens, the algae covers the reflecting granules that reflect the thermal energy from the sun.
What Causes Black Streaks on a Roof?
Technically, the roof streaking is caused by blue-green algae, but the streaks are black due to the protective sheath the algae uses to protect itself from the sun’s UV rays.
These algae spores can spread rapidly in the right conditions:
- Wind carries algae spores from roof to roof.
- Hot, humid conditions promote algae growth.
- Shaded areas serve as excellent breeding grounds.
This discoloration commonly occurs on east-facing surfaces but can appear anywhere on your roof.
How Does StreakFighter Work?
The StreakFighter Algae Warranty is designed to protect your roof from these unwanted invaders. CertainTeed has developed shingles with StreakFighter algae-resistant technology. All CertainTeed shingles are available with a specifically formulated Algae Block technology. This technology incorporates copper-containing granules into the shingle surface. Copper has natural anti-algae properties, and the copper in the granules is slowly released over time to provide your homeowner long-term protection from algae formation.
Benefits of StreakFighter Algae Warranty
Aesthetic Appeal
One of the primary benefits of the StreakFighter Algae Warranty is preserving your homeowner’s roof’s aesthetic appeal. Those dark, unattractive streaks that commonly plague roofs are an eyesore and can negatively impact their home’s resale value. With CertainTeed’s StreakFighter technology, your client’s roof will remain free from these blemishes, ensuring their home maintains its visual appeal.
Increased Longevity
Algae can do more than just tarnish the appearance of the homeowner’s roof. Over time, it can accelerate the deterioration of roofing materials. This can lead to costly repairs or premature roof replacement. By preventing algae growth, the StreakFighter Algae Warranty extends the roof’s lifespan, saving your clients money in the long run.
Enhanced Curb Appeal
Your home’s curb appeal plays a significant role in making a positive impression on neighbors and potential buyers. A well-maintained, algae-free roof can instantly boost the homeowner’s exterior appearance, making it stand out in your neighborhood.
Energy Efficiency
Algae-infested roofs tend to absorb more heat, which can lead to higher attic and indoor temperatures during the hot summer months. This, in turn, can increase your energy bills as the homeowner’s HVAC system has to work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. By preventing algae growth, the StreakFighter Algae Warranty can improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Peace of Mind
Roof maintenance can be a burdensome task for homeowners. CertainTeed’s StreakFighter Algae Warranty lets you enjoy peace of mind knowing that your roof is well-protected against algae growth. This warranty offers a layer of security that comes with knowing you won’t have to deal with costly algae-related issues for many years in the future.
CertainTeed’s algae-resistant shingles carry limited warranty protection against blue-green algae or gloeocapsa magma (which has a black/brown appearance) contamination for the first 25 years with the first 10 years non-prorated or 30 years with the first 15 years non-prorated, (depending on the shingle). This warranty states that algae-resistant shingles will remain free from blue-green algae during this period and will pay a reasonable cost to replace or clean any affected shingles.
For more information on CertainTeed’s StreakFighter Algae Warranty, contact Anusbigian Sales today. Cover your homeowners with the best!
To read more on CertainTeed’s StreakFighter Algae Warranty:
Algae-Warranty-Update_7.25.23.pdf (anusbigiansales.com)
New-Algae-Warranty-CT-Contractors-EDGE-Newsletter-July-2023.pdf (anusbigiansales.com)
New-CertainTeed-Asphalt-Shingle-Warranty-July-25-2023.pdf (anusbigiansales.com)
