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ROOFING INSPECTION & REPAIR

AGE OF ROOFING
ALUMINUM ROOFING
AMERICAN CEMWOOD ROOFING
ARCHITECTURE & BUILDING COMPONENT ID
ASBESTOS IDENTIFICATION IN buildings
ASBESTOS CEMENT ROOFING
ASBESTOS MATERIAL REGULATIONS
ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLES
ATTIC CONDENSATION CAUSE & CURE

BEST CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES GUIDE
BEST ROOFING PRACTICES
BUILDING SAFETY HAZARDS GUIDE
BUILT UP ROOFS

CEMWOOD ROOFING
CERTIFICATIONS for ROOFING CONTRACTORS
CHIMNEY INSPECTION & REPAIRS
CHIMNEY FLASHING Mistakes & Leaks
CHOOSING A ROOFING CONTRACTOR
CLAY TILE ROOFING
CLAY, CONCRETE, FIBER CEMENT TILE INSTALLATION
COOLING LOAD REDUCTION by ROOF VENTS
CORRUGATED ROOFING
COPPER ROOFING

DEBRIS STAINING on ROOFS
DECKS, ROOFTOP CONSTRUCTION
DEFINITIONS of ENGINEERED WOOD OSB LVL etc
DISASTERS: BUILDING INSPECTION & REPAIR
DISPUTE RESOLUTION on ROOF JOB PROBLEMS

ENERGY SAVINGS in buildings
EPDM, RUBBER, PVC ROOFING
EPDM ROOF LEAK REPAIRS
EXTRACTIVE BLEEDING on SHINGLES

FELT UNDERLAYMENT REQUIREMENTS
FIBER CEMENT & FIBERBOARD ROOFING
FIRE RATINGS for ROOF SURFACES
FIRE RETARDANT PLYWOOD
FLASHING on BUILDINGS
FLASHING, ASPHALT SHINGLE VALLEYS
FLASHING, CHIMNEY Mistakes & Leaks
FLASHING, CLAY TILE ROOFS
FLASHING MEMBRANES PEEL & STICK
FLASHING for METAL ROOFS
FLASHING ROOF WALL DETAILS
FLASHING ROOF-WALL SNAFU
FLASHING SIDING DETAILS
FLASHING WALL DETAILS
FLASHING WINDOW DETAILS
FLASHING WOOD ROOF DETAILS
FLAT ROOF MOISTURE & CONDENSATION

GALVANIC SCALE & METAL CORROSION
Green House or Solarium Roof Leaks
GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS

HAIL DAMAGED SHINGLES
HEAT TAPES & CABLES on Roofs for Ice Dams
HOT ROOF DESIGNS: Un-Vented Roof Solutions
HOUSEWRAP INSTALLATION DETAILS
HUMIDITY LEVEL TARGET

ICE DAM PREVENTION
INSECT INFESTATION / DAMAGE
INSULATION IDENTIFICATION GUIDE
INSULATION INSPECTION & IMPROVEMENT

LEAD POISONING HAZARDS GUIDE
LEAKY ROOF DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
LEED GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION
LOW SLOPE ROOFING

MEMBRANE ROOFING
METAL ROOFING
MODIFIED BITUMEN ROOFING

NOISE / SOUND DIAGNOSIS & CURE
NOISE CONTROL for ROOFS

PLASTIC ROOFING TYPES
PVC, EPDM, RUBBER ROOFING

ROLL ROOFING, ASPHALT
ROOF ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - PHOTO GUIDE
ROOF CLEANING RECOMMENDATIONS
ROOF COLOR RECOMMENDATIONS
ROOF DORMER TYPES - PHOTO GUIDE
ROOF INSPECTION SAFETY & LIMITS
ROOF SLOPE DEFINITIONS
ROOF NOISE TRANSMISSION
ROOF REPLACEMENT SNAFUs
ROOF SLOPE DEFINITIONS
ROOF VENTILATION SPECIFICATIONS
ROOF VENTING ENERGY SAVING DETAILS
ROOFING FELT UNDERLAYMENT REQUIREMENTS
ROOFING MATERIALS, Age, Types
ROOFING TILE SHAPES & PROFILES
ROOFING UNDERLAYMENT BEST PRACTICES
RUBBER, EPDM, PVC ROOFING

SADDLE CONSTRUCTION at CHIMNEYS
SLATE ROOF INSPECTION & REPAIR
SNOW GUARDS & SNOW BRAKES
SOD ROOFING
SOUND CONTROL in buildings
STAIN & BIODETERIORATION AGENT CATALOG
STAINS on & in BUILDINGS, CAUSES & CURES
STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING EXTERIORS
STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING INTERIORS
STAINS on INDOOR SURFACES: PHOTO GUIDE
STAINS & Thermal Tracking
STAIN DIAGNOSIS on ROOFS
STAIN DIAGNOSIS on STONE
STONE CLEANING METHODS
STRESS SKIN INSULATED PANELS

TEST LABS - ROOF SHINGLE
THATCH ROOFING

WALK-ON ROOF SURFACES
WARRANTIES for ROOF SHINGLES
WIND DAMAGE to ROOFS
WOOD SHAKE & SHINGLE ROOFING
WORKMANSHIP & ROOF DAMAGE

ZINC METAL ROOFING

More Information

Roof stain or lichens or moss caused by trees (C) Daniel Friedman Guide to Identifying Debris as a Cause of Black Stains Roof Surfaces
     

  • Guide to black, brown, green, and other stains on building roof surfaces
  • Diagnostic Guide to Types of Stains and Staining Materials Found on Roof Surfaces
  • Causes, cure, and prevention of black stains on roof shingles
  • LIFE / WEAR FACTORS in SHINGLES - separate article
  • Questions & Answers about how to identify roof debris as a cause of roof stains or damage & what to do about debris on building roofs: leaves, sticks, other
  • References

Click to Show or Hide Related Topics

  • STAINS on & in BUILDINGS, CAUSES & CURES - home
  • ALGAE, FUNGUS, LICHENS, MOSS
  • ANIMAL ENTRY POINTS in buildings
  • BLACK LIGHT & UV LIGHT USES
  • CARPET STAIN DIAGNOSIS
  • CARPET & other STAIN TESTS
  • CARPET TEST PROCEDURE
  • CHIMNEY STAINS
  • EFFLORESCENCE, Salts & White / Brown Deposits
  • FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, SAFETY & CLEANUP
  • INSECT INFESTATION / DAMAGE
  • MOISTURE CONTROL in BUILDINGS - home
  • MOLD APPEARANCE - WHAT MOLD LOOKS LIKE
  • OIL BURNER SOOT & PUFFBACKS
  • PAINT & STAIN GUIDE, EXTERIOR
  • PAINT FALURE, DIAGNOSIS, CURE, PREVENTION
  • SIDING TYPES, INSTALLATION, DEFECTS
  • STAIN & BIODETERIORATION AGENT CATALOG
  • STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING EXTERIORS
  • STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING INTERIORS
  • STAIN DIAGNOSIS on ROOFS
  • STAIN DIAGNOSIS on STONE
    • CATALOG of DETERIORANTS of Stone, Glass, Steel
    • LICHENS on STONE SURFACES
    • STONE SURFACE CLEANING METHODS
  • STAINS & FINISHES, INTERIOR COATINGS
  • STAINS ANIMAL or PETS, FLOORS
  • STAINS ANIMAL or PETS, WALLS
  • STAINS CANDLES FIREPLACE WOODSTOVE
  • STAINS HUMAN OCCUPANT
  • STAINS on INDOOR SURFACES: PHOTO GUIDE
  • STAINS at HVAC REGISTERS
  • STAINS INDOOR, OTHER
  • STAINS on ROOFS
    • ALGAE STAIN TEST METHODS
    • BLACK ROOF STAIN CAUSES
    • BLACK or GREEN ALGAE STAINS on ROOFS
    • BLACK ROOF STAIN REMOVAL & PREVENTION
    • DEBRIS STAINS on ROOFS
    • EXTRACTIVE BLEEDING on SHINGLES
    • LICHENS on ROOFS
    • MOSS on ROOFS
    • POWER WASHING ROOFS
    • RUST STAINS on ROOFS
    • SOOT STAINS on ROOFS
    • STAINS on/near CHIMNEYS
  • STAINS on ALUMINUM SIDING
  • STAINS on VINYL SIDING
  • THERMAL TRACKING BRIDGING GHOSTING
  • THERMAL TRACKING REMEDIES
  • TREES & SHRUBS, TRIM OFF BUILDING
  • WALL SIDING TRIM & FINISHES
InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

How & when to clean off or remove roof debris: This article explains debris on building roofs as a source of stains and roof damage. This article series tells readers how to identify & explain the most-common causes of black, brown, red, gray, green, or white stains appearing on roof shingles and on other building surfaces. Roof shingle stains are often caused by black algae, bleed-through or extractive bleeding of asphalt, dirt, soot, or organic debris. See Causes of Roof Stains and  Catalog of All Roof Stains for the causes and types of stains that occur on building roofs. There are other sources of roof staining, from cosmetic to harmful to the roof.

Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman.

ROOF DEBRIS STAINING - Black & Brown Debris Stains on Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Roof stain or lichens or moss caused by trees (C) Daniel FriedmanDebris staining on roofs produces fairly uniform black or brown staining in areas where due to low-slope or presence of overhanging trees, leaves, or organic debris collects on the roof slope.

Decaying debris may encourage fungal or algal growth (cited above).

Lichens or even thick moss may also grow on such roof areas. Debris, lichens, or moss on a roof will shorten its life by holding water on the roof surface, preventing drying, and (in cold climates) adding wear and tear on the roof surface by freeze-thaw cycling.

In contrast, debris from an upper roof gutter that spills onto lower roof slopes may result in tan, white, or other stains depending on the metal of the gutter and the length of time that leaves and debris rest in it. (Photo at left).

The decision to permit the upper roof gutter to spill down the lower slope also risks creating an early wear-area and thus leaks on the lower slope roof.

Remedies for black or brown or gray debris staining on asphalt shingles: As cited above, cleaning off debris (gentle sweeping or washing, watch out for damaging the roof during cleaning), or cutting unnecessary overhanging tree branches may help.

See Proximate cause roof shingle stains and also see ALGAE, FUNGUS, LICHENS, MOSS on SHINGLES for details about these growths on buildings.


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Technical Reviewers & References

Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.

  • Roger Hankey is principal of Hankey and Brown home inspectors, Eden Prairie, MN. Mr. Hankey is a past chairman of the ASHI Standards Committee. Mr. Hankey has served in other ASHI professional and leadership roles. Contact Roger Hankey at: 952 829-0044 - rhankey@hankeyandbrown.com. Mr. Hankey is a frequent contributor to InspectAPedia.com.

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

  • Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
  • Home Reference Book - Carson DunlopThe Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.

    Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
  • Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss. John Wiley & Sons, 2006. ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, Hardcover: 320 pages, available from Amazon.com and also Wiley.com. See our book review of this publication.
  • Decks and Porches, the JLC Guide to, Best Practices for Outdoor Spaces, Steve Bliss (Editor), The Journal of Light Construction, Williston VT, 2010 ISBN 10: 1-928580-42-4, ISBN 13: 978-1-928580-42-3, available from Amazon.com
  • The Journal of Light Construction has generously given reprint permission to InspectAPedia.com for this article. All rights and contents are ©Journal of Light Construction and may not be reproduced in any form.
  • Architectural elements: the technological revolution: Galvanized iron roof plates and corrugated sheets; cast iron facades, columns, door and window caps, ... (American historical catalog collection), Diana S Waite, available used out of Amazon.
  • Asphalt Roofing Residential Manual,
  • Building Pathology, Deterioration, Diagnostics, and Intervention, Samuel Y. Harris, P.E., AIA, Esq., ISBN 0-471-33172-4, John Wiley & Sons, 2001 [General building science-DF] ISBN-10: 0471331724 ISBN-13: 978-0471331728
  • Building Pathology: Principles and Practice, David Watt, Wiley-Blackwell; 2 edition (March 7, 2008) ISBN-10: 1405161035 ISBN-13: 978-1405161039
  • Built-Up Roof Systems, Manual, C.W. Griffin, Mcgraw-Hill (Tx); 2nd edition (July 1982), ISBN-10: 0070247838, ISBN-13: 978-0070247833
  • Concrete Folded Plate Roofs, C. Wilby PhD BSc CEng FICE FIStructE (Author), Butterworth-Heinemann, 1998, ISBN-10: 0340662662, ISBN-13: 978-0340662663
  • Concrete Shell Roofs, C. Wilby PhD BSc CEng FICE FIStructE (Author),
  • Concrete Dome Roofs (Longman Concrete Design and Construction Series),
  • Concrete Roofing Tile, History of the, Batsford, 1959, AISN B000HLLOUC (availble used)
  • Copper Roofing, by CDA
  • Copper Roofing, Master specifications for copper roofing and sheet metal work in building construction: Institutional, commercial, industrial, I.E. Anderson, 1961 (hard to find)
  • Corrugated Iron, Building on the Frontier, Simon Holloway
  • Green Roof Plants: A Resource and Planting Guide, Edmund C. Snodgrass, Lucie L. Snodgrass, Timber Press, Incorporated, 2006, ISBN-10: 0881927872, ISBN-13: 978-0881927870. The text covers moisture needs, heat tolerance, hardiness, bloom color, foliage characteristics, and height of 350 species and cultivars.
  • Green Roof Construction and Maintenance, Kelley Luckett, McGraw-Hill Professional, 2009, ISBN-10: 007160880X, ISBN-13: 978-0071608800, quoting: Key questions to ask at each stage of the green building process Tested tips and techniques for successful structural design Construction methods for new and existing buildings Information on insulation, drainage, detailing, irrigation, and plant selection Details on optimal soil formulation Illustrations featuring various stages of construction Best practices for green roof maintenance A survey of environmental benefits, including evapo-transpiration, storm-water management, habitat restoration, and improvement of air quality Tips on the LEED design and certification process Considerations for assessing return on investment Color photographs of successfully installed green roofs Useful checklists, tables, and charts
  • Handbook of Building Crafts in Conservation, Jack Bower, Ed., Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, NY 1981 ISBN 0-442-2135-3 Library of Congress Catalog Card Nr. 81-50643.
  • Historic Preservation Technology: A Primer, Robert A. Young, Wiley (March 21, 2008) ISBN-10: 0471788368 ISBN-13: 978-0471788362
  • Historic Slate Roofs : With How-to Info and Specifications, Tina Skinner (Ed), Schiffer Publishing, 2008, ISBN-10: 0764330012 , ISBN-13: 978-0764330018
  • Low Slope Roofing, Manual of, 4th Ed., C.W. Griffin, Richard Fricklas, McGraw-Hill Professional; 4 edition, 2006, ISBN-10: 007145828X, ISBN-13: 978-0071458283
    • Roof failure causes in depth (and specific methods for avoiding them)
    • Roof design fundamentals and flourishes, based on voluminous industry research and experience
    • New technologies and materials -- using them safely and correctly
    • Comprehensive coverage of all major roofing systems pecifications, inspection, and maintenance tools for roofing work
  • Metal Roofing, an Illustrated Guide, R.A. Knowlton , [metal shingle roofs],
  • Patio Roofs, how to build, Sunset Books
  • Problems in Roofing Design, B. Harrison McCampbell, Butterworth Heineman, 1991 ISBN 0-7506-9162-X (available used)
  • Roofing The Right Way, Steven Bolt, McGraw-Hill Professional; 3rd Ed (1996), ISBN-10: 0070066507, ISBN-13: 978-0070066502
  • Slate Roofs, National Slate Association, 1926, reprinted 1977 by Vermont Structural Slate Co., Inc., Fair Haven, VT 05743, 802-265-4933/34. (We recommend this book if you can find it. It has gone in and out of print on occasion.)
  • Roof Tiling & Slating, a Practical Guide, Kevin Taylor, Crowood Press (2008), ISBN 978-1847970237,
    If you have never fixed a roof tile or slate before but have wondered how to go about repairing or replacing them, then this is the book for you. Many of the technical books about roof tiling and slating are rather vague and conveniently ignore some of the trickier problems and how they can be resolved. In Roof Tiling and Slating, the author rejects this cautious approach. Kevin Taylor uses both his extensive knowledge of the trade and his ability to explain the subject in easily understandable terms, to demonstrate how to carry out the work safely to a high standard, using tried and tested methods. 
    This clay roof tile guide considers the various types of tiles, slates, and roofing materials on the market as well as their uses, how to estimate the required quantities, and where to buy them. It also discusses how to check and assess a roof and how to identify and rectify problems; describes how to efficiently "set out" roofs from small, simple jobs to larger and more complicated projects, thus making the work quicker, simpler, and neater; examines the correct and the incorrect ways of installing background materials such as underlay, battens, and valley liners; explains how to install interlocking tiles, plain tiles, and artificial and natural slates; covers both modern and traditional methods and skills, including cutting materials by hand without the assistance of power tools; and provides invaluable guidance on repairs and maintenance issues, and highlights common mistakes and how they can be avoided. The author, Kevin Taylor, works for the National Federation of Roofing Contractors as a technical manager presenting technical advice and providing education and training for young roofers.
  • The Slate Roof Bible, Joseph Jenkins, www.jenkinsslate.com, 143 Forest Lane, PO Box 607, Grove City, PA 16127 - 866-641-7141 (We recommend this book).
  • Slate Roofing in Canada (Studi4es in archaeology, architecture, and history),
  • Smart Guide: Roofing: Step-by-Step Projects, Creative Homeowner (Ed), 2004, ISBN-10: 1580111491, ISBN-13: 978-1580111492
  • Solar heating, radiative cooling and thermal movement: Their effects on built-up roofing (United States. National Bureau of Standards. Technical note), William C Cullen, Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Govt. Print. Off (1963), ASIN: B0007FTV2Q
  • Tile Roofs of Alfred: A Clay Tradition in Alfred NY
  • "Weather-Resistive Barriers [copy on file as /interiors/Weather_Resistant_Barriers_DOE.pdf ] - ", how to select and install housewrap and other types of weather resistive barriers, U.S. DOE
  • Wood Shingle Roofs, Care and Maintenance of wood shingle and shake roofs (EC), Stanley S. Niemiec (out of print)
  • ...

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