Have You Heard of Tobacco Juicing on Your Roof?

Some years ago we got a call from a lady whose roof we had installed a few months prior. She reported that there was a brown, very thin, oily type of liquid running off the roof, down the wall and spreading over her patio concrete. Of course, we immediately responded to her call, took one look, saw the problem and reported it to the shingle manufacturer. I submitted photos and a sample of the shingle and the manufacturer reported that the issue was caused by “tobacco juicing.” 

I at that time had never, after thousands and thousands of shingle roofs being installed by my company, ever experienced the issue and was mystified by it, so I googled the term “tobacco juicing” and found a great many articles detailing the problem.

The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association states that it is a rare situation which can occur, during certain weather conditions, i.e. smog conditions, intense sunlight, heat and lack of rain. It normally occurs in the south or southwest region, but can occur anywhere. 

The good news is that it is temporary, will not stain, and usually only occurs until it rains. Any of the residue can be hosed off and disappears.

When in doubt, ask Raneri and Long Roofing and Solar! If we don’t know the answer to the question, we’ll find out and let you know!