Removing Algae From Asphalt Roof
What is roof algae.
Removing algae from asphalt roof. There are several products on the market specifically designed to remove algae stains from roofs such as wet forget outdoor. Look for algae resistant roof shingles ar on the package which have either copper or zinc added to prevent the algae from forming. Black stains on an asphalt roof caused by algae. Commonly found in climates with warm humid summers it does no damage to the roofing but it certainly does looks bad.
If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. You can remove moss and lichens from your roof by using vinegar as a environmentally friendly weedkiller. Though often attributed to an accumulation of dirt defective shingles mold or mildew. Moss build up can lead to roof damage or shingle blow off if left unchecked.
Those places that receive more rainfall and have sustained high levels of humidity have more moss and algae growth as the moss and algae need water to grow and multiply. How to get rid of algae on the roof. While an occasional cleaning might not harm your roof repeated use of harsh chemicals or the erosive effects of pressure washing can damage or shorten the life of asphalt shingles. Keeping branches trimmed back from the roof and removing any debris that begins to accumulate should be part of a regular roof maintenance program.
Moss itself is a plant while lichen conisist of a fungus and a photosyntheizing plant living together. The most common culprit is actually a blue green algae known as gloeocapsa magma that is. Can have moss and algae accumulate on their roofs. That s why the shingles you see are covered with the small colored ceramic granules.
The black mold like stains and streaks that appear on roofs particularly light colored asphalt shingles is actually a blue green algae gloeocapsa magma. Follow these steps for how to remove moss. If exposed to sunlight the ultraviolet rays will readily break down asphalt shingles. If moss or algae becomes visible clean the roof.
When leaves and other material collect on your roof a perfect bed is formed for moss and lichens to grow. Algae and moss growth on roofs at a minimum is an unsightly nuisance.