How to Remove and Prevent Algae Growth
If you are a homeowner with your roofing done up with asphalt shingles, and you live somewhere in the Midwest with extremely humid summers then you must have seen dark stains on your shingles. This is commonly called mold but in reality, it is a type of algae. Sometimes these streaks could be caused because of roof mold too, which can have severe implications on your health and that of your family members. Acquaint yourself with these harmful algae and learn about the various ways through which you can get rid of roof moss and roof algae, with this blog of ours.
What is Roof Algae and how does it form?
Dark mold streaks that appear on light-colored shingles during very humid and moist weather conditions, is a type of blue-green algae. The staining can be caused due to the spread of algae spores by mediums such as wind or birds. This type of algae affects several homes all across the country owing to the fact that it can be so easily spread out and are airborne in nature. Algae can thrive in the northern exposure of your roofs because these areas receive the least of ultraviolet rays and take a very long time to dry off morning dew and water from rainfall.
Roof Moss is characterized by fuzzy and greenish hued accumulation on your roofs. This thrives in damp and cool weather conditions and regions that don’t receive enough sunlight. Moss spores, much like algae spores are airborne and spread from one roof to another through carriers. Little amounts of moss might seem harmless but it can have a growth spurt at any moment and spread all over your roof, infiltrating and damaging your roof shingles. For this reason, moss shouldn’t be left unattended and should be immediately removed.
Temporary and Permanent ways of Removing Roof Streaks:
Your immediate step should be to remove all the affected shingles and replace them with darker hued shingles to cover the stain. You may also use shingles that are laced with copper granules, these are lethal to blue-green algae. If you do not want to replace the roof shingles yet, you can spray a 50-50 mix of water and bleach on your roof. Refrain from using pressure washers. Rinse it off with plain water after you are done.
To ensure that roof algae does not reappear, you can insert 6-inch strips of metals such as copper or zinc beneath your roof shingles where it is closest to your roof peak. Leave one or two inches of the lower edge of your roof exposed to changing weather. From then on, every time it rains some of these metal molecules will drain out and eliminate the growth of any algae on your roof.
Standing water is another reason why algae and roof moss can grow on your roof so try your level best to prevent water from getting clogged. Tend to your roof properly with regular maintenance and you will succeed in defeating these menacing fungi and algae.
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