Cleaning Algae Off Roof Shingles

So it s a good idea to cut away tree branches that overhang the roof and block sunlight.

Cleaning algae off roof shingles.

Do it yourself and save big bucks. How to prevent algae and moss stains from recurring. Getting rid of the problem is important but how do you safely remove algae and moss from roof shingles. Keep the roof surface clean by blowing off leaves and fallen branches during seasonal maintenance.

So it pays to clean your shingles as soon as you spot algae growth. While algae doesn t actually harm your roof it can impact its aesthetic appeal. You should never use home remedies or store bought chemical products to clean algae. Algae stains can be removed by cleaning though they usually return.

It takes special care to clean algae roof stains and moss off the roof. After 15 to 20 minutes rinse the solution off with a sprayer that has enough force to dislodge algae and moss without damaging the shingles. To keep the algae from coming back insert 6 inch wide strips of zinc or copper under the row of shingling closest to the roof peak leaving an inch or two of the lower edge exposed to the weather. 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.

Further climbing on your roof frequently to clean off growth can damage your roof and shorten its lifespan by loosening the granules on your shingles. A contractor on the other hand can detect these issues and recommend a solution. To learn how to prevent moss and algae from getting on your shingles keep reading. That way whenever it rains some of the metal molecules will wash down the roof and kill any algae trying to regain a foothold on your shingles.

A blue green algae known as gloeocapsa magma could be the reason you have the algae which is spread by airborne spores. The organisms use your roof shingles as food which slowly deteriorates the materials. How to clean algae or mold off your roof shingles living in a humid area of the country like florida you ve probably seen your asphalt shingle roofs with unsightly dark streaks on them. But once the algicide wears off your roof hosts an all you can eat buffet for the neighborhood algae spores.

Algae and moss tend to grow roof surfaces that are shaded and retain moisture. Apply with a sprayer and allow the solution to dwell on the roof surface for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with low pressure water. So it s best to know how to clean your roof properly so that you ensure you don t have to do it too often. For deep stains let the roof dry then reapply the cleaning solution and rinse it off again after no more than 30 minutes.

The most effective method of cleaning algae and moss from a roof is with a 50 50 mix of laundry strength liquid chlorine bleach and water.