Algae and lichen can adhere to your roof, cause permanent stains, and ultimately damage the underlying materials. Wood rot. If moisture sinks down into the wood of your roof, you could have a serious problem on your hands.
What does algae do to a roof?
Roof Algae and Asphalt Shingles
Blue-green algae slowly consume the limestone over time. The more dark stains these algae create, the more your roof loses its reflective ability. The roof will absorb more heat from the sun which will radiate to the house, causing higher cooling expenses.
How do I get green algae off my roof?
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. 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.
Is algae bad for roof shingle?
Roof algae is not harmful or dangerous in itself, but after a period of time, the algae can cause the protective UV granules that cover roofing shingles to begin to come off, eventually drying them out. Fungus—which also travels through the air—can combine with algae already present on your roof and form into lichen.
What causes green algae on roofs?
Algae Growth
It’s actually just a blue-green algae spread by airborne spores. It is easily spread and causes those colorful stains on so many roofs. It needs heat, moisture and nutrients to grow. The sun and the humidity on your roof give it the first two.
How do I stop algae growing on my roof?
How to Prevent Algae Growth on Your Roof
- Trim The Trees. …
- Eliminate Standing Water. …
- Get Your Roof Washed Regularly. …
- Get A New Algae Resistant Roof. …
- Prevent Roof Algae Growth with New Shingles.
What is the white stuff on roofs?
When driving by a neighbor’s house, have you ever wondered, “Why is there white powder on their roof?” In short, it is known as zinc sulfate powder which is used to deter roof moss. Zinc deterrents often come in two forms, a zinc strip, or zinc sulfate powder.
Should you clean moss off your roof?
To avoid expensive repairs, moss should be removed from your roof tiles quickly if it is covering a significant area of your roof. Avoid pressure washing your roof to remove moss, as this could cause damage to the tiles and lead to the drenching of your roof interior.
Can you pressure wash a roof?
NEVER aim your pressure washer up the roof, as it can push water under the shingles. Spraying water under your shingles can both tear off the shingles and force water under them and into your home. … You shouldn’t have to pressure wash your roof any more than once every year or two at most.
What kills moss naturally?
The easiest way to kill moss naturally is with a mixture of 3 tablespoons of baking soda to 1 quart of water. Use gloves as you make this it a jug or spray bottle. Then apply to the moss and wait for the magic to happen.
What is growing on my roof?
The most common culprit causing these unsighlty stains on asphalt roofs is a blue green algae called Gloeocapsa magma. … As the roof algae grows and decomposes, it holds moisture which accelerates its growth and the deterioration of your asphalt shingles.
What is the best cleaner for roof shingles?
of laundry strength liquid chlorine bleach and water. This is the best way to clean a roof if you have asphalt shingles. After spraying the roof with the mixture, allow it to sit on the surface for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with clean water.
What is the black stuff on my roof?
The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called Gloeocapsa magma. As the blue-green algae accumulate, they develop a dark, hardened outer coating, which results in the black stains you see. The algae feed on the limestone in shingles.
What can I spray on my roof to kill moss?
Chlorine bleach removes mosses, fungi, and mildew, but it may damage plants, so dilute it before spraying on your roof.
How long do residential roofs last?
Roofs. Slate, copper and tile roofs can last more than 50 years. Homeowners with wood shake roofs should expect them to last about 30 years, while fiber cement shingles last about 25 years and asphalt shingle/composition roofs last about 20 years, the NAHB found.
Will bleach damage asphalt shingles?
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. … Roof cleaned with oxygen bleach (left) and chlorine bleach (center).