If you are like many homeowners, you may have looked up at your home’s roof and wondered, “what is that black stuff?” The short and simple answer is that it is (in most cases) green or black algae growth. The fact is, this is common and something that many homes have. The good news is that the majority of times algae is growing on shingles, it isn’t a huge issue that has to be addressed immediately. However, there are a few steps you can take to prevent future growth, and some products you can consider using if you don’t like the way it looks.
Are Black Streaks on Your Roof a Problem?
As mentioned before, in most cases, the presence of black algae growth on your home’s roof isn’t a huge issue. While there are some arguments in the roofing industry about this, you will find that most roofing companies state that algae is bad and destroys shingles just to sell cleaning products. This is not always the case, but if the algae begins to grow moss, then your shingles could be in trouble and this growth will reduce the lifespan of your roof. If you are unsure about how serious the situation on your roof is, it is best to call the professionals for an inspection.
Methods for Removing Black Algae
There are several methods you can use to clean algae off of your home’s roof, but whatever method you use, never use a pressure washer on asphalt shingles. This type of high pressure may break the sealant holding your shingles to the layer underneath and remove the granules that protect the mat from UV rays. While pressure washers can briefly improve the aesthetic appeal of your roof, over time, they are going to reduce its life expectancy.
A better option is to use bleach and water. You can use a pump sprayer to apply this solution to your roof. Once applied, use your hose to remove any residue. There are also roof cleaning chemicals available to purchase, if necessary. If you are worried about causing damage, then contact roofing professionals to handle the job.
How to Prevent Black Algae in the Future
Unfortunately, there aren’t too many options that will help you prevent the growth of this black algae in the future. One option is to attach a small copper strip to the edge of their home that washes over the roof, killing any algae growth. However, there are no ways to prevent this completely on older shingles. When you are having a new roof installed, you can request algae resistant shingles, which will prevent this issue completely.
If you need more information about cleaning your roof, contact the roofing professionals. They can help you get the aesthetic appeal you want for your home’s roof
