Green and black algae are not only ugly to look at, but it also is a threat to the roof shingles of your house. As algae feeds and spreads it deteriorates the shingle granules reducing the effectiveness of the shingle. Coastal houses, more so than inland homes, are very vulnerable to roof damage due to salt air and wind off the ocean.
What Is Fungus
Fungus is an algae that is dark brown, green or black in colors and causes streaking on roof shingles. At times these streaks are thought to be things like soot, dirt, or moss, which is usually a mistake. Areas that are warmer with high humidity levels are more likely at risk. This makes coastal houses a prime target for algae accumulation on coastal roofs.
Cleaning Verses Replacement
Yes, you can clean your roof, but some methods of cleaning can cause unnecessary wear to the shingles. Many of today’s higher quality shingles have an algae-resistant barrier built-in. This barrier helps protect the roof from the unsightly streaks and maintenance hassles caused by algae. CertainTeed produces an asphalt shingle with an algae-resistant Streak-Fighter feature in the shingle. CertainTeed claims that specific raw material in the shingle protects it from the streaking and discoloration commonly caused by algae.
Final Thoughts
Check your roof regularly for steaks from algae. When you see they are starting to develop, it’s time to get it cleaned. Purchase a roof cleaning product to clean your roof or hire a roofing professional who can do this for you. When it becomes time to replace the roofing shingles, check out your options for a shingle with algae protection.
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