All roofs are susceptible to algae and other forms of roof deterioration, but coastal houses are particularly susceptible due to wind and salt air. Green and black algae can be a major headache for homeowners. Algae not only makes a roof look bad, but will likely shorten its life as well.
Fungus On Roof
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.
Can I Clean My Roof?
There are products available that will allow you to clean your roof. If you choose to clean your roof, don’t use bleach. Rather try a more environmentally friendly cleaner that is won’t kill your plants and damage the environment. Also, never pressure wash your roof. Pressure washing washes away the granules that protect the shingle from wear. You can also buy high quality shingles that have a algae-resistant barrier built-in. The algae-resistant barrier protects the shingles from streaks caused by algae. CertainTeed produces an asphalt shingle with an algae-resistant Streak-Fighter feature in the shingle.
Final Thoughts
Regularly check your roof. When you see streaks starting to develop, it’s time to get the roof cleaned by you or a roofing professional. When it becomes time to replace your roof, consider having a shingle with a algae protection feature in the shingle.
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