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.
Cleaning algae off roof shingles.
A contractor on the other hand can detect these issues and recommend a solution.
You should never use home remedies or store bought chemical products to clean algae.
Getting rid of the problem is important but how do you safely remove algae and moss from roof shingles.
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.
Do it yourself and save big bucks.
A blue green algae known as gloeocapsa magma could be the reason you have the algae which is spread by airborne spores.
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.
Algae stains can be removed by cleaning though they usually return.
You may need either algae cleaning shingle repair individual shingle replacement or a completely new roof depending on the extent of the damage.
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.
For deep stains let the roof dry then reapply the cleaning solution and rinse it off again after no more than 30 minutes.
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.
It takes special care to clean algae roof stains and moss off the roof.
To learn how to prevent moss and algae from getting on your shingles keep reading.
So it s a good idea to cut away tree branches that overhang the roof and block sunlight.
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.
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.
Keep the roof surface clean by blowing off leaves and fallen branches during seasonal maintenance.
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.
The organisms use your roof shingles as food which slowly deteriorates the materials.
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.
How to prevent algae and moss stains from recurring.
Algae and moss tend to grow roof surfaces that are shaded and retain moisture.
So it pays to clean your shingles as soon as you spot algae growth.
If algae only affected a few shingles repairs will likely suffice.