In humid climates, you’re likely to notice dark blue-green or black algae patches on your neighbors’ roofs, as well as your own. It may seem benign, but this growth can harm the surface of a roof. The first thing you should do if you find it on your roof is to have it thoroughly cleaned as soon as possible.
Why you should have your roof cleaned
In addition to adding curb appeal and maintaining value to your home, having your roof cleaned has several other benefits. You can increase the life of your roof by keeping it clean and looking great. If roofing materials are not kept clean, they will break down quickly. Aside from the cosmetic problems associated with algae growth, algae can feed on the limestone in asphalt shingles. It is possible for space between shingles to be created by algae or moss growing thickly on a shingled roof. A flooded deck can cause rot and leaks if moisture is allowed to accumulate underneath.
It doesn’t matter what kind of growth has plagued your roof; in most cases keeping it clean will pay for itself by extending the lifespan of your roof and reducing your need for repairs.
How to clean your roof
A pressure washer or soft cleaning with detergents, including bleach, can be used to remove algae from your roof. It is important to note that these “solutions” can cause premature aging and increased roof damage. Your shingles’ protective granules may become loose from the pressure of the wash. Soft washes often use harsh detergents that can cause damage to shingles, tarnish wood shakes and tiles, and accelerate corrosion on metal roofs. After soft washing, plant life is affected by runoff, which accelerates metal gutters’ corrosion and downspouts.
Algae may be removed from your roof with these methods, but they are not very effective in preventing it from returning. It is inevitable that algae will return, which will inevitably lead to the cycle of repeatedly washing your roof, which can seriously damage it.
Roof-A-Cide is an excellent example of an algaecide and fungicide approved for use on roofs as an alternative to this cycle. You can spray a light coat of algaecide on your roof to kill the algae as well as prevent it from growing again for two years. Even though there are other algaecides available commercially, Roof-A-Cide is the only product that the EPA has approved for roof cleaning and stain prevention.
The removal and prevention of algae growth should be a priority for every major roofing manufacturer. In addition to its chlorine-free and caustic-free cleaning solutions, Roof-A-Cide also provides several detergents explicitly designed for roof cleaning so that the roof and the surrounding property can be safely and effectively cleaned without the risk of damage.
Make sure you do not attempt to clean your roof on your own, no matter what solution you choose. It is already dangerous to walk on your roof, both for you and for the top. Adding slippery algae to the equation is even more difficult. Hire a professional roof cleaning company or roofing contractor to do the job safely.
For more information, contact Republic Roofing at 901-437-5278. We service areas in Lakeland, Germantown, Bartlett, Memphis, and Collierville, TN.
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