Key Takeaways
- Although algae on roof shingles is primarily an aesthetic issue, it can also increase heat absorption, raise energy costs, and create a more conducive environment for other harmful organisms to grow.
- The development of algae on roof shingles depends on moisture, sunlight, and nutrients from organic debris.
- Some people decide to clean roof algae themselves, using water and chlorine bleach; however, this can damage the roof and surrounding vegetation. For optimal results and safety purposes, always use professional cleaning services.
- Scheduling regular maintenance services allows professionals to clear debris off your roof and trim overhanging branches, which can help prevent algae growth in the future.
Understanding the Potential Harm of Algae on the Roof
Keeping an eye out for algae on the roof is essential, especially for homeowners in moist yet moderately sunny environments like Portland, Oregon. When left untreated, algae growth can hinder a home’s visual appeal, increase energy costs, and facilitate the development of other harmful organisms. This article can educate you on algae and how to minimize its impact on your home.
You should be proactive and learn how to prevent algae on roofs. Water, sunlight, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and minerals all contribute to algae on roof shingles. Therefore, scheduling routine cleanings and trimming overhanging branches can inhibit algae germination.
If algae are already on your property, avoid do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions like mixing water and chlorine bleach; these can further damage your roof and harm surrounding vegetation. Plus, it can be hard to understand the difference between moss and algae on roofs, causing some homeowners to take the wrong approach. Thankfully, experienced roofing professionals can quickly identify what is growing on your roof and exercise time-tested solutions; they should know how to clean roof algae without damaging shingles.
What Causes Algae to Grow on Roof Shingles?
Algae are a diverse group of primarily aquatic, photosynthetic organisms, ranging from microscopic phytoplankton to large seaweeds like kelp. Unlike plants, algae do not have traditional roots, stems, and leaves; plus, their photosynthetic pigments are more varied.
Many algae species, including Gloeocapsa magma, can grow on roofs in the Pacific Northwest, including the greater Portland area. Some factors that can contribute to the development of algae on roofing shingles are:
- Moisture – Humid regions have enough water content in the air to give algae the dampness needed to grow. Portland’s rainfall can also give algae a dependable water source.
- Sunlight – Since algae are photosynthetic organisms, they require light energy to grow. However, the light can’t be too strong or too weak. Portland’s temperate climate can provide the perfect amount of sunlight for algae.
- Organic debris – Algae needs nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon, and silica, to grow. Sometimes, fallen leaves, broken twigs, and dirt can retain some of these nutrients and provide additional moisture to spur algae growth.
In addition to debris, some roofing materials can nourish algae. For example, the limestone filler in many asphalt shingles can be a food source for algae, making roof maintenance for asphalt shingles especially important.
Is Algae Detrimental to Roof Shingles?
Algae can negatively impact your roofing materials in various ways when left unchecked. Some examples of how algae can adversely affect your roof are:
-
- Ruining their aesthetic appeal – Discoloration is algae’s first and most noteworthy impact on roofs. Algae can cause unsightly black streaks, hindering a home’s beauty and resale value.
- Energy efficiency – Darker colors absorb more sunlight than lighter colors. Therefore, dark algae stains can obstruct the shingles’ reflective properties, increasing heat absorption and raising cooling costs.
- Health concerns for inhabitants – Due to visual similarities, algae is often confused with mold, which is generally more dangerous. Nevertheless, some harmful forms of algae produce cyanotoxins that cause rashes or illnesses.
- Structural concerns – Algae can indirectly damage shingles by holding moisture that can generate cracks and deterioration through freeze-thaw cycles or fuel the growth of fungi that eat organic materials like wood.
As suggested above, algae alone does not usually cause damage to roofs, but it can still indirectly contribute to deterioration. If you notice any damage to your property, having a professional pinpoint the underlying issue is crucial. For example, shingle granule loss can mean many things for your roof, including natural deterioration, defective materials, inclement weather, or excessive foot traffic.
How to Remove Algae from Roof Shingles
The internet is full of suggestions for how to clean roof algae that vary in effectiveness and safety. Understanding the dangers associated with certain DIY approaches and why you should opt for professional cleaning services is essential.
DIY Methods
Unfortunately, many internet sources convince people to apply a 50/50 mixture of water and chlorine bleach to the affected areas of their roofs. Most people who carry out this strategy allow the mixture to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before thoroughly rinsing it with clean water. Nevertheless, this method can damage shingles and surrounding vegetation due to the hazardous bleach runoff.
Additionally, it can be difficult to access certain parts of your roof without specialized tools and substantial experience. For example, shingle keyways, the gaps between individual shingles, can sometimes serve as breeding grounds for algae due to water draining through them after precipitation, and DIY methods may not be thorough enough to clear them out.
Professional Cleaning Services
Hiring a reliable roofing specialist with substantial experience ensures algae cleaning is done safely and efficiently. Rather than power-washing the roof with an abrasive solution, most trustworthy experts use gentle yet effective soft-washing techniques to remove algae without damaging the shingles.
Moreover, roofing professionals can identify and address other potential roof issues while cleaning. This promotes the longevity of your roof and minimizes the risk of future unexpected complications.
Preventing Algae Growth on Roof Shingles
Keeping up with routine maintenance demands is the best way to avoid algae growth. Some examples of preventative measures that can keep algae at bay are:
- Trimming overhanging branches – By preventing twigs and organic debris from falling atop your roof, you can deprive algae of some of the nutrients and moisture it needs to grow.
- Performing regular roof inspections and cleanings – Scheduling periodic roof inspections and cleanings with an experienced roofing professional can help you detect early signs of algae growth and prevent significant buildup.
- Installing algae-resistant shingles – Some shingles are manufactured with algae-resistant properties. Anti-algae roofing materials are a popular long-term solution in algae-prone areas like Portland, Oregon.
Although some shingles can discourage algae growth, they won’t completely prevent it. Plus, anti-moss shingles do not exist, meaning roof maintenance is crucial to keeping your roof free of all forms of harmful plants, protists, and fungi.
Combat Unwanted Algae Growth with Roof Life of Oregon
Algae on roof shingles may not pose immediate, direct harm to your property by itself. Still, it can lead to various problems, including the development of unappealing dark stains that can draw extra sunlight and trap more heat in the house. Promptly addressing algae on the roof is vital to maintaining your home’s appearance and energy efficiency.
Still, DIY approaches are not advised for people trying to figure out how to clean roof algae. Bleach-containing mixtures made at home can harm your property and surrounding vegetation. Additionally, many DIYers lack the roofing knowledge to address the problem correctly. For example, it can be challenging for some people to understand the difference between moss and algae on the roof.
Roof Life of Oregon can professionally clean roof algae and complete any roof maintenance services in Portland to keep your property as safe, beautiful, and effective as possible. Our knowledgeable team can also teach you how to prevent algae on roofs to avoid complications.
Contact us today for expert-level help addressing algae on roof shingles or any other maintenance needs.