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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

YOUR ROOF AND ALGAE PROBLEMS

Your roof can collect more than just dirt and leaves.  Left to its own devices, your roofing system could also develop something more unsightly for your home: algae.  A roof may develop different types of algae, lichens, and fungi as bacteria take over.  Many homeowners mistake algae for “roof mold.”  In most cases, however, it is really a blue-green type of algae and when it dies it leaves dark streaks on your roof.

Algae can cause unsightly stains and growths on your new roof.  It will continue to worsen year after year until you invest in professional cleaning.

How to Recognize Roof Algae

What does roof algae look like?  The answer will depend on the type of problem you are experiencing.  Most often, roof algae will appear as some type of discoloration to roofing materials.  You may notice black stains or streaks, or a blanket of green mossy growth.  Roof algae can also look like spots of mold – leading to the common misconception. Although mold can grow in your roofing materials if water gets trapped somewhere if you see any of the following on top of your roof, algae are more likely your problem:

• Black Streaks

• Green or white spots

• Round lichens

• Mosses

• Green moss that spreads across your roof

Algae is not the same as mold.  Algae is more common and not as dangerous to humans.  Algae can overtake a new roof in four years or less in the right conditions. If you notice strange discoloration or vegetative growth marring the look of your new or existing roof, contact a roofing contractor near you for an inspection.  A contractor can confirm the existence of algae and recommend the best course of action for your home.

What Causes Roof Algae?

Algae is a nonflowering aquatic plant that does not have roots or leaves like other plants.  Roof algae can develop in certain environments.  It thrives in humid atmospheres, where heat and moisture combine.  Algae grow fastest in shady, damp areas, such as under large trees.  It also needs nutrients to continue surviving on your home.  Unfortunately, the limestone filler in most roofing shingles provides nutrients to the algae spores. The inorganic materials found in your roof will allow the algae to survive, spread, and darken.

Most cases of roof algae or fungus start with a single spore finding its way to your home.  The wind can blow a spore onto your roof, and from there it will take off if the conditions are conducive enough.  Rainy weather can increase the chances of algae development, but it does not need rain if there is enough humidity in the air. Overhanging branches, clogged gutters, standing water, a porous roofing material, and poor roof ventilation can all cause roof algae.  Taking steps to clear your roof of common issues can help you stay ahead of algae growth.

Common Types of Roof Bacteria

Roof bacteria can take many different forms.  You may think you have roof algae, when really you have moss, mildew, or mold.  Roof algae generally have a black-green hue.  Algae grow most often on wood and asphalt shingles or concrete tiles, especially if they do not get a lot of sunlight.  The most common class of roof algae is Gloeocapsa magma, a bacterium that eats water and expels oxygen.  It causes the black stains you may see on your roof.  The black stains are buildups of algae that can prevent the sun from burning off the bacteria.

Roof lichen is a combination of both algae and fungus.  When these two depend on each other, they can grow living organisms.  Lichens will use roots to attach securely to your shingles, making them difficult to remove.  If left untreated, lichen can eventually take off the top layer of your shingle – leaving a permanent scar on your roof.  Roof moss is similar to lichen in that it also has root-like elements that attach to your shingles.  A moss’s “roots” are rhizoids and can anchor the moss to your roof.  The moss can then create a layer of algae/lichen growth on your roof by collecting windblown soil and spores.

Unlike algae and moss, mold is not a healthy plant.  Roof mold can appear as black or brown blotches, or slimy, foul-smelling accumulations.  Mold can occur in places where your roof has absorbed water.  Mildew is similar in that it grows on damp surfaces and can cause health problems.  Mildew can take a powdery appearance and have many different shades, ranging from black to pink. All types of roof bacteria pose different threats to your roof, home, and health.

HOW TO REMOVE ROOF ALGAE

You’ve recently noticed some unattractive coloring or moss growth on your roof and you’re wondering how to get rid of it quickly.  Quickly is the key word, if you don’t act fast, the problem will only get worse.  We recommend having a professional come in for removal purposes, however, if you’re good around the house (and not scared of heights), there are methods that can be useful.

The most common method of removal is a mixture of 50% water and 50% bleach.  Plants don’t like bleach, so this is a proven effective method to remove the algae. Pour the mixture over the infected area and let sit for a half hour to 45 minutes.  Once you’ve let the mixture set, rinse off the area with water.  We cannot stress this enough – do NOT power wash the roof, it will damage it.  The algae will take a bit of time to come off with this solution, just be patient.

Again, this method is for those who feel capable of fixing household problems themselves, and for people who feel comfortable up on their own roofs.  If you are not one of these people, have no fear, there are professionals who can remove the roof algae, stress-free.

HOW TO PREVENT ROOF ALGAE

If the algae on your roof has been banished (either by you, or a professional), it’s now time to take preventative measures to avoid the algae returning.  Even if you live in a humid climate, or a rainy climate, or you deal with overgrown trees, there are still ways of keeping the algae at bay.

The easiest way to prevent roof algae from coming back again is to install zinc or copper strips underneath the shingles closest to the peak of the roof, leaving a couple inches of the metal exposed to the elements.  When it rains some of the metal molecules will run down the roof along with the rain killing any algae that may be trying to regrow on your roof.

It’s also vital to have regular maintenance scheduled for gutter cleaning and for roof inspections.  Make sure there’s never any standing water on your roof, and if possible, trim any trees that may shed onto the roof or block the sunlight.  Make the maintenance of your roof a priority, and you’ll save time and money in the long run – not to mention your house will look its very best.

Stop Roof Algae from Coming Back

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.  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.  You can probably see this same principle working on roofs in your neighborhood.  Look for chimneys with copper flashing; the areas directly below the flashing will be free of any algae stains.  The strips also work on roofs suffering from moss buildup.  Just scrub it off first with a brush, then bleach as above.

Another Less Common Occurrence is Moss

If you see green fuzzy stuff on your roof it is most likely moss.  Moss loves cool, damp environments.  If you have moss on your roof it will be commonly found on the North slopes in addition to overhanging treses or overhanging sections of the roof causing shade and allowing moisture to hang around and the moss to grow.

Moss spores can become airborne and make their way onto roofs via wind, birds, squirrels, and other small animals, in the same way that algae makes its way to your roof.

Once the moss spores land on a roof, they will gather in the spaces between shingles and eventually grow into thick spongy moss.

Algae is a term for a large group of photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms.  They are typically aquatic and lack the roots, stems, and leaves of other plants, though they still contain chlorophyll—the green pigments found in most plants.  However, they are not plants but rather organisms also spread by spores, much like moss.

Mold is the result of algae left too long on a roof. Algae needs perpetual moisture to exist, so they grow best in humid areas. When algae keeps the roof damp for long enough, rot can set in, commonly leading to mold growing and spreading.

Difference Between Moss and Algae

Though they might be grouped as the same thing because they grow in the same area of your home, moss and algae are actually quite different and distinct.

Moss always appears more green and fluffy-looking than algae, though it might appear browner during dryer seasons.  Moss will also grow up off the roof, while algae will grow flush to the shingles and fixtures, staying flat and unobtrusive.  Algae will appear in many different colors such as gray, blue, green, or brown.

A small amount of moss is relatively harmless, but left unattended, it can grow and eventually damage your asphalt shingles.  Moss should be removed.  Algae actually fosters the growth of mold, which can lead to very serious issues.  Algae, too, should be removed quickly and efficiently.

Contact a roofing professional the day you notice signs of discoloration, watermarks, dark spots, peeling paint, mold on your chimney, rotting wood, or crumbling drywall– it could be a sign of potential algae growth on your roof.  The longer you wait, the harder it will be to treat. It’s never a bad time to ask for the help of a professional.