Green and black algae are not only ugly to look at, but it also is a threat to the roof shingles of your house. As algae feeds and spreads it deteriorates the shingle granules reducing the effectiveness of the shingle. Coastal houses, more so than inland homes, are very vulnerable to roof damage due to salt air and wind off the ocean.
Is Fungus Safe
Commonly called fungus, algae create unsightly dark brown, green or black streaking on shingles. Sometimes these streaks are mistaken for soot, dirt, moss or tree droppings. While regions with sustained humidity and moisture tend to be most at risk, people who live in all parts of the nation with roofs made from all sorts of materials are susceptible to moss and algae accumulation. In fact, all algae need to survive and thrive are air, water and a food source.
Cleaning and Replacement
Yes, you can clean your roof, but some methods of cleaning can cause unnecessary wear to the shingles. Many of today's higher quality shingles have an algae-resistant barrier built-in. This barrier helps protect the roof from the unsightly streaks and maintenance hassles caused by algae. CertainTeed produces an asphalt shingle with an algae-resistant Streak-Fighter feature in the shingle. CertainTeed claims that specific raw material in the shingle protects it from the streaking and discoloration commonly caused by algae.
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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