Keeping branches trimmed back from the roof and removing any debris that begins to accumulate should be part of a regular roof maintenance program.
Algae on roof shingles removal.
The only way to take care of it is to use a high base chemical solution like zinc sulfate.
If left untreated lichen can eventually take off the top layer of your shingle leaving a permanent scar on your roof.
Thousands of roof on homes and other buildings suffer from black streaks.
To remove and prevent black algae stains on roofs see black stain removal prevention.
Living in a humid area of the country like florida you ve probably seen your asphalt shingle roofs with unsightly dark streaks on them.
Roof lichen is a combination of both algae and fungus.
The ugly black red green or brown stains on your roof are likely algae or moss.
The organisms use your roof shingles as food which slowly deteriorates the materials.
A blue green algae known as gloeocapsa magma could be the reason you have the algae which is spread by airborne spores sometimes it can also be caused by an accumulation of mildew mold dirt or defective shingles.
Using bleach is recommended by most shingle roof manufactures and the arma asphalt roofing manufactures association.
Lichens will use roots to attach securely to your shingles making them difficult to remove.
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.
When these two depend on each other they can grow living organisms.
Simple cover your plants just as painters do.
Moss build up can lead to roof damage or shingle blow off if left unchecked.
The roof algae is doesn t harm the shingles but looks bad.
Roof shingle algae stains and roof warranties.
The most effective method of cleaning algae and moss from a roof is w ith a 50 50 mix of laundry strength liquid chlorine bleach and w ater.
Algae resistance provisions of asphalt roof shingle warranties are limited in coverage and scope.
Also see warranties for roof shingles.
How to remove algae from roof shingles pacific west roofing here in oregon mostly blue green algae grows on the outside of the house or on the roof shingles.
A copper strip at the top of the roof can prevent future roof algae.
To remove roof algae a solution of oxygen bleach can be applied to the roof shingles and then rinsed off.