Algae on your roof isn’t necessarily a reason to panic. “It can affect almost any type of roofing material including asphalt shingles, tile, slate, shakes, composite roofing and even metal,” but there are some fairly simple solutions and ways in which you can remove it from your home.
What to Do If There’s Algae on Your Roof
Whether it actually harms the underlying structure or not, algae on your roof is unpleasant to look at. It can cause discoloration and dark streaks, which are particularly visible on a light roof. So, how does it get up there in the first place, and what can you do about it?
“Roof algae is a plant-like bacteria whose spores are carried in the air, so it easily spreads from rooftop to rooftop.” Though it typically flourishes in hotter climates, warm weather, especially coupled with moisture from rain or humidity, can help it to thrive just about anywhere. The reason for its unsightly color is the algae protecting itself from UV rays by producing darker pigments, which most people don’t want covering their roofs. This is all without mentioning how quickly it can spread…
Essentially, your best defense against this growth, or the best way to remove algae on the roof if it’s there already, is to have a professional come and clean your roof. Homeowners who try power washing on their own can do damage by accident to the shingles and other parts of the roof. Instead of risking that, a contractor can come and apply a solution that will remove the growth without harm to the surface. They can also provide you with tips to prevent future growth, such as allowing sunlight to reach the roof, ensuring that there is proper drainage from the gutters, and regularly clearing debris.
Be careful when undertaking any kind of algae removal or similar maintenance or you could end up doing more harm than good. Instead, for a company that can safely and expertly handle algae on your roof, get in touch with Cox Roofing. You’ll be able to work with a business that has your best interests in mind and which has over thirty years of experience.
Cox Roofing:
Cox Roofing is a full-service, certified roofing contractor providing residential and commercial roofing services to the state of Maryland, with a particular focus on Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford County and Howard County. We pride ourselves on our personalized service which transforms your property into the residence or business of your dreams. Get in touch for your free estimate today.
