This time of year, when temperatures and humidity levels rise, you may start to notice some unwanted guests on your roof. Green sprouts of moss and black streaks of algae are fairly common nuisances during the summer. While algae stains are mostly a superficial concern for homeowners, moss growth can actually shorten the lifespan of asphalt shingles. The good news is that there are a few simple things every homeowner can do to remove mold and algae from their roof and prevent it from growing back in the future.
To remove moss, start by using a stiff nylon bristle brush to gently scrub the growth free from your roof. You can attach the brush to a pole to access hard-to-reach areas. Be careful to scrub downwards to avoid accidentally damage shingles in the process. Because the root systems on the moss are fairly shallow, it shouldn’t take much effort to remove manually.
To remove algae streaks, you can use a gentle solution of oxygen bleach and water applied with a sprayer attachment for a garden hose. It’s important to use oxygen bleach rather than chlorine bleach to protect the original color of your roof shingles. Simply spray the solution onto the roof, preferably when it’s relatively cool, and then scrub it gently to remove residual algae.
To prevent future moss and algae growth, you can insert a 6-inch wide strip of copper under the row of shingles closest to the peak of your roof. Leave about two inches exposed beyond the shingles. This way, rain water will wash the metal molecules from the copper down the roof, killing any moss and algae they come in contact with.
Need a hand cleaning your roof this summer? Give us a call today to learn more about how the roofing professionals at Deegan can help!