How to Prevent Roof Algae

by Kevin Smith Author

Algae isn't just a problem with your fish tank or your swimming pool. Algae can also build up on your roof, especially if you live in a humid area. Airborne spores, delighting in this warm, thick air, will happily latch onto your roof and sprout nasty blue-green growths. It's unsightly, sure, and it probably doesn't smell great, but algae can actually make the value of your home plummet, especially if the algae stains are visible from the curb. Even worse, algae can also threaten the structural integrity of your roof.

A roof is a vital feature that protects the interior of your home, and even protects the foundation, but algae is one of its greatest weaknesses. Here's how to prevent algae build-up on a home roof.

Install Zinc

Zinc strips are metallic algae and moss preventers that are installed directly onto the apex of your roof. When the strips get wet, they release fungicidal deposits that wash down the roof, preventing fungal spores from latching on and making a meal of your roof shingles. Install zinc strips on every ridge on a roof, even small ones, to protect every square foot of roof underneath.

Install Algae-Resistant Shingles

Nowadays, you can find algae-resistant asphalt shingles, which have bits of fungi-preventing copper built right in. Algae, moss, and other fungi will have a hard time thriving on copper, which prevents its growth. Shop at a Fairburn roofing supply retailer who offers such shingles and you'll build roofs that are virtually algae-resistant.

Maintain the Gutters

Believe it or not, good rain gutters and spouts actually keep your roof in shape. Your roof is built to handle exposure to moisture, but this moisture should ideally wash away. Here's where your gutters come in. By flushing away water down to the yard below, they actually prevent standing moisture from settling onto the roof. If you really want to see a roof go rotten, let it sit damp in the sun for several days.

Keep your gutters clean of leaves and other buildup and make sure they aren't bent or broken. Poorly maintained gutters will be less effective at draining water from the rooftop. If you're building a roof for a client, installing a comprehensive gutter system is just good customer service.

Keep in mind that high-quality roofing products, including flashing and all the above products, are more capable of preventing algae growth. Shop at Fairburn roofing store that offers top-quality roofing supplies at low prices.