Do you see ugly stains on your roof? Are you wondering what it is and what to do about it? It is likely airbourne algae that attaches to the shingles.

How Algae Affects The Roof

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.

Fungus On Roof

Fungus is an algae that is dark brown, green or black in colors and causes streaking on roof shingles. At times these streaks are thought to be things like soot, dirt, or moss, which is usually a mistake. Areas that are warmer with high humidity levels are more likely at risk. Algae needs 3 things to grow, moisture, warm air, and a food source. This makes coastal houses a prime target for algae accumulation on coastal roofs.

Cleaning Verses Replacement

Methods of cleaning can cause unneeded wear and tear to your shingles. Fortunately, some of the latest shingles come in an algae-resistant version, alleviating unsightly streak and maintenance hassles. For example, many of CertainTeed's asphalt shingles are available with the algae-resistant Streak-Fighter feature. The company indicates that a specific raw material protects its Streak-Fighter shingles from the streaking and discoloration of airborne algae. Look for it on the company's wood-shake and slate-style shingles.

Final Remarks

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.  Hubert Miles