The black mold like stains and streaks that appear on roofs particularly light colored asphalt shingles is actually a blue green algae gloeocapsa magma.
Removing algae from asphalt roof.
Algae and moss growth on roofs at a minimum is an unsightly nuisance.
Commonly found in climates with warm humid summers it does no damage to the roofing but it certainly does looks bad.
Fortunately removing moss is a fairly simple task that you can perform on a seasonal or as needed basis to keep your roof weathertight and great looking.
People who live in all parts of the nation and have roofs made from all sorts of materials wood metal asphalt clay or concrete tiles etc.
There are several products on the market specifically designed to remove algae stains from roofs such as wet forget outdoor.
That s why the shingles you see are covered with the small colored ceramic granules.
Simple cover your plants just as painters do.
Follow these steps for how to remove moss.
What is roof algae.
If exposed to sunlight the ultraviolet rays will readily break down asphalt shingles.
Can have moss and algae accumulate on their roofs.
While an occasional cleaning might not harm your roof repeated use of harsh chemicals or the erosive effects of pressure washing can damage or shorten the life of asphalt shingles.
Those places that receive more rainfall and have sustained high levels of humidity have more moss and algae growth as the moss and algae need water to grow and multiply.
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.
If moss or algae becomes visible clean the roof.
Keeping branches trimmed back from the roof and removing any debris that begins to accumulate should be part of a regular roof maintenance program.
Using bleach is recommended by most shingle roof manufactures and the arma asphalt roofing manufactures association.
If your household water pressure isn t enough to generate the proper nozzle pressure at the jets the manufacturer recommends boosting it.