Removing Algae From Slate Roof

Lichen can be a tough growth to remove due to the symbiotic relationship between the fungus and algae.

Removing algae from slate roof.

Roofs generally have a lot of metal in the form of vents gutters drains nails and cables so this can be a plus for most types of roof. To keep the algae from coming back insert 6 inch wide strips of zinc or copper under the row of shingling closest to the roof peak leaving an inch or two of the lower edge exposed to the weather. Step 2 use a stiff brush such as a pushbroom to scrape away any stubborn mold or lichen patches still remaining. Wet forget is a safe roof cleaner that will remove lichen without any scrubbing or scraping.

Whenever it rains trace amounts of metals are washed down the roof inhibiting algae growth. Bayer 2 in 1 moss algae s spray nozzle creates a flat stream that is easy to apply. Lichen and green moss growth on a slate roof. Roof moss removal usually requires a broom or heavy stream of water.

The way to clean off roof algae is to go ahead and mix up some oxygen bleach with water. Scrub the slate vigorously to remove the algae. Clean up any organic matter on the roof such as twigs leaves or other debris. In addition to rotting and possibly damaging your roof organic material is one of the chief growing places of both moss and lichen.

Copper strips prevent the growth of moss and algae. It does not take the color out of the shingles and it does not hurt the shingles or vegetation or anything else near your home. Moss is a thick organic growth. The best access for most homeowners comes in positioning a long extension ladder from the ground to the roof at the same pitch as the roof.

If necessary dip a toothbrush in the soapy water. Start at the top of. Many people try to remove lichen by brushing and scraping it off with abrasive tools. Fortunately removing algae from slate is fairly straightforward.

Often the damage is hidden under overlapping slate courses and becomes apparent only when the roof starts to leak. Algae is just a thin film of organic growth that can be removed by washing the roof with certified organic oxygen bleach. It is a powder. What you do is put it into a pump sprayer spray it on the roof and you need to keep the roof wet.

That way whenever it rains some of the metal molecules will wash down the roof and kill any algae trying to regain a foothold on your shingles. Also slate is slippery when wet. The upper part of the ladder will lie flat against the. Step 2 dip a nylon scrub brush in the soapy water.

If your household water pressure isn t enough to generate the proper nozzle pressure at the jets the manufacturer recommends boosting it. Moss is thick algae is paper thin. Roof moss removal and algae tips.