It is often spread by animals or airborne spores and has a blue-green color. This algae feeds off the limestone deposits of asphalt shingles and then forms a protective, black layer around itself. What can you do? You can clean your roof yourself or hire professionals to do it for you if it is causing you problems.
How to Clean
Do not attempt to clean your roof by yourself. There is a risk of falling due to the danger. It’s also important that you check with your agent before doing any roof cleaning. Also, your homeowner’s insurance policy may be voided if you do it yourself. You can buy a cleaner made specifically to remove this unsightly mold.
You can use a pump sprayer to sprinkle bleach and water on the roof. The bleach can damage foundation plants, so make sure to rinse them with clean water after you are done. Next, scrub the surface with a soft window-washing bristle mounted on a telescoping extension stick. Do not use a pressure washer as it could cause damage to the shingles. You should also do the work safely from a ladder or the ground, not from the roof.
How Can Black Streaks Be Stopped?
It’s not easy to answer because algae spores travel very quickly, so it is difficult to eradicate them completely. However, there are some preventative steps you can take. If you have asphalt shingles that contain limestone but don’t notice the black algae streaks yet, we can place copper or zinc strips along your roof ridges to allow rainwater to run over them and collections that will prevent them from growing. It’s pretty cool, isn’t it?
When you’re looking for a roof replacement, you can choose between shingles with algae-resistant grains or a metal roof.
This post was written by a roofing specialist at All Star Roofing. We offer the best roofing in Tampa FL. We are a family-owned and operated roofing business, striving to be the best in our industry. Our family has been in the Tampa Bay area for over 60 years, and our objective has always been to provide roofing services at a fast, reliable, and competitive rate. All Star has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.