You need to clean your roof frequently if you live in an area with hot and humid seasons.
Climate change generates unpleasant stains on the roof that affect its appearance.
These unhygienic and unsightly spots and streaks may be algae and moss. Whatever the case, you have to act fast.
Continue reading and learn with us how to distinguish algae from moss, what to do to prevent them, and how to extend the useful life of your roof.
The Dark Spots: A Guide to Clean Your Roof of Algae
Maybe you have seen some dark spots on your roof and you have been worried.
Unlike algae, which stay low and flat on the surfaces they grow on, moss grows upright on surfaces.
So any dark streaks you notice are probably algae.
Most homes in Europe are affected by algae patches on roofs, which are initially spread by wind, birds, and rodents.
The algae usually start as airborne spores that land on your roof, particularly those with asphalt shingle roofs.
This happens because that area of the roof receives the least exposure to UV rays. It also happens because is an area that dries up very late after morning dew and rain.
Areas under these conditions have the greatest chance of supporting and thriving algae growth.
The algae begin to look like wide, dark stripes on roofs as they multiply and spread. If you suspect your roof has algae growth, this guide to roof algae and moss is essential.
First of all, learn how to prevent algae blooms on your roof.
Prevent Roof Algae Growth
You don’t want algae to return after removing it from your roof and after trimming trees and removing standing water.
If you want, you can use specific metals as a roof algae guide to stop algae growth.
Installing zinc or copper flashing around chimneys and vents is a wonderful technique for stopping algae growth.
This is the best technique to prevent algae from growing all over the roof surface.
What should you do to get it?
Just add a strip of zinc or copper a few inches wide below the row of roof tiles closest to the top of the roof. When it rains, the molecules that are released from the metals wash the shingles and kill the algae.
Although copper and zinc are more expensive than aluminium or stainless steel, they will more than make up for the cost. Doing this will extend the life of your shingles. You will love the results.
And what about the moss?
Here we explain to you about moss formation on the roof.
Moss is an additional less frequent occurrence
It’s most likely moss if you notice any fuzzy green material on your roof. Moss enjoys cool, damp places.
Roof moss is usually found on slopes, along with overhanging trees. Also, cast shades thanks to trees allow rainwater to collect and encourage moss growth.
In the same way that algae get on your roof, moss spores can fly up onto your roof. They do this through the wind, birds, squirrels, and other tiny creatures.
As soon as moss spores hit a roof, they start to collect in the cracks and turn into thick, fluffy moss.
Algae on a roof that is not cleaned quickly turn into mould. Being always surrounded by moisture, algae thrive in humid environments.
When algae keep the roof wet for a long enough period, rot can develop. This often results in the formation and spread of mould.
So what should you do?
Act on time. At the slightest sign of algae and moss formation on the roof, seek professional help.
At this point, do you know how is the difference between algae and moss?
Here we explain it in detail.
The distinction between algae and moss
Moss and algae are very different from each other. They are often confused as they both grow in the same area.
Although it may appear browner during drier seasons, moss always has a fluffier appearance than algae.
Unlike algae, which grows flush with shingles and fixtures and remains unnoticeable, moss also makes its way up the roof. The colour of the algae can vary from grey to blue to green to brown.
Although moss is generally safe in small amounts, if left to grow unchecked, it could ruin your asphalt shingles and whole roof.
The moss can become a nightmare. That is why Elizabeth Gilbert says:
The algae can also favour the development of moss, and this can cause very serious problems. So both the algae and the moss must be removed quickly and efficiently.
Since you know the differences between both species, learn now what you should do to prevent them.
Clean Your Roof to Avoid Algae and Moss
Roof moss and algae usually spread due to moisture and bacterial growth. By preventing that growth from starting, you can extend the life of your roof.
Once you’ve removed the moss and algae, there are a few techniques to stop new growth:
Tree trimming near the house
Algae growth on roofs is often caused by overgrown trees that spread microorganisms. To prevent trees from hanging from the roof, plant them far enough from the house and prune them often.
Remove any lingering water
Another element that can favour the growth of mould and algae is standing water. Fixing shingles, cleaning gutters, and making minor roof repairs as needed will reduce standing water on the roof.
Is there anything else I should know about cleaning my roof?
Yes, you can extend the useful life of the roof, here we explain it to you.
How to Extend the Life of Your Roof
If moss and algae growth is not controlled, your roof’s lifespan will be shortened. There are several things you can do to prolong the life of your roof. Most of them entail maintaining it clean and free of growth and debris, as well as:
- Have an annual roof inspection
- Keep attic ventilated
- Have clean gutters
All of these recommendations centre around the notion that keeping things tidy and organized will help your roof survive longer in the long run.
Roof moss and algae removal will unquestionably keep your roof operating effectively for an extended amount of time. Consider some of the advice below to aid in stopping growth.
More Fact Information About Roof Cleaning Dublin:
- Cleaning a roof is not just about applying a roof cleaner or cleaning product, doing a soft wash and rinse. It is a slightly more complex cleaning process and that is why to hire a roof cleaning service is recommended.
- Not only algae or moss can appear on your roof. Lichen can also take over your roof, lichen looks like
- If you are looking for a clean roof, it is best to hire a cleaning company.
- When looking for services in Dublin, you will find many companies that offer professional roof cleaning. Don’t choose just any cleaning solutions, look for an expert roof cleaning company that does quality work.
- A professional cleaning company will assess the type of roof and remove moss, algae and lichen. It will leave your roof like new.
Clean Your Roof Now
If your roof has been without maintenance for a long time, clean your roof now. Don’t let algae and moss take over your roof clean before you know it. Detecting a problem in time is vital to act and avoid losing the roof in its entirety. If you’re not sure how to do it, seek professional roof help.
