The Reason Behind Algae Growth On Your Roof

A common question that exterior home cleaners often get is “what causes algae on roof shingles?” After all, if you see green algae on the roof, it’s never a good sign.

That means there’s some kind of buildup of fungus that needs to be taken care of. So the first step is to contact a company specializing in pressure washing in Johns Creek.

But secondly, you should understand what causes algae on roof shingles in the first place. That way you can take preventative measures to prevent it from happening in the future. And you can protect your property and peace of mind.

So in this post, read on to discover what causes that annoying green stuff on the roof and how to take care of it.

What Is Algae?

Algae is a type of microorganism. It is similar to mold and mildew because ultimately it is a fungi that has tiny spores. These spores fly around in the air and then reproduce in the right conditions.

The Importance Of Cleaning Algae

Algae is terrible for your roof. First of all, it creates an unsightly green mess. Secondly, many people have allergies to algae. This means that they can experience coughing, sneezing, or wheezing.

They can even have lung problems and advanced asthma symptoms. This is not to mention the damage it does to your roof. If you have material that is susceptible to decomposition on your roof, then algae can accelerate this process.

Ultimately that could mean that you have to get your roof replaced sooner than you want it. Nobody wants to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a new roof if they don’t have to.

How To Tell If You Have Algae

Algae is green or black. It appears in streaks along the siding or roof of your house. You should have a roof professional inspect your roof to see what should be done.

Depending on your material, they can use the right cleaning solution and chemicals to get rid of the algae. They’ll both kill the surface algae and prevent it from coming back.

What Causes Algae To Grow On A Roof?

In order to answer the question of what causes algae to grow on the roof, we need to understand what algae likes. There are certain conditions that make algae susceptible to growing.

Low Sunlight

If your roof does not get a lot of sunlight, then algae will grow faster. That’s why you see a lot more algae and moss in forests or dark, damp areas.

Moisture

If your roof is not properly draining rainfall, then it creates an ideal condition for algae to grow. Moisture is algae’s best friend.

Lack Of Anti-Algae Methods

Some roofs have algae-proof shingles, other roofs have galvanized steel or copper. These materials repel the algae and prevent it from growing or spreading.

Your Gutters Are Clogged Up

If your gutters are clogged up, that creates moisture and a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and algae to grow.

How To Prevent Green Algae On Roof Shingles From Growing

Preventing algae is a reason to hire a professional power washing company to come out and get rid of the algae. They’ll use the proper use of solutions and soft washing techniques. Many roofs cannot handle the pressure of high-powered washing machines.

So experts will know the right pressure, heat, and chemical levels to get rid of the algae without damaging a roof. If you try to do this by yourself, you could risk damaging the roof even further. That’s not to mention the hazards of being on the roof in the first place.

Roof Washing — Johns Creek

When it comes to understanding the cause of algae on roofs, it’s important to have professional roof cleaning companies inspect your home. They can identify the source of the algae.

They can also identify how to properly clean it. More importantly, they can do this without damaging the shingles or other roof type that you might have.

Ensure your home’s value is safeguarded, eliminate harmful fungi, and avoid expensive roof repairs. Reach out to Aqua-Nomics, the roof cleaning experts serving Alpharetta, GA, Cumming GA, and Johns Creek, and permanently resolve your algae problem today.