Author Topic: Cleaning algae off asphalt roof shingles...  (Read 2956 times)

purple monkey

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Cleaning algae off asphalt roof shingles...
« on: March 30, 2016, 09:20:53 AM »
I have several places of algae on my roof.
Should I leave it alone or pay someone to clean?
Roof is very steep and I have balance problems.
Any advice?
TIA

ShoulderThingThatGoesUp

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Re: Cleaning algae off asphalt roof shingles...
« Reply #1 on: March 30, 2016, 10:25:19 AM »
Is it moss, lichen, or algae? Algae itself probably wouldn't look like " pieces" since it's a single-celled organism. Moss is probably the worst to have from what I read.

Edit: I misread the OP like a fool.
« Last Edit: March 30, 2016, 01:13:23 PM by ShoulderThingThatGoesUp »

GuitarStv

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Re: Cleaning algae off asphalt roof shingles...
« Reply #2 on: March 30, 2016, 11:14:46 AM »
If it's just cosmetic, leave it alone.

Drifterrider

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Re: Cleaning algae off asphalt roof shingles...
« Reply #3 on: March 31, 2016, 06:17:45 AM »
I have several places of algae on my roof.
Should I leave it alone or pay someone to clean?
Roof is very steep and I have balance problems.
Any advice?
TIA

I have seen advertisements for a product made to take care of that.  You hook the bottle to your hose and just spray it on.

I don't remember the name of the product but if you do a Google search for roof algae removal I bet you will find some information.

Rollin

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Re: Cleaning algae off asphalt roof shingles...
« Reply #4 on: March 31, 2016, 12:01:19 PM »
http://www.bobvila.com/articles/black-roof-stains-check-for-algae/#.Vv1mAPkgtD8

Important to be gentle with the chemicals, as you don't want to lose the integrity of the roof. Or you could always re-roof! (Just kidding)

I'm going to try this though:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Spray-Forget-1-Gal-Concentrated-No-Rinse-Eco-Friendly-Roof-and-Exterior-Surface-Cleaner-SF1G-J/202088618
« Last Edit: March 31, 2016, 12:42:18 PM by Rollin »

ncornilsen

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Re: Cleaning algae off asphalt roof shingles...
« Reply #5 on: March 31, 2016, 01:42:12 PM »
The best thing to do is install zinc strips along the ridgeline of the house. No moss will grow below them, as minute amounts of zinc washes down the roof and kills it. It also will last the life of the roof. Payback time is 3ish years. It's also much better for the environment than chemicals I'd think.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!