Preventing Moss and Algae Growth On Your Asphalt Shingles

It happens. Wet, warmth, and a raft of other weather conditions can affect our shingles. Sometimes it affects them in more obvious ways than others.... like when a layer of moss and algae grow on your asphalt shingles. Picture it: you are performing a regular roof inspection and you see it. You notice that there are dark areas and discolouration on your rooftop. What could it be? The answer is most likely algae or moss. They both form in moist areas.
Do you want to prevent these issues from destroying the safety of your roof? Then give these simple do it yourself projects a try. You will be saying goodbye to moss and algae growth once and for all.

Knowing The Difference: Algae vs. Moss

The best place to start is by understanding what moss and algae actually do - and why their prevention is so important. Algae forms when there is moisture on your roof. It could occur because of certain weather conditions or due to poorly protected areas. Algae will show up as a small dark spot but will eventually grow to look more like long streaks on your roofing materials. Something to keep in mind? If you see algae forming, that means it has already been there for several months. Moss on the other hand, grows on areas of your roof that receive less sunlight. When it does form, it can create a number of serious issues. It can destroy the strength of your shingles by causing them to lift and curl. This increases the likelihood of shingle removal.

Preventative Measures

There is no doubt that moss and algae can affect the strength and overall appearance of your roofing system. That makes prevention key. Thankfully there are a few DIY tasks that can keep these issues at bay.... if performed on a regular basis. The first is to trim back any overhanging tree branches. This step can prevent branches from scratching or damaging your roofing materials. However it also helps more sunlight hit the roof. That reduces the amount of moisture, which will make it difficult for moss and algae to grow.
Another preventative measure? Clear away debris. If you have a leaf blower or even a push broom, you can use them to clear away leaves, small twigs and branches, and other debris that moisture can grow under. Removing them will prevent moss and algae - and improve the look of your roofing system as well. It is also a good idea to clean your gutters regularly. This will ensure that they drain properly.... and a build up of water does not reach your roofing materials. The last preventative step to take? Consider choosing materials that are water resistant or algae resistant. If you are planning to have new roofing materials installed in the near future, this is your chance to strength your roof. Puts some serious thought into what your materials can do for you.
No one wants to deal with moss or algae growth. Removing a build up can be time consuming and frustrating to deal with. That makes prevention especially important. With these do it yourself tasks at your disposal...you can improve your home from the top down.
Joe Davis understands the importance of preventing moss and algae growth. He has experience bringing both residential and commercial roofing products to customers all over the country. In the last few years, he has been working successfully with IKO Shingles.