What Is Algae-Free Roofing?

Algae and Moss on a Tile Roof

What is algae-free roofing?

Like most of the country in the past few years, Cincinnati, Ohio has had some unexpected changes. Springs are later and wetter, summers are dryer and hotter, and winters are colder, later, and longer. This has created a high demand for mold and algae free roofing by homeowners. 

Why is algae free roofing needed?

As you drive through your neighborhood, do you notice any houses with those dark ugly streaks on the roof? This isn’t a “green roof”, but instead, it is a living organism that is spreading across the roof, eating away at the shingles.  That organism is called algae and it isn’t something you want.  

Algae’s official name is Gloeocapsa Magma, a blue-green growth that turns black as it takes over the roof. It loves roofs that don’t get much sun, and the more humid and warmer the temperature, the better it likes it.  Because it can do a lot of damage to a roof in a short time, algae free roofing is requested by more homeowners today. 

If the roof on your home is in a damp, shaded, or warm, area, or any combination of these three things, here are the benefits you can expect from algae free roofing: 

  • Appearance: No matter what color you choose for your roofing shingles, if an algae infestation starts, the color is going to change to black. With an algae free roofing material, your roof will stay the color you chose, keeping your home’s curb appeal looking good. 
  • Energy Costs: Algae may seem like another layer on the roof to protect it from the elements, but it isn’t. It is a layer of live organisms that are eating the shingles. That algae build-up is blocking the reflectiveness that shingles provide, allowing the UV rays to heat the roof, which heats the attic, and then your HVAC system works harder, using more energy, to keep your home comfortable. An algae free roofing material will protect those reflective properties and help keep your energy bills down.
  • Moss: Algae, lichen, and moss are all live organisms that will plant their roots into your shingles. Then the roots spread under the shingles, loosening them, and allowing water to penetrate. More moisture seems into the attic, and before long, you’re needing a new roof. 

Can algae hurt your roof?

Once algae get started on your roof, it will grow on the limestone granules that make up the asphalt shingles, consuming the limestone and weakening the shingles. Algae will invite its friends’ fungus, mildew, and mold to a party on your roof, producing a more advanced life formation of lichen. This is a more destructive, hardy, and sturdier growth that will ruin your roof and compromise the structural integrity. 

What is the difference between algae and mold?

Algae is more like a plant that dines on the limestone in your asphalt shingles. It also likes to dine on the siding around your home where it finds other organic matter. Mold is a fungus and requires nutrients for survival, which it gets from the algae. 

Why does algae grow on roofs?

 That blue-green algae that are spreading your roof is doing that by airborne spores because the things it needs are on your roof: 

  • Heat
  • Moisture
  • Nutrients

The humidity caused by the sun hitting your roof gives algae heat and moisture. And the limestone in the asphalt shingles gives it the nutrients. By feeding on the inorganic materials that your roofing material offers, it can continue to grow and spread. With algae free roofing materials, this is one problem you won’t have! 

What are the different types of algae that grows on roofs? 

You’ll find different types of algae in several places, including pond scum, kelp, and seaweed, along with a host of other types.  There are only one algae that your roof needs to fear: Gloeocapsa Magma, the blue-greenish algae that turn black as it eats your roofing shingles. With an algae free roofing material, homes in climates where the summer is humid and warm can enjoy the weather without concern about the roofing being destroyed. 

Can you clean algae off of roofs?

A consistent routine of having your home power washed, including the roof, keeps your home looking good. Where the roof is concerned, it will remove any wet leaves, seeds, twigs, or other debris that causes algae, lichen, mildew, and mold to start growing. 

How long do algae resistant shingles last?

The warranty on asphalt shingle algae free roofing material can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and within their various lines. The average is 20 years, but some of the lower grade quality products with only a 5-year warranty on the algae free roofing. 

Are algae resistant shingles worth it?

Yes, especially when you choose the 20-year warranty algae free roofing materials.  This can extend the lifespan of your roof by another 5 to 10 years.

Algae on a Slate Roof

At the End of the Line 

How do I stop algae growing on my roof? You need to do what you can to let more sunlight hit your roof. Algae is like Vampires: It doesn’t like the sun. So, keeping trees trimmed back is the first thing. Next, keep regularly scheduled appointments for roof cleaning and gutter maintenance. This will keep water wicked away from the roof. 

For algae free roofing in Cincinnati, OH, contact Cincinnati Gutter & Roof Protection at 513-563-9988.