Treating And Preventing Blue-Green Algae on Roofs

Blue-green algae, or Gloeocapsa Magma, commonly grows on asphalt shingle roofs in humid parts of the Willamette Valley. It is spread by airborne spores, and it can draw nutrients from the dust in the air. While algae isn’t damaging to roof shingles, it can certainly affect curb appeal and the resale value of your home.

In today’s post, Eugene roofing expert Deschutes Roofing shares a few essential tips on treating and preventing blue-green algae.

How to Remove Blue-Green Algae

A number of commercial cleaning solutions are formulated to remove algae stains on asphalt shingles. These products can also help impede algae growth for at least a year. Just make sure to use them according to manufacturer instructions to ensure their effectiveness.

Alternatively, you can use equal parts chlorine bleach and water. Simply apply the solution to your roof and rinse off after 15 to 20 minutes.

Of course, don’t forget to check with your shingle manufacturer if there are certain cleaning chemicals that you should avoid. You can also ask for their recommendation on what type of cleaning solution to use for the removal of algae stains on your residential roofing.

How to Prevent Blue-Green Algae Growth

To prevent the growth of blue-green algae on your asphalt shingles, you can install copper and zinc strips at the roof ridge. This is the ideal location for copper and zinc strips because rainwater can pick up the algae-preventing ions from here and distribute them on different areas of your roof. This, however, isn’t the most effective way to prevent algae growth. If your roof is approaching the end of its life span, you might want to swap out your old shingles for those with copper-containing granules, such as GAF StainGuard® Shingles or Owens Corning® StreakGuard™ Algae Resistance Protection.

Deschutes Roofing is a local Eugene roofing company that specializes in new roofing, gutters, attic insulation, repairs and more.

We are experienced in residential and commercial roofing projects, so we’re equipped to handle jobs of various sizes.

To request a free quote, you can call the following numbers: (541) 246-6860 (Eugene), (503) 967-9590 (Portland), (503) 468-7663 (Lake Oswego) or (503) 928-8750 (Beaverton). You can also fill out our contact form, and we’ll get back to you soon.