Is Roof Algae Harmful? What You Need to Know

Finding algae and moss growth on the roof of your home is a common problem. This unwanted growth can lead to problems and costly repairs. If you are a new homeowner it’s normal to ignore this problem, but it can be helpful to know as much as you can about roof algae in order to identify, remove_, and prevent it from spreading. 

At Kickapoo Roofing, we are known for providing high-quality roofing services including roof cleaning. We understand that a roof is an important investment in your home’s overall structure and you need to maintain it in order to ensure that no damage or issues with the home’s structural integrity occur. 

We often receive questions related to this common roof problem so in this blog post, we’ll be discussing everything from what roof algae is, how to remove it, and how to keep it from growing back.

What Is Roof Algae? Why Is It Harmful?

Roof algae is a type of organism that grows on roofs. It’s the black or dark streaks you might see on shingles. 

While many homeowners may ignore it, roof algae can cause significant damage to your roof, such as:

1. It looks ugly: Those dark streaks make your house look dirty and old.
2. It can damage your shingles: The algae eat away at the tiny granules on your shingles, which are there to protect your roof.
3. It makes your roof wear out faster. When the protective parts of your shingles are damaged, your whole roof can break down quickly.
4. It can make your house hotter. Dark algae absorb more sun, which can heat up your attic and make your AC work harder.
5. It might lower your home’s value. A stained roof doesn’t look appealing to future buyers.  

How To Remove Algae From The Roof

Cleaning roof algae can be a straightforward process if you follow a few simple steps. To get rid of roof algae, start by creating a homemade solution using equal parts water and household bleach. This mixture serves as an effective algae cleaner for roofs. 

You can also consider using an algae cleaner for the roof of your building. There are many ready-to-use roof cleaners available for different types of roofing materials.  

If you are not familiar with handling roof cleaning projects by yourself, it is best to hire a professional roof cleaning company in your area. If you are looking for roofing or roof cleaning services in La Crosse, WI, or the nearby areas, then we are here to assist you. 

Give us a call here. 

What Causes Roof Algae To Grow On Your Home?

Knowing what causes algae to form on your roof in the first place, allows you to take accurate preventive measures in order to keep algae from coming back.

Here are some of the things that lead to algae growing on your roof:

1. Moisture: Algae love water. Rain, morning dew, and humid air all give it the water it needs to grow. This is why you often see algae appear on roof shingles in areas that get a lot of rain.

2. Warmth: Just like many plants, algae thrive in warm weather. It’s most common to find algae on your roof during the summertime due to the warmth.

3. Shade: While algae may like heat, it doesn’t like direct sunlight. If your roof is shaded by nearby trees, algae may grow in the shaded spots.

4. Food: Algae causes roof shingles to deteriorate quickly since it feeds off the tiny bits of limestone that are prevalent on the shingle’s surface.

5. Time: The longer your roof goes without cleaning, the more likely algae is to grow.

How Much Does A Professional Algae Roof Cleaning Cost?

In general, if you choose a professional algae roof cleaning, it can cost you anywhere between $0.20 to $0.60 per square foot. For a medium-sized roof, you can expect to pay around $1,300. 

However, the exact cost of an algae roof cleaning depends on certain things, such as the scope of damage that the roof algae has caused, the type of roofing material that was damaged, your roof’s pitch and complexity, and more. 

To get an exact estimate, it’s advised to get quotes from the best-rated roof cleaning company in your area. 

If you are looking for a roof cleaning or roofing company in La Crosse, WI, then we’re able to offer you a free quote! Check out our website to request a custom quote. 

Is Bleach Harmful For Your Roof?

This is one of the most common questions asked in regard to roof cleaning. The answer is that it depends on the type of roofing material you use and how you use it. 

For most shingle roofs, a diluted bleach solution is okay to use if done so carefully. You need to be careful not to use too much or leave it on the roof’s surface too long. You’ll also want to rinse the roof completely with the use of a garden hose. Too much bleach can damage your shingles over time, making them wear out faster.

If you have a metal roof, you should avoid using bleach altogether. It can result in rust and other forms of damage to the metal surface. For tile roofs, bleach might be safe, but it’s best to check with the manufacturer first.

When using bleach to remove algae from your roof, always mix it with water. A good rule is to use one part bleach to one part water, as mentioned before, which makes it less harsh on your roof’s surface.  

Call Kickapoo Roofing For Roof Cleaning And Algae Removal In La Crosse, WI. 

If you are looking for top-quality roofing services in La Crosse, WI, and the nearby areas, we are here to assist you. We are one of the best-rated roofing companies in Wisconsin. 
Our dedicated team can help you no matter the project, whether you’re looking for repairs, installation, or a complete replacement. When you choose us, delivering the best results becomes our priority. To learn more information, feel free to call us today at (608) 352-8688.