Roofing Algae Removal Guide for Commercial Buildings

If you're reading this, chances are you're seeking roof cleaning ideas because your shingles aren't looking new and attractive. If your roof appears dark and stained in some spots, you may believe that mold and/or mildew has actually established itself on the surfaces of the shingles. However, the black striping you're seeing are really colonies of green algae. If you're observing thick, grass-green patches on your roof instead, then you've got a moss problem. The north, west, and shaded areas of your roof are most susceptible to these moisture-loving invaders.

Black Striping on Roof

Moss and algae spores are brought by the wind or traveling animals from roof to neighboring rooftop, which is why entire areas are usually affected. Moss can seriously impact asphalt roof shingle efficiency by triggering them to bend up and blow off, eventually leading to leaks. Algae is also known to eat away at asphalt shingle components, specifically the limestone, developing into certain roof failure.

Further, getting on your roof often to clean off growth MIGHT cause damage to your roof and reduce its lifespan by loosening up the surface granules on your shingles. So, it's best to recognize just how to clean your roof effectively so that you guarantee you don't have to do it too often.

Knowing this, what are the most effective methods to clean a roof of algae and moss infestation? Continue reading for our top roof-cleaning ideas!



Do not utilize a pressure washer, which can loosen up shingles and seriously damage your roof.
Do use a sprayer connected to a hose that's filled with equal parts chlorine bleach and water or household liquid chlorine bleach and water. This is the most effective method to clean a roof if you have asphalt shingles. After spraying onto the roof with the mixture, permit it to sit on the surface for 15 to 20 mins before rinsing thoroughly with clean water.

Do not neglect your landscape and bordering areas, which can be hurt by the bleach mixture.
Do thoroughly wet down plants and bushes with clean water before covering them with plastic, after that rinse them once again after utilizing the bleach solution on your roof.

Don't presume the cleaning mixture will instantly remove the infestation from your roof and use the mixture a second time.
Have patience. The algae will eventually stream away during subsequent rainstorms, and moss will eventually loosen up to the point where it can be gotten rid of with a landscape leaf blower.

Don't clean your roof on a warm day, which will cause the bleach solution to evaporate too fast, limiting its cleansing effects.
Do clean your roof on a cloudy, calm day when the wind isn't blowing and there's no risk of precipitation.

Don't clean your roof without taking appropriate security precautions.
Do clean your roof only after identifying that you can safely get up on its surface. If the incline is too high to conveniently go across or if your house is taller than one storey, you need to employ a professional roof cleaning company. If you do get up on your roof, wear footwear with slip-resistant rubber soles and make certain to wear eye and skin protection.

Do not procrastinate until your roof is covered in algae or moss to take action.
Do trim intruding branches to expose the roof to sunlight, and clear particles such as sticks and leaves from its surfaces with a landscape blower if required. You should keep rain gutters clean to ensure roofs continue to be as dry as they can be.

Since you now know the most effective means to clean a roof, make sure to follow these guidelines thoroughly. Keep in mind that our roof-cleaning suggestions just apply for asphalt shingles. If you have another type of roof, it is essential to consult your manufacturer to find out just how to clean your roof. As a matter of fact, it's smart to consult your shingle maker for roof cleaning suggestions despite what sort of shingles you have in order to prevent unintended damages.

Sometimes roofs are beyond cleaning or the cleaning reveals other, more major, concerns. In those cases, it is always best to contact a roofing professional for your options.