If you own a common asphalt shingle roof, you might have seen unsightly dark spots or patches on your roof. This is due to a type of green algae known as Gloeocapsa Magma which is spread by airborne spores in areas that are extremely humid. Usually, simply owning a home with an asphalt shingle roof anywhere east of Colorado or Arizona will lead to the danger of your roof developing these dark spots.
Fortunately, the algae doesn’t do much harm to your roof. Although it can attract other parasites, it’s not one of the main culprits when it comes to damaging your asphalt shingle roof, so if you’re fine with the appearance, you don’t necessarily have to get rid of them. However, if you want your roof to be spotless, and you’re interested in increasing the resale value of your home, then the algae will have to go.
According to trusted commercial roofers in Fort Worth, one of the best things to do is to replace your flashing with metal flashing featuring copper and zinc coatings. Since these metals are toxic to the algae, trace amounts of them washed down the roof by rain will be enough to discourage algae growth.
Algae resistant shingles are another option, and one that can be somewhat more expensive. Alternatively, you can also use chemical cleaning techniques that are sure to get rid of the algae for a while. To prevent them from returning, install new flashing and a brand new roof coating for extra protection.