The last thing you’re going to be thinking about when it comes to roof protection is algae—after all, what would algae be doing on your roof? Although this sounds like a far out concern, for those homeowners that enjoy the protection of asphalt shingle roofing, it’s a concern that’s all too real. In arid climates, like Thousand Oaks and other parts of California, algae on asphalt roofs can be a problem that goes undetected for years, slowly taking its toll on your roof.
Because asphalt shingles are a common material for residential roofing in Thousand Oaks, understanding if your home is susceptible to this problem starts with understanding your roof as a whole. Take a look at just a few of the questions you should be asking yourself or a roofing contractor and some of the signs that you should be looking out for.
Algae on your roof?
The first and best way to ensure that your home is protected, is to understand what it is that you’re dealing with. Black algae and green moss are the two most common types of algae and nine times out of ten, these are what your roof will be harboring if it’s plagued by an algae growth.
Algae is easy to spot because it looks like mold, however keep in mind that if you’re seeing clumps or patches of algae on your roof, it’s likely that there’s a lot more you’re not seeing under your shingles. And, although black algae is not damaging to your shingles, it can give your roof unsightly streaks and push up shingles over time. Green algae or moss, however, is a shingle killer—if left unchecked, this moss can actually bond with shingle material, causing decay and damage to residential roofing in Thousand Oaks.
Fighting back against the algae
Once you’ve identified algae or moss on your roof, it comes time to make a stand against it. For those people already in need of a new roof, the choice is a simple and effective one—have your old shingles ripped off and replaced with new ones. When your new roof is installed, make sure that it’s protected against algae growth, which often results from copper granules in the asphalt. Many brands make algae resistant shingles, so it’s best to consult with your roofing contractor about these options if you’ve encountered an algae problem in the past.
If you’re not due for a new roof, it’s still important to take care of the algae before the problem becomes more prolific. Having a roofing contractor address the issue as it stands will give you better insight into what needs to be done to resolve it for good. In some instances, a single section of tile may need to be replaced—in other cases, you may just need to have the tiles coated with an algae-resistant chemical.
As a homeowner in California, it’s always a good idea to keep one close eye on your residential roofing in Thousand Oaks. Paying attention to your roof can alert you to several roofing issues that are quick to develop—including the presence of black algae or green moss.