Algae-Resistant Roof Shingles: Pros and Cons of a Durable Roofing Material
Keep your roof protected from damaging algae with specially resistant roof shingles
Highlights
Algae feeds on limestone in asphalt shingles and weakens them.
Algae-resistant roof shingles are engineered to stop algae growth.
Algae-resistant shingles are long-lasting, durable, and easy to maintain.
They can be expensive and it is hard to find contractors who install them.
If you want to help your roof last for years, you should protect it from organic growth like algae. Algae can destroy a roof, leading to costly repairs or even a full roof replacement. One way to deal with the problem is right at the beginning, by installing algae-resistant roof shingles. Let’s check out their pros and cons.
What Are Algae-Resistant Roof Shingles?
As the name implies, algae-resistant roof shingles are designed to discourage algae growth. They look like regular asphalt shingles, but are built differently, with copper granules added to the shingles to stop algae in its tracks. This is important because algae feeds off the limestone contained in asphalt shingles, which eventually weakens the structural integrity of your roof and can cause shingles to detach. The presence of copper deters the algae. Like any roof fungus, you need to treat roof algae in order to avoid expensive repairs.
Are Moss-Resistant and Algae-Resistant Shingles Different?
If you are worried about algae on your roof, moss may be a problem, too. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as moss-resistant shingles; however, moss thrives in the same environment as algae, i.e., damp, shady areas, so using algae-resistant shingles may help reduce the risk of moss.
If you have moss on your shingles, it is important to clean the roof and remove it, as moss can cause shingles to detach and lift up, leaving room for water infiltration on the roof’s main layers and within your home.
What Are the Pros of Algae-Resistant Roof Shingles?
What are the advantages of algae-resistant roof shingles? Besides the obvious advantage of preventing damaging algae, there are actually quite a few additional reasons to choose these.
Aesthetically Appealing
These shingles are more than just practical—they are attractive, as well. They come in a variety of different colors, sizes, and even thicknesses, and they are often built with natural stone to offer a beautiful, rustic look. They also do not fade from long-term light exposure.
Long-Lasting
Shingling a roof is expensive, so it is not something you want to do often. With algae-resistant roof shingles, you will not have to replace them for 20 years or so, as long as they are correctly installed and maintained.
Durable
Algae-resistant roof shingles are among the most sturdy and durable shingles you can get, due to their natural composition. They can handle high temperatures, powerful winds, heavy snowfall, and hail.
Easy to Maintain
Algae-resistant shingles require minimal maintenance, but you should still watch for cracked or loose tiles and regularly clean gutters and fix roof flashing. Also, have a roofer do an annual inspection to ensure your shingles are in tiptop shape.
Increases Home Value
This type of roofing shingle is a hot selling point if you ever decide to list your home. Because of all the great qualities mentioned above, an algae-resistant shingle roof will help increase your home’s value.
What Are the Cons of Algae-Resistant Roof Shingles?
Although there are many benefits, these shingles have a few downsides you should be aware of, too.
Expensive
Partly as a result of algae-resistant roof shingles having a lot of desirable qualities, these shingles can be expensive—anywhere from two to five times as expensive as other types of roofs. Also, you will need to hire specialized roofers with the right experience to install these roofing shingles, which adds to the cost. Algae-resistant roofs are definitely an investment.
Vulnerable to Impact
Unfortunately, algae-resistant shingles can be vulnerable to objects falling on them and breaking or cracking the shingles, which leads to water leaks. As a result, anytime there is a storm, you need to check the shingles afterward to ensure there has been no damage. To prevent this, consider architectural or laminated shingles.
Should I Install Algae-Resistant Roof Shingles Myself?
Because these roof shingles require a certain level of expertise, it can take some effort to find a contractor who is able to do the job. Algae resistant shingles may require specific nail patterns to ensure their effectiveness and, if installed improperly, may not work as well. Contact a roofing specialist near you to see if they install algae resistant roof shingles and can give you a quote for the project. Unless you have experience in this area, it is not a recommended DIY project.
What Causes Algae Growth on Roofs?
Algae does not have roots or leaves. It grows from a single spore blowing in the wind. When that spore lands on your roof, it can quickly multiply if the conditions are right. The perfect conditions for algae growth are shady, damp areas, most commonly created by large trees. You will find the largest algae problems in southeastern U.S. states and the Gulf of Mexico coastal region, where the weather is mostly hot and humid.
Algae can grow fast if there is rain; otherwise, humidity in the air is often enough to make it spread. Other factors that can cause algae to grow on roofs include standing water, clogged gutters, and poor ventilation.