Removing Algae From Metal Roof

Copper is more toxic to moss and algae but zinc is.

Removing algae from metal roof.

Most of these substances can be removed by a mixture of cup tri sodium phosphate and 1 gallon of water. For it to be effective two to four inches of the metal needs to remain visible on the roof. Spray this mixture onto the roof and agitate it with a soft bristled brush to get it clean. Pressure washing can even tear shingles off your roof.

If you wish to prevent reoccurrence of fungus think zinc. Algae is just a thin film of organic growth that can be removed by washing the roof with certified organic oxygen bleach. Zinc strips left have been used for many years as an algae preventative. Pine sap decaying leaves and even road dirt that s drifted into the air can settle on your metal roof and stain it.

To remove algae and moss growth from the roof dissolve one cup of ammonia for every 5 gallons of water used and work from the top to the bottom. Copper strips prevent the growth of moss and algae. To keep the algae from coming back insert 6 inch wide strips of zinc or copper under the row of shingling closest to the roof peak leaving an inch or two of the lower edge exposed to the weather. Some homeowners also try to get rid of algae by using bleach.

The industrial grade roof cleaner does a really good job of getting rid of algae and lichen based residue which certainly makes it more capable than some of the other existing options. You might think that pressure washing is the best way to remove algae. To remove difficult algae spots use only a wet cloth sponge or low pressure washer. However the force of the water can cause your shingles to lose their protective granules.

Roof moss removal usually requires a broom or heavy stream of water. To be effective 2 4 of metal should be visible on the roof. Moss is a thick organic growth. Another noteworthy feature of the gp66 is universality.

To keep algae from coming back once your roof is clean install a strip of copper or zinc coated sheet metal along each side of the roof just below the ridge. Preventing algae from coming back if you want to make sure algae doesn t come back after you have cleaned your roof then install a strip of zinc or copper coated sheet metal on each side of your roof just under the ridge. That way whenever it rains some of the metal molecules will wash down the roof and kill any algae trying to regain a foothold on your shingles. Never mix dangerous chemicals especially with compounds that contain bleach and ammonia.

It s not just for roofs.