Removing Algae From Slate Roof

Roof moss removal usually requires a broom or heavy stream of water.

Removing algae from slate roof.

Lichen and green moss growth on a slate roof. What you do is put it into a pump sprayer spray it on the roof and you need to keep the roof wet. Use a mild dishwashing soap that does not contain acids such as lemon or lime. The upper part of the ladder will lie flat against the.

Many people try to remove lichen by brushing and scraping it off with abrasive tools. Algae is just a thin film of organic growth that can be removed by washing the roof with certified organic oxygen bleach. Fortunately removing algae from slate is fairly straightforward. Step 2 dip a nylon scrub brush in the soapy water.

If necessary dip a toothbrush in the soapy water. Bayer 2 in 1 moss algae s spray nozzle creates a flat stream that is easy to apply. Step 2 use a stiff brush such as a pushbroom to scrape away any stubborn mold or lichen patches still remaining. Roofs generally have a lot of metal in the form of vents gutters drains nails and cables so this can be a plus for most types of roof.

Algae stains don t show up below the metal flashing around chimneys or roof vents because the copper and the zinc coating on galvanized sheet metal are toxic to algae. Lichen can be a tough growth to remove due to the symbiotic relationship between the fungus and algae. The way to clean off roof algae is to go ahead and mix up some oxygen bleach with water. Roof moss removal and algae tips.

If your household water pressure isn t enough to generate the proper nozzle pressure at the jets the manufacturer recommends boosting it. In addition to rotting and possibly damaging your roof organic material is one of the chief growing places of both moss and lichen. Scrub the slate vigorously to remove the algae. It is a powder.

Also slate is slippery when wet. Whenever it rains trace amounts of metals are washed down the roof inhibiting algae growth. 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. Often the damage is hidden under overlapping slate courses and becomes apparent only when the roof starts to leak.

Clean up any organic matter on the roof such as twigs leaves or other debris. Moss is a thick organic growth. It does not take the color out of the shingles and it does not hurt the shingles or vegetation or anything else near your home. The best access for most homeowners comes in positioning a long extension ladder from the ground to the roof at the same pitch as the roof.

Moss is thick algae is paper thin. Start at the top of. Step 1 fill a bucket with with warm soapy water.