Advanced Roofing Inc.

Blue-green algae have spread throughout more than 80% of the U.S., and leave dark stains on surfaces that favor their growth. Leading roofing manufacturer GAF offers a solution: StainGuard Plus™ Shingles. In this blog, local roof repair contractors Advanced Roofing shares a look at how StainGuard Plus Shingles prevent algae growth.

How Do Algae Grow on the Roof?

Algae are a species of bacteria that have qualities similar to plants, including photosynthesis and subsisting on moisture. Blue-green algae (Gloeocapsa magma), in particular, are a species that are airborne and thrive on rooftops. They grow a dark outer layer that protects itself from the solar heat and UV rays, letting the algae thrive even during extended periods of exposure to the sun. This is also the same substance that causes the dark stains on the roof. While blue-green algae do not affect the roof’s performance, they do leave an ugly mark.

Getting Rid of Blue-Green Algae

There are many ways to get rid of algae on residential roofing systems, with varying degrees of efficacy. Some would wash the roof with diluted bleach or some other chemical solution. Others would use a power washer on the roof. And there are also others who would install zinc strips at the roof ridge, which releases zinc onto the roof as it rains.

However, there are several downsides to these solutions. Bleach could kill surrounding plant life. A power washer will strip off the outer granule layer along with the algae. Zinc strips will quickly run out and like bleach, can damage surrounding vegetation if not installed properly. Also, all of these solutions require climbing the roof, which would place you at risk of injury if you elect to do them yourself.

GAF StainGuard Plus Shingles

As an industry leader in roofing technologies, GAF offers StainGuard Plus Shingles. It features algae-fighting copper blended in with the asphalt shingle granules. Unlike similar products, StainGuard Plus Shingles feature a proprietary Time-Release technology, which releases copper particles slowly but steadily over its life span.

Older copper-release technologies run out of copper halfway through the roof’s service life, which leaves homeowners dealing with blue-green algae a decade or so after installation. StainGuard Plus Shingles, on the other hand, release algae-fighting copper more efficiently and are warrantied for up to 25 years as part of the GAF limited warranty coverage. The best part is, once installed, you will never have to worry about ugly black stains on your roof.

Advanced Roofing is your leading provider of residential and commercial roof repair, and is certified GAF Master Elite® contractor. Give us a call at (630) 473-3008 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Naperville, IL, and surrounding areas in Illinois.