Copper strips definitely can be hit or miss. I've seen some roofs where they blend in nicely and do the job, but others... yeah, abstract art is a good way to put it, haha. Zinc strips are usually my go-to recommendation—less flashy, easier to blend visually, and still effective. Chemicals can work too, but I've seen folks go overboard and end up prematurely aging their shingles. Like you said, algae's mostly cosmetic anyway, so no need to panic and rush into anything drastic.
Had a client once who went all-in on copper strips—thought they'd look classy. Well, after a few months, his roof looked like a Jackson Pollock painting. Zinc's definitely more forgiving visually, and you're spot-on about chemicals. Seen too many homeowners panic and drench their roofs in treatments, only to regret it later. Algae isn't pretty, but it's not eating your roof alive either... patience usually pays off here.
Copper strips can be tricky for sure. I tried them myself a few years back, thinking they'd be a subtle solution to algae buildup. They worked...sort of. But the staining was pretty noticeable after a season or two, especially around the gutters. Switched to zinc strips eventually, and they've been way less hassle visually and maintenance-wise. Totally agree about the chemical panic too—seen neighbors drench their roofs with harsh treatments at the first sign of algae, only to deal with faded shingles and other headaches down the line. Algae's definitely more of an aesthetic issue than a structural one, so patience and moderation usually win out. Good to see someone else advocating for the cautious route.
Interesting you mention zinc strips—I’ve had mixed experiences with those too. Have you noticed any difference in effectiveness depending on your roof’s pitch or sun exposure? Seems like results can vary quite a bit from house to house...
"Have you noticed any difference in effectiveness depending on your roof’s pitch or sun exposure?"
Funny you should ask—I installed zinc strips on my place (fairly steep pitch, lots of sun), and honestly, the results were pretty underwhelming. My neighbor's house is flatter and shaded, yet somehow his roof looks way cleaner. Go figure. Maybe it's more about the roofing material itself or just plain luck...either way, I'm starting to feel like zinc strips are more art than science at this point.
