Interesting point, but I wouldn't write off zinc strips completely. Had them on my roof for about five years now—moderate pitch, decent sun—and they actually made a noticeable difference. Maybe it's less about pitch or sun and more about how they're installed or the type of shingles? Roof age could matter too. It's weird how hit-or-miss these DIY solutions can be...
- Good points, zinc strips worked okay for me too but def wasn't a miracle fix.
- Wonder if shingle material matters more than we think? Mine are asphalt, about 10 yrs old, moderate sun.
- Also curious if installation methods vary much—maybe some people nail them down tighter or looser?
- DIY stuff always feels like trial and error...would love to see some actual data on this.
Interesting thought about installation tightness—I hadn't really considered that before. Makes me wonder if tighter nailing could actually trap moisture or debris more easily, leading to faster wear? Or maybe looser shingles flap around more and get damaged quicker in windy areas...hmm.
Speaking of materials, has anyone noticed if algae or moss buildup differs significantly between architectural shingles and standard 3-tab? I've mostly worked with architectural ones, and they seem to hold up pretty well, but I haven't seen any solid comparisons. Would be cool if someone had data on that too, since manufacturers always claim theirs resist algae better, but real-world experience seems mixed at best.
DIY roofing definitely feels like a guessing game sometimes—I've learned a lot just from trial and error (and plenty of YouTube rabbit holes), but some actual numbers would sure be nice.
- Good points about the nailing—I wondered about that too. Seems like you'd want a balance, not too tight or loose. Goldilocks roofing, anyone? 😂
- About algae, I've got architectural shingles on mine, and after 4 years they're still looking clean-ish. My neighbor has the 3-tab type though, and his roof definitely has more green patches...could just be shade or luck though.
- DIY roofing is definitely trial by fire...and rain...and wind. You're doing great though!
You're spot-on about the nailing thing—it's not rocket science, but you'd be amazed how often roofers mess it up. Too tight and you risk damaging the shingle, too loose and you've got shingles flapping around in a storm. The key is consistency; ideally, each nail head should sit flush with the surface of the shingle without breaking through. I've seen roofs fail prematurely because installers got sloppy or rushed this step.
As for algae, you're right that architectural shingles tend to hold up better, partly because they're usually treated with algae-resistant copper granules. Those granules gradually release copper ions when it rains, which helps keep the algae at bay. Three-tab shingles, on the other hand, are often more budget-oriented and don't always have that same protection built-in. Shade definitely plays a role too, so your neighbor's roof might just be getting unlucky with tree cover or orientation.
If you're dealing with algae already, one simple fix is a zinc or copper strip installed near the ridge line. When rainwater washes over it, the metal ions flow down and naturally inhibit algae growth. It's a pretty cheap DIY solution, and you won't have to climb up there scrubbing your shingles every year.
And yeah, DIY roofing is definitely not for the faint of heart...seen plenty of ambitious homeowners underestimate the challenge. Still, sounds like you're doing a solid job. Just remember, the details matter—nailing patterns, flashing installation, ventilation—these small things make a huge difference in how long your roof lasts. Keep at it, you're probably saving yourself a decent chunk of change compared to hiring a crew.
