I’ve wondered the same thing about shingle color—my neighbor’s lighter roof looks cleaner, but maybe it’s just hiding the streaks better. I tried one of those roof washes last year, too. Worked for a hot minute, then the algae came right back. At this point, I’m half convinced it’s just a losing battle around here unless you want to be on the roof every few months. Zinc strips seemed promising but after a windy spring, half of mine ended up in the gutter... not exactly a long-term fix. Maybe there’s a trick we’re missing, but I haven’t found it yet.
Zinc strips seemed promising but after a windy spring, half of mine ended up in the gutter... not exactly a long-term fix.
Had the same thing happen here—thought I’d finally outsmarted the algae, but those strips just don’t hold up to Midwest wind. I’ve tried the roof wash route too, and honestly, it’s like hitting reset for a month or two, then the black streaks creep right back. Only thing that’s slowed it down for me is trimming back trees to get more sun on the roof, but that’s not always practical if you like your shade. Lighter shingles do seem to hide it better, but I’m not convinced they actually stay cleaner.
Zinc strips are like that one tool you buy thinking it’ll solve everything, then it ends up collecting dust—or in this case, clogging your gutters. Midwest winds are no joke. I’ve seen more zinc strips flapping around than actually doing their job.
Roof washes? Yeah, they’re basically a temporary band-aid. You get a few weeks of looking sharp, then the streaks sneak back in like clockwork. I hear you on the tree trimming too. Sometimes folks want to keep their shade, and I can’t blame them—especially in July.
I’ve noticed lighter shingles do a better job at hiding the algae, but honestly, they don’t stay cleaner for long. The stains just blend in a bit more. If you’re ever re-roofing, some shingle brands have copper or algae-resistant granules baked in. Not perfect, but they help. Otherwise, it’s just a lot of maintenance and picking your battles. Midwest weather keeps us humble, that’s for sure.
Otherwise, it’s just a lot of maintenance and picking your battles. Midwest weather keeps us humble, that’s for sure.
Couldn’t agree more about the Midwest keeping us on our toes. I did an inspection last fall where the homeowner tried both zinc strips and roof wash—neither lasted through one stormy season. Copper-infused shingles seem to hold up a bit better, but even then, I still spot algae creeping back after a couple years. Has anyone actually seen the long-term difference with those “algae-resistant” granules, or is it mostly marketing? I’m skeptical, but maybe I’m just jaded after too many mossy roofs...
I hear you on the skepticism. I’ve seen those “algae-resistant” granules work okay for a couple years, but after that, it’s like the Midwest humidity just wins out. Honestly, regular cleaning and good attic ventilation seem to make more difference than any fancy shingle claims.