Funny you mention the tree trimming vs. shade dilemma—I’m in the same boat here in Georgia. Our summers are brutal, so I want every bit of shade I can get, but then the north side of my roof turns into a petri dish for algae. I went with Atlas too, mostly because the price was right and the warranty seemed decent, but I’m always a little skeptical about those “algae-resistant” claims. My neighbor swears by those zinc or copper strips along the ridge, says it’s kept his roof looking decent for years. I haven’t tried it yet since I’m not wild about climbing up there, but it’s on my list if the streaks start showing up.
I will say, last year I got a little lazy with the tree limbs and paid for it—had to scrub off some green gunk with a broom and a hose. Not fun, but cheaper than calling someone out. It’s always a trade-off, isn’t it? Save on cooling or save on cleaning. If anyone’s found a magic bullet that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, I’d love to hear about it... but until then, I guess I’ll just keep sweating it out with the trimmers.
It’s always a trade-off, isn’t it? Save on cooling or save on cleaning.
That’s the story of my life every summer. I tried the copper strip trick a couple years back—honestly, it helped, but not as much as my neighbor hyped it up. Still had to get up there with a brush. Anyone else notice the “algae-resistant” shingles don’t really hold up after a few seasons? Wondering if it’s just our humidity or if the warranty is more marketing than substance.
Yeah, I’ve noticed the same thing with those “algae-resistant” shingles. They looked great for maybe three years, then the streaks started creeping back. I’m in the southeast, so humidity’s a killer. Copper strips slowed it down, but didn’t stop it. Honestly, I think the warranties are mostly marketing fluff—unless you’re ready to fight for a claim. Still beats scrubbing every spring, but not by much.
Yeah, I hear you on the warranties—getting them honored is a whole process. I’ve managed a few properties with those “algae-resistant” shingles and honestly, three years seems about right before the streaks show up again. Copper helps, but it’s not a cure-all, especially with our humidity. Still, it does cut down on the worst of it, so I’ll take that over constant scrubbing.
Copper helps, but it’s not a cure-all, especially with our humidity. Still, it does cut down on the worst of it, so I’ll take that over constant scrubbing.
I get what you’re saying about copper, but honestly, I tried the copper strips and didn’t see much difference after a couple years. Maybe my roof just gets too much shade? What’s actually worked for me is just hitting the streaks with a cheap pump sprayer and some diluted bleach once a year. Not glamorous, but way cheaper than replacing shingles or adding more copper. The algae comes back, but not as fast as I expected.
