I’m not totally convinced sunlight alone is enough, at least not around here. I’ve seen plenty of roofs with good exposure still end up looking like a chia pet after a wet spring. Maybe it slows things down, but I feel like the algae always finds a way back, especially on those Atlas shingles. They look sharp, but I swear they attract more moss than the old three-tabs my neighbor has.
Ever tried those zinc or copper strips along the ridge? I’ve heard mixed things—some folks say they work wonders, others say it’s a waste of money. Chemicals seem to just bleach the roof for a few months and then it’s back to square one. I’m starting to wonder if it’s just something we have to live with in this climate, or if there’s actually a long-term fix that doesn’t involve climbing up there every season.
Curious if anyone’s found a solution that actually lasts more than a year or two. Or maybe it’s just wishful thinking...
Yeah, I get where you’re coming from. I’ve got Atlas Pinnacles on my place and after a couple of years, it’s like the moss just laughs at any sunlight. Even the parts that get full sun most of the day end up patchy green after a wet spring. I tried the zinc strips a while back—installed them right along the ridge. Honestly, they seemed to help a bit, but it wasn’t some miracle fix. Maybe slowed the growth, but didn’t stop it. Plus, after a few years, they looked kinda crusty and I wasn’t sure if they were still doing anything.
I’ve gone the chemical route too, and yeah, it’s basically a temporary bleach job. Looks good for one season, then back to the same old. I’m starting to think it’s just a losing battle in damp climates unless you want to be up there every year with a brush or a sprayer. Still, I don’t think it’s totally hopeless—maybe it’s about picking your battles and just keeping it from getting out of control. But a permanent fix? Haven’t found one yet...
Funny thing, I used to think moss was just nature’s way of giving my roof a green thumbs up. But yeah, zinc strips are more like a speed bump than a stop sign for algae. I’ve heard some folks swear by copper, but then you’re basically installing a mini Statue of Liberty up there. Ever looked into the newer algae-resistant shingles? I’m curious if they actually hold up in real-world soggy climates or if it’s just marketing hype.
I’ve been eyeing those algae-resistant shingles too, but I’m honestly not sold on the long-term claims. The manufacturers love to tout their “granule technology” or whatever, but in my experience, anything that sits in shade or gets hammered with rain all year (looking at you, Pacific Northwest) will eventually show some streaks.
Copper is definitely more effective than zinc, but yeah, it’s not exactly subtle—plus, it can stain your siding if runoff isn’t managed. I’ve seen a neighbor’s roof with the new “algae-fighting” shingles, and after about five years, there’s still some discoloration creeping in around the dormers where water tends to pool.
Honestly, regular roof cleaning and trimming back overhanging branches seem to do more than any fancy shingle coating. Not saying the new tech is useless, but I’d be cautious about paying a premium for it unless you’re in a spot with tons of sun and airflow. Just my two cents from dealing with mossy roofs for a couple decades...
I hear you on the skepticism. I put down “algae-resistant” shingles about six years ago—midwest climate, lots of trees, not a ton of sun. They looked great for maybe three years, but now I’m seeing those same dark streaks on the north side, especially under the big maple. I tried copper strips near the ridge and they helped a bit, but honestly, nothing beats getting up there and spraying it down every spring. All these coatings seem more like a delay than a real fix, at least in my experience.
