Tree limbs are sneaky—one year you think you’ve got ‘em trimmed back, next thing you know, there’s moss and algae creeping in from all that extra shade. I had a customer last spring who swore by those chemical washes, but the limbs kept dropping junk and the algae just came right back. I’m with you on the pressure washers too... seen more granules blasted off than algae. It’s not flashy, but a little regular cleanup and keeping those branches in check really does more than any fancy product I’ve seen.
It’s not flashy, but a little regular cleanup and keeping those branches in check really does more than any fancy product I’ve seen.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had better luck with zinc strips along the ridge. Cleanup helps, but the strips seem to slow the algae way down, especially in our damp climate. Not perfect, but less scrubbing for me.
the strips seem to slow the algae way down, especially in our damp climate. Not perfect, but less scrubbing for me.
I’ve seen zinc strips work wonders, especially on north-facing slopes where the sun barely hits. Cleanup’s still key, but I’ll admit, those strips can save your back if you’re not keen on climbing up there every spring. Just make sure they’re installed right—seen a few folks slap them on and wonder why nothing changed. And yeah, in our soggy weather, every little bit helps...
Those zinc strips are a game changer, but you’re right—they’ve gotta be installed just right or you’re basically just giving your roof a weird accessory. I learned the hard way when I put mine too low and barely noticed a difference. Anyone else notice the runoff leaves streaks, though? Not a huge deal, but my neighbor asked if I’d spilled something up there...
- Yeah, those streaks are real. I’ve seen it mostly after heavy rain—looks like someone poured a can of soda down the roof.
- If you put the strips too low, barely any zinc gets washed over the shingles. Gotta be close to the ridge for best coverage.
- Honestly, my folks just thought it was bird poop at first... not the worst look, but definitely not subtle.
- Still, I’ll take streaks over that nasty green algae any day.