Sometimes it feels like you’re just managing symptoms, not solving the problem.
Totally get that feeling. I’ve noticed the same—especially on shaded sides, you can do everything “right” and algae still shows up. At least you’re keeping it under control, which is half the battle. Those zinc strips are a solid move, even if they’re not magic.
I’ve tried zinc strips too, but honestly, after a couple years they didn’t make much difference on my north-facing slope. Have you looked into any of the algae-resistant shingle options? Curious if those coatings actually hold up long-term.
Honestly, I’ve replaced a bunch of roofs where the so-called algae-resistant shingles were only a few years old and already streaking. Some brands do better than others, but nothing’s bulletproof, especially on shady, damp sides. What’s your humidity like most of the year? Sometimes it’s just a losing battle against the local climate...
Some brands do better than others, but nothing’s bulletproof, especially on shady, damp sides.
That’s pretty much my experience too. Even with algae-resistant shingles, if you’ve got a north-facing slope or big trees nearby, streaks show up fast. I’ve seen copper or zinc strips at the ridge help a bit—rainwater carries ions down the roof and slows algae growth. Not a cure-all, but it’s made a difference on a few jobs, especially when humidity stays above 60% most of the year. Worth considering if you’re fighting constant streaks.
Copper strips have worked for me, but only to a point. On a job last year—steep roof, heavy tree cover, north-facing—Atlas algae-resistant shingles still got streaky after two seasons. The copper slowed it down, but didn’t stop it. I’ve noticed if you don’t keep gutters clear and let debris pile up, it’s even worse. In my experience, nothing really beats regular cleaning, especially in humid climates. The strips help, but they’re not magic.