Common Causes of Roof Algae in Myrtle Beach
If you own a home in Myrtle Beach or along the Grand Strand, chances are you’ve seen those dark streaks that suddenly appear on rooftops throughout your neighborhood. Roof algae is extremely common in coastal South Carolina. In fact, it’s fairly common anywhere that has frequent humidity, high temperatures, and salty air.
While algae may seem like a cosmetic issue at first, it can slowly impact the lifespan of your roof if it’s not addressed. Knowing what causes roof algae can help Myrtle Beach homeowners protect both their roof and their home’s curb appeal. Plus, knowing how to prevent it can help maintain your roof’s health for longer!
What Are Those Black Streaks on Your Roof?
The dark stains you see on asphalt shingles are typically caused by Gloeocapsa magma, a type of airborne algae. Once it lands on a roof, it feeds on the limestone fillers found in most asphalt shingles and begins spreading across the surface.
As the algae grows, it develops a dark protective coating that shields it from UV rays. This is what creates the streaked or blotchy appearance that many homeowners mistake for dirt or mildew.
Because algae spores travel easily through the air, they often spread from roof to roof. This means that if your neighbor has them, it’s possible that soon your roof will as well. This is especially common in areas with older homes or heavy tree coverage.
Why Roof Algae Is So Common?
Coastal environments are especially tough on roofing systems. Think about how easily algae can grow in the ponds around your neighborhood, or along the tree branches by the river. Algea thrives in warmer weather, which South Carolina has in abundance. A few additional factors that add to heavy algae growth include:
- High humidity and frequent rainfall. This keeps roofs damp for longer periods.
- North-facing roof slopes. These types of roofs receive less direct sunlight and dry slower.
- Overhanging trees. They can easily drop debris and create moisture-trapping areas.
- Poor gutter drainage, which allows water to sit or run back onto the roof
While roof algae doesn’t usually cause immediate structural damage, it can wear down the protective granules on shingles over time. This leads to faster aging, reduced performance, and a shorter roof lifespan.
How to Prevent Roof Algae in Coastal South Carolina
Preventing algae starts with reducing moisture and limiting the conditions it needs to survive. One of the most effective long-term solutions is installing copper or zinc strips near the ridge of the roof. When rainwater flows over these metals, it releases algae-inhibiting particles that help prevent growth across the shingles.
Another easy way to prevent roof algae is the trim your trees as needed. Trimming back trees allows roofs to dry faster after storms, which is especially important in Myrtle Beach’s humid climate.
If you’re planning a roof replacement, algae-resistant shingles are worth considering. These shingles contain copper granules built directly into the material, offering added protection against algae the same way that adding copper strips can help.
In cases where algae is already present, professional roof cleaning or treatment may be recommended. These solutions should always be handled by experienced contractors to avoid damage to shingles or surrounding landscaping.
Protecting Your Myrtle Beach Roof with Carolina Custom Contractors
A clean, algae-free roof can help with preserving the integrity of your roofing system in a challenging coastal environment. Taking preventive steps now can help you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your roof.
If you’re seeing dark streaks on your roof or want to protect your Myrtle Beach home from algae growth, Carolina Custom Contractors is here to help. Click here for a free consultation so our team can get a better idea of your project!