How to Remove Algae From Asphalt
Algae usually appear on asphalt shingles in warmer climates and roofs that don't see a lot of sunlight. The algae create a very unappealing look that nobody would like looking at. Cleaning the shingles shouldn't be that difficult and should be done on a semi regular basis.
Things You'll Need:
- Bleach
- Plastic Tarps
- Garbage Bags
- Sprayers
- Rubber Gloves
- Ladder
- Garden Hose
- Purchase bleach at a local home care store. Chlorine bleach works very well but could also damage gutters and plants around the roof. Try using oxygen bleach, it's a lot safer but probably won't be as effective. Both types of bleach should easily be found in home care stores.
- Cover plants around the roof with plastic tarps. Some smaller plants might also fit in a garbage bag. You might also want to consider spraying water around the plants to help dilute any bleach that leaks from the roof.
- Mix the bleach in a sprayer. Sprayers normally used for weed killing products should work just fine. Make sure to wear rubber gloves when mixing the chemicals.
- Climb up the roof with a ladder and spray the bleach on the top part of the roof first so it runs downhill. This will help you conserve the amount of bleach you use. Walk up to the peak of the roof if possible. You might need to extend your ladder to reach the peak with the sprayer if the roof is to steep. Allow the bleach to sit on the roof for several minutes.
- Spray the bleach off the roof with a garden hose. Make sure you thoroughly spray all the bleach off the roof. Repeat the process until all the algae is off the roof.