Tampa, FL’s heat, humidity, and frequent rain make roof algae (Gloeocapsa magma) very common. We see those black streaks faster here than almost anywhere else in the country; in fact, you’ll often see them in just 1–3 years on a new roof. Here’s our straightforward schedule to protect your shingles:
How Often Should You Schedule Roof Cleaning to Prevent Algae Streaks?
If you’re in South Florida, clean that roof every 12–18 months. The intense year-round humidity, regular afternoon thunderstorms, and our salty air create nonstop algae food. If you’ve waited until the streaks appear to get a cleaning, you might need switch to annual cleaning until preventive treatments build up some protection.
If you’re in Central Florida, plan on a cleaning at least every 18–24 months. Conditions in some areas are slightly less brutal than in the south, but lake-effect moisture and oak shade still push aggressive growth. And in North Florida, cooler winters may slow things a bit, but summer monsoons and pine trees keep the algae thriving. Plan on getting a cleaning every two years or so, but be ready in case it has to happen once a year.
If your roof already shows black streaks longer than a couple of feet, green moss in the valleys, or you’re seeing heavy granule loss in your gutters, book a cleaning immediately. Waiting even one more rainy season is going to let those organisms burrow ever deeper and lift your shingles.
The Process
First, we’ll soft-wash your roof with low pressure and ARMA-approved biodegradable algaecides that are safe for Florida plants and pets. Pressure washing is a no-go, as it strips the granules and can void the warranties on roofs from GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed, so don’t be tempted to try that yourself!
Our treatment kills spores on contact and leaves a residual that slows algae regrowth for 2–4 years. We’ll also add a treatment specifically to stop algae growth. You might also consider adding zinc or replacing zinc/copper strips along the ridge of your roof, which can then carry metal ions down the slope with every rain. The point of those is to poison new spores before they can colonize.
What Happens When You Skip Cleanings?
Your asphalt roof is typically going to be rated for 20–30 years, but if you’ve got unchecked algae, you can cut that time to 10–15 years, no question. Algae traps moisture and overheats the shingles, which means they crack much more quickly. A professional cleaning is just a tiny fraction of the cost of a full tear-off and replacement, so it’s a no-brainer.
Talk to Us Today About Your Tampa, FL Roof Cleaning
If you’re seeing the first streaks, get things cleaned right now! After that initial deep clean, plan on getting the roof cleaned every 1 to 2 years, depending on where exactly you live and the kind of tree cover you have. Call us now at Revive My Roof in Tampa, Jacksonville, or Orlando so we can do an inspection and take the best approach. We also take care of roofs in Dallas and Detroit!
