Search

If accumulations of algae or moss are heavy, a part of it should wash off the roof surface immediately with the stream from the garden hose. Using a brush or broom with medium-stiff bristles you can attempt brushing off algae and moss, but don't scrub too hard. You don't want to brush off the mineral granules from the shingles.

If algae, moss or heavy stains persist on your roof surface after rinsing, let the roof dry, and then spray on the bleach solution again. Again wait for 30 minutes and rinse with a hose. Don't worry if some staining remains after this second rinse. Exposure to rain and sunlight should wash it off over time.

Most commonly algae and moss grow on roof surfaces that are shaded and remain humid. Cutting off tree branches that overhang the roof and block sunlight will surely help keeping your roof algae and moss free. Keep the roof surface clean by blowing off leaves and fallen branches during seasonal maintenance.

Long-term stain prevention can be assured by installing zinc or copper strips under the cap shingles, leaving about 6 cm of the surface exposed at roof peaks, along hips, and under the first course of shingles at the base of dormers. Copper and zinc are sacrificial metals that shed tiny fragments of their surface with each rainfall. The metals coat the roof and ban organic growth for many years.

>>> Picture 1 (left): The moss doesn’t grow close to copper metal flashing

>>> Picture 2 (top right): The red lines indicate where to install zinc or copper strips to prevent algae and moss growth.

>>> Picture 3 (top bottom): Ridge with Armourvent Multi and zinc moss repellent tape

Following these maintenance tips can help you enjoy your attractive roof. They can also help extend your roof’s service life, which is important whether you plan to stay in your home or sell it in the future.

More tips on the protection of your roof can be found in our blogs.

Good luck!

During the past months, solar or photovoltaic panels have become a hot topic because the energy crisis has astronomically raised prices for electricity and gas . As a result, homeowners want to become less dependent from the electricity production. One of the most common solutions is to build a photovoltaic power plant on the roof of their house.

With self-produced electricity, you can save up to 60% on energy costs. In addition, this production is environmentally friendly and, in many countries, supported by governments as “green projects”. You can store such electricity either in water heating or accumulate it in batteries and then use this electricity in the evening.

As soon as sunlight hits the photovoltaic panel, the panel creates a direct current of electricity, which we can then use. This is taken care of by other components of the solar power plant, such as an inverter. The inverter creates alternating current from direct current, the same as we have at home in the sockets. Thanks to the inverter the electricity from PV panels in the house flows everywhere where needed - it is the brain of the home solar plant.

Photovoltaic panels work best when they are exposed to bright sunlight, as perpendicular as possible. That’s why their optimal slope is very important - in our conditions it’s approx. 35˚ - 45˚. A solar power plant will produce electricity even if it’s cloudy because the photoelectric effect simply works in any light. But expect only a small part of full power in such conditions.