Roof algae is a major problem that affects your roof’s appearance, damages shingles and their underlying materials, and even leads to mold or wood rot. To combat these problems, many manufacturers have developed algae resistant shingles.
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How Much Do Algae-Resistant Shingles Cost?
It’s difficult to determine the cost of algae resistant shingles for the simple fact that algae resistance is built into a large number of shingles.
Many manufacturers offer several shingle varieties, each of which comes at a different price but still offers algae resistance. However, we can create approximate costs by looking at three of the largest algae-resistant brands on the market:
Each offers basic algae resistant roof shingles at an approximate cost of between $0.75 and $1.00 per square foot. The exact prices vary, with CertainTeed’s Landmark range being at the low end while GAF Timberline HDZ and Owens Corning basic algae resistant shingles tend to cost closer to $1 per square foot.
All manufacturers offer higher-quality algae resistant shingles costing upward of $1.50 per square foot, giving us an approximate price range of $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot.
Professional installation adds to these material costs. Installation varies depending on where you live. Residents of New York, San Francisco, and Boston typically pay over $5 per square foot for labor, with those living in Nebraska and Alabama having access to installation costing as little as $2 per square foot.
With that in mind, we shall assume an average installation cost of $3.75 per square foot.
Did you know? Your installation costs are affected by a range of factors. These include the size of your roof, the number of existing roof layers, and the condition of the roof substrate. Your costs may increase if you need a full roof replacement.
Now that we know the per-square-foot costs, we can work out the approximate cost of an installation onto a 1,700-square-foot roof. This is the average roof size in the United States, according to recent census data.
Assuming you buy basic algae resistant shingles, expect to pay somewhere in the region of $7,650 for a professional installation. This increases to $8,925 if you purchase premium algae resistant shingles, such as architectural shingles.
Bear in mind that any roof accessories or disposal will add to your total cost.
| Expense | Cost Per Square Foot | Cost for a 1700 Square Foot Roof |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Shingles | $0.75 to $1.00 | $1,275 to $1,700 |
| High-End Shingles | $1.00 to $1.50 | $1,700 to $2,550 |
| Installation | $2.00 to $5.00 | $3,400 to $8,500 |
What Are Algae-Resistant Roof Shingles?
As the name states, algae resistant shingles are specially designed to prevent algae buildup. They look very similar to traditional shingles, often taking on an asphalt appearance. However, they’re made differently.
Most types of algae resistant shingles are constructed using a combination of materials, with copper granules being the superstars of the show.
Copper is so important because algae feed off the limestone present in regular asphalt shingles. As a biostatic material, copper solves this problem by making the materials in the shingle inedible.
It’s for this reason that many manufacturers use copper to create containers, sinks, and basins.
Algae resistant shingles do more than prevent algae buildup. They’re usually effective for preventing the formation of moss and mold, again because of the biostatic nature of the copper built into the shingles.
Did you know? Biostatic is the term used to describe any material that prevents the multiplication or growth of living organisms. These materials are especially effective against bacteria and microorganisms.
The Features Of Algae-Resistant Shingles
The specific features of an algae resistant shingle vary depending on the manufacturer. This is particularly the case with construction, as each manufacturer has a proprietary method. Still, some features are common to all algae resistant shingles.
These features include:
- Prevents algae, moss, and mold formation
- Guards your roof against staining
- Composite construction using biostatic materials
- Prevents streaks from forming
- Makes your home more attractive to potential buyers
Beyond these general features, many algae resistant shingles are available in a variety of styles, offering you some flexibility in your home improvement options.
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The Pros And Cons Of Algae Resistant Shingles
There are many reasons to purchase algae resistant shingles, especially if you live in a damp region.
Pros
Improved Aesthetics
Imagine you’re selling your home. Curbside appeal is essential because you want the property to make a good first impression. Stains and streaks on your home’s roof can damage that first impression, in addition to cluing savvy buyers into the possibility that you have an algae problem.
Algae resistant shingles solve this issue by ensuring that stains aren’t a problem anymore. They’re also available in a wide range of styles, with many manufacturers building algae resistance into several of their ranges.
Durability
Due to their multi-part composition, algae resistant shingles tend to be more durable than standard asphalt shingles. This durability is enhanced if the manufacturer uses a multi-layered manufacturing technique, as you’ll see in many types of architectural shingles.
Generally speaking, algae resistant shingles last for about 20 years with proper installation.
You will usually find that algae resistant shingles are rated to withstand high temperatures, winds, and hail. They may also come with good fire ratings.
Simple Maintenance
Having algae resistant shingles will require you to only occasionally clear debris and inspect your roof for cracked or loose tiles.
Where these tiles really come into their own is in the lack of cleaning required. With no staining or algae or moss buildups to deal with, cleaning your algae resistant roof shingles is much simpler.
Minimal maintenance also means you save money by having professional cleaners work on your roof less often. You can also avoid dangerous DIY cleaning attempts.
Increased Home Value
Algae resistant shingles do much more than generate a good first impression. Installing new roof shingles can also play a crucial role in a buyer’s decision.
After all, a new roof shows that your home is well-maintained, which may encourage somebody to buy based on the knowledge that they don’t need to spend additional money on fixing the roof.
Did you know? Roof replacements generate an average of 60% return on investment. This means a replacement costing $10,000 adds $6,000 to the value of your property. While that may seem like a loss, you also have to consider the fact that algae resistant shingles prevent the development of damaging issues, such as mold infestations and leaks.
Cons
Though algae resistant shingles offer many benefits, there are some cons to consider, especially for the budget-minded consumer.
More Expensive Than Standard Asphalt
Three-tab asphalt shingles cost approximately $0.85 per square foot. While this may make it seem like the costs fall in line with those of algae resistant shingles, this average actually includes many shingles with algae protection.
For basic asphalt shingles, you can expect to pay far less per square foot than you would for shingles featuring algae protection.
Some Are Prone to Impact Damage
Some types of algae resistant shingles are vulnerable to impacts from heavy objects, such as stones and tree branches.
The good news is that impact resistant shingles are premium products that often come with algae resistance built in.
While multi-layered or dimensional shingles are built to withstand impacts, you may find that algae resistant shingles are just as durable as traditional ones.
Finding the Right Contractor
The different materials used for the algae resistant shingles may require contractors to install them using specific nail patterns or configurations. For this reason, several manufacturers have certification programs that train contractors to install their specific algae resistant shingles brands.
These programs aren’t universal, which means you may run into issues finding the right contractor for your chosen brand of shingles.
Top Algae Resistant Shingle Brands
Many manufacturers offer variations of algae resistant technology in their shingles, but here are three that stand out above the rest.
Owens Corning StreakGuard
As the name implies, StreakGuard does an excellent job at preventing the streaking and staining algae can cause. The technology is used in several of Owens Corning’s shingles, including its Duration and Duration Designer ranges.
StreakGuard shingles are made using a three-layer process. They have mineral-based centers that are surrounded by a copper shield. Owens Corning then applies a ceramic coating for extra durability and to provide the algae resistant shingles with a more natural look.
The company offers a 10-year warranty on StreakGuard, allowing you to return any algae resistant shingles that stain or become discolored due to algae exposure.
CertainTeed StreakFighter
CertainTeed’s StreakFighter technology is very similar to StreakGuard.
Their algae resistant shingles too have a mineral core surrounded by copper armor. CertainTeed applies a ceramic coating to the algae resistant shingle to give it a unique look and offer minor impact protection.
The company uses this technology for several of its ranges, from its budget-friendly Landmark shingles to the more costly Grand Manor dimensional shingles.
CertainTeed also offers a limited warranty on its StreakFighter technology. The length of this warranty varies between 10 and 15 years, depending on the shingles you purchase.
But in all cases, it guarantees the replacement or cleaning of any algae resistant shingles affected by blue-green algae for the warranty period.
GAF Time-Released StainGuard Plus
GAF is one of America’s most popular shingle manufacturers. It takes a different approach from CertainTeed and Owens Corning when it comes to combating algae. Its StainGuard Plus technology uses specially engineered capsules that slowly release copper over time.
The company claims this technology is more effective than coating mineral granules with copper, which it states can degrade over time.
Instead, StainGuard Plus involves creating algae resistant shingles that have thousands of microsites that gradually release copper to create a continuous coating.
GAF is so confident in this technology that it offers a 25-year warranty on any algae resistant shingles that use it. These shingles include many of its most popular ranges, including GAF’s Timberline HDZ shingles.
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The Factors That Make A Roof Prone To Algae Growth
Do you need algae resistant shingles? You likely do if your roof is subject to any of the following factors.
Warm and Moist Spots
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, blue-green algae thrive in conditions that combine moisture with warmth. Warm water is easier for algae to move through and isn’t prone to mixing, which creates stable growing conditions.
As a result, homes in warm and moist areas are more likely to experience algae buildup than those in dry or cool locations.
Florida is a perfect example of a state where algae can become a problem, because it combines hot weather with the humidity needed for algae to multiply.
Did you know? Blue-green algae is the most dangerous form because it’s toxic. Exposure to large amounts of it subjects you to toxins that can cause skin irritation, nausea, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties, and death to animals, fish, or birds that come in contact with a pond covered with blue-green algae. Some people may also experience allergic reactions that make these symptoms more severe.
Collected Water
Most roofs are designed to allow water to flow from them and into your guttering. Construction issues or house settling can cause water buildup that leads to algae growth.
This is a particular issue for older roofs with sagging sections and roofs that have flat portions.
Blocked guttering can also lead to water buildup, creating a breeding ground for algae in the process.
Simply put, if any part of your roof retains water, it’s more likely to experience algae issues.
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The Presence of Nutrients
Blue-green algae consume many chemicals found naturally in water, such as nitrogen and phosphorous.
If your property is exposed to these types of chemicals regularly, they may stick to your roof shingles. In doing so, they provide algae with a food source that encourages growth.
Limestone in Shingles
As mentioned previously, algae feed on the limestone present in most asphalt shingles.
This means that older roofs are more prone to algae problems than newer ones. Algae grow and multiply when it had access to a food source.
Algae resistant shingles incorporate copper making it more difficult for the algae to access the limestone it enjoys consuming.
Telltale Signs Of Algae Roof Damage
The most obvious signs of algae roof damage are staining and streaking.
Algae has a distinctive color, with blue-green being the most prevalent. It also stains the surface of roof shingles, leading to discoloration that creates a patchy look on your roof.
If you can see that portions of your roof are a different color from the majority of the shingles, you may have algae roof damage.
You may also see green or white spots that look like mold. The presence of algae encourages the development of several types of moss and round lichens.
Even if you can’t see staining, the presence of moss suggests you have a problem to deal with.
The black streaks absorb heat, with the algae itself blocking your shingles’ built-in reflective properties. This leads to your home retaining more heat than it normally would, forcing your air-conditioning to work overtime. This leads to higher energy bills.
Warranties On Algae-Resistant Shingles
Warranty lengths vary depending on the manufacturer and their construction methods.
Both CertainTeed and Owens Corning offer 10- or 15-year warranties on their algae resistant shingles. This is typical of most manufacturers that create composite shingles combining a mineral base with copper and ceramic coatings.
GAF is an outlier with its 25-year warranty. The company can offer a longer warranty because it has developed technology to allow the slow release of copper granules, which slows degradation.
But as a general rule, expect your shingles’ algae resistant properties to be protected by a warranty lasting about 10 years.
Stop Algae In Its Tracks
Algae is a damaging organism that causes aesthetic issues and, if left uncleaned, can lead to the development of moss that creates gaps in your roof.
Algae can be a major issue in warm regions because it causes your home to retain more heat. Skyrocketing energy bills can be reason enough to consider algae resistant shingles.
If you’re thinking about making a purchase, the good news is that these types of shingles are only slightly more expensive than standard asphalt shingles.
They’re also more cost-effective than multi-layer shingles, though you’ll often find these types of shingles have anti-algae technology built in alongside their other features.
Are Algae Resistant Shingles Right For You?
Ultimately, your choice comes down to how much of an effect you believe algae will have on your roof.
If you’re looking to sell your home, algae resistant shingles give it a fresh look while creating a selling point.
If you have concerns about high air-conditioning bills or want to prevent the spread of an organism that can cause long-term damage, algae resistant shingles may be a good investment.
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For over 20 years Leo has run a successful roofing business in New England, specializing in metal roofing, as well as cool flat roofing technologies. Having replaced and installed hundreds of roofs in New England, Leo has first hand experience with pretty much every residential roofing material and roofing manufacturer available in the US.
Is the process. for installing any of these anti algae shingles, more complicated or specific for professional roofers who do this everyday?? Is this kind shingle installed with nail gun or hammer ans nails.?