Copper and algea

[Eddiebou]

Not a boat question but since most of us live in houses, here goes.

This algea that seems to grow on asphalt/ shingle roofs these days is an eyesore for sure. But I notice that it doesn't grow under the copper flashing that diverts rainwater from over my front door.
Would putting a continuous strip of copper at the ridge/eave of the upper roof on a gambrel stop the algea from growing?

[TerryLL]

Not a boat question but since most of us live in houses, here goes.

This algea that seems to grow on asphalt/ shingle roofs these days is an eyesore for sure. But I notice that it doesn't grow under the copper flashing that diverts rainwater from over my front door.
Would putting a continuous strip of copper at the ridge/eave of the upper roof on a gambrel stop the algea from growing?

Yes. This from "This Old House":

"To keep the algae from coming back, insert 6-inch-wide strips of zinc or copper under the row of shingling closest to the roof peak, leaving an inch or two of the lower edge exposed to the weather. That way whenever it rains, some of the metal molecules will wash down the roof and kill any algae trying to regain a foothold on your shingles."

[Paul Pless]

This algea that seems to grow on asphalt/ shingle roofs these days is an eyesore for sure.

Algae, or lichen?

[kc8pql]

Algae, or lichen?

+1 In my experience, it's lichen and/or moss.

[JimConlin]

Could be. I know a pond that has occasional algal blooms. Very light treatments of copper sulfate seem to suppress them.

[kc8pql]

Could be. I know a pond that has occasional algal blooms. Very light treatments of copper sulfate seem to suppress them.

Spraying a roof with a copper sulfate solution will kill a lichen/moss infestation too. Also suppresses roots growing into in sewer pipes and septic systems.

[wizbang 13]

Ace Hardware sells zinc strips just for the purpose.

[TerryLL]

Copper strips will also keep the banana slugs off your roof, if you happen to have such a problem.

[Eddiebou]

Thanks Guys,
Googling banana slug revealed lots of interesting stuff. I'm really glad I don't have a problem with them. Somehow eating an 8" long neon yellow slug doesn't sound very appealing. But watching 'em race at 6 1/2 inches per minute could be cool.

[Nicholas Carey]

Thanks Guys,
Googling banana slug revealed lots of interesting stuff. I'm really glad I don't have a problem with them. Somehow eating an 8" long neon yellow slug doesn't sound very appealing. But watching 'em race at 6 1/2 inches per minute could be cool.

I was camping on the Olympic peninsula a few years back, in the rainforest. Got up in the AM, picked my Sierra Club cup



up off the top of the pack where it spent the night. Found a ginormous banana slug in the bottom of it. Yuck!

[Willin']

Stayed at a beautiful, lush lawned campground on the southern coast of British Columbia a while back. I'd never heard of banana slugs prior to that. Lesson learned...don't walk to the restroom at night barefoot.

[TerryLL]

I used to sit in my rocker on the front porch shooting banana slugs with a BB gun. This was in Sitka, in the heart of the West Coast temperate rain forest, where those critters were a serious menace. Once stepped on by accident, you'd be likely to track slimy goop everywhere you went. We lived just on the edge of a salt marsh, and to my knowledge nary a one ever survived a saltwater swim.

[CalebD]

You might or might not have Banana Slugs. You likely have Leapard Slugs or some other variety. They tend to come out late at night and leave slime trails on surfaces like wood or concrete. During daylight they have slithered down some hole somewhere. Leaving smallish dishes of beer out overnight can knock off a few if they are eating your Hostas. Otherwise just slug it out.