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Are Algae Resistant-Shingles Worth It?

January 17th, 2025 | 4 min. read

Are Algae Resistant-Shingles Worth It?

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Are you tired of looking at the black streaks on your roof when pulling into your driveway? Do you want a shingle to help prevent them on your next roof? 

Unsightly black streaks caused by algae are something every homeowner has to deal with at some point. This is simply because algae feed on the minerals in the embedded granules. 

However, you aren’t out of luck. Manufacturers actually make algae-resistant shingle options to prevent them from forming for as long as possible. 

But are algae-resistant shingles really worth it? And how much do they cost compared to normal shingles?

For over 30 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in helping homeowners make the right shingle decision based on what they get out of their roof. So, if avoiding algae streaks is important, I’ll help you determine if algae-resistant shingles are actually worth it. 

By the end of this article, you’ll have the answers to the following questions:

  • What are algae-resistant shingles?
  • How well do algae-resistant shingles really work?
  • Do algae-resistant shingles cost more than normal shingles?
  • Are algae-resistant shingles worth it?

What are algae-resistant shingles?

Algae-resistant shingles are like normal shingles but are made with a granular formula specifically to prevent algae growth. While each shingle manufacturer has their own trademarked and/or proprietary way of doing it, they’re usually made with copper-infused granules.

Copper’s natural anti-algae properties make it popular, but some also use zinc or a combination of the two. Algae-resistant shingles work by releasing the specialized granules over time to prevent algae spores from taking hold. 

The good thing is that most shingles have some kind of resistance to algae to prevent black streaks for 5 to 10 years. However, you’ll have to look for a label like “AR” to learn which ones are specifically made for algae resistance. 

How well do algae-resistant shingles really work?

Algae-resistant shingles do work, but there’s no guarantee they’ll prevent black streaks for a roof’s entire life. Depending on the manufacturer and shingle, they can usually stay resistant for at least 10 years.

The resistance will be stronger if you install algae-resistant accessories (like ridge capping). However, you need to review the different algae-resistance warranties for a better idea of how long your roof should stay streak-free. 

For example, GAF’s Timberline HDZ comes with their StainGuard Plus™ 25-year limited warranty against algae growth. The warranty is really only non-prorated for a 10-year period before prorating every year after that. 

This tells you that the shingles should stay algae-free for 10 years, but will slowly become less effective every year that passes. 

Do algae-resistant shingles cost more than normal shingles?

Like any specialized shingle, algae-resistant shingles likely will cost more than the standard version. However, the price difference shouldn’t be too wide.

I can’t give you an exact number because roofing prices fluctuate too often and are very area-dependent. However, algae-resistant specific shingles can be around 10-15% more expensive than the standard option.

Just remember most shingles made today have some kind of algae resistance. So, it really does depend on the manufacturer if there’s an algae-resistant version of a specific shingle that would cost more.

Are algae-resistant shingles worth it?

If avoiding black streaks is important, algae-resistant shingles are worth it. The shingles are the same as the others, just with a special granular mix to prevent streaking for as long as possible. 

But as I’ve said a couple of times, most shingles being manufactured today have built-in algae resistance. You’ll just need to dig deeper into a specific shingle and the warranty to learn how long they’ll stay streak-free. 

Now, if you want to avoid paying extra and still don’t want to see black streaks, you can clean your roof when they show up. Just make sure to hire a professional cleaning company who will do it right. 

And most importantly, DO NOT use a pressure washer when cleaning your roof. This will destroy the shingles and lead to costly problems. 

What are the best algae-resistant shingles?

After reading this article, you know what algae-resistant shingles are, if they really work, their pricing, and if they’re worth it. Some homeowners don’t care about black streaks or how their roof looks down the road. 

On the other hand, you should strongly consider algae-resistant shingles or shingles with a strong algae warranty if aesthetics are important to you. However, every homeowner must decide this for themselves when choosing a shingle. 

Just know there are certain manufacturers that offer better algae-resistant options and warranties. So, there’s still more to learn before making your final decision. 

That’s why I wrote another article breaking down the best algae-resistant shingles and what else you can do to prevent algae growth. 

Check out What Are the Best Algae-Resistant Shingles to learn the best manufacturers and warranties that prevent black streaks from forming on your roof.

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