Lichen is a photosynthetic fungus that has roots that wrap around the granules feeding on the nutrients of the gm and the filler in the shingles.
Fungal growth on roof shingles.
It is important that the product you choose to clean the moss growth does not damage or weaken the cedar itself.
On an asphalt or possibly some treated wood shingle roofs shingle chemistry is also involved in moss lichens and algae growth or resistance to it.
It needs heat moisture and nutrients to grow.
This unique advance in shingle technology gives long term fungus protection for the entire roof.
They call it the algaeblock system.
Some moss or fungi development you may see are dark brown or black spots that weaken shakes or shingles.
A brief history of algae resistant shingles.
It is easily spread and causes those colorful stains on so many roofs.
It s actually just a blue green algae spread by airborne spores.
Scrubbing or power washing the lichen will only do more damage.
Some roof shingle materials contain algaecides or fungicides which will also retard moss growth on the roof surface.
However most of the anti algae products also work in fighting fungal growth.
Most of the stains on the average atlanta roof are the result of algae and not fungus.
These kinds of organic growth will degrade cedar roofs much faster than a lot of other roofing issues.
You can find more information on these special roofing shingles here.
Once on the roof lichen cannot easily be removed.