I've seen algae pop up in greywater setups too, but usually it's less of a headache compared to rainwater. Greywater tends to be more about soap scum and bacterial buildup—especially if you're using natural soaps. I've opened up plenty of greywater filters that were clogged with a slimy, smelly mess (trust me, not fun), but algae wasn't the main culprit there.
About the asphalt shingles though...I'm skeptical. Sure, asphalt runoff has some organic stuff, but is it really enough to feed algae growth significantly? Seems like sunlight and temperature swings might be bigger factors. Speaking of temperature, I've noticed algae growth spikes in warmer months for sure. In winter, algae still hangs around but doesn't explode like it does when things heat up.
Has anyone tried copper strips or something similar on their roof to control algae? I've heard mixed reviews on whether that's effective or just another gimmick...
Copper strips can actually work pretty well, but it's not a guaranteed fix for everyone. I've installed them on a few roofs dealing with algae, and here's the deal: copper releases ions when it rains, which helps inhibit algae growth downstream. But effectiveness depends a lot on your roof's pitch, rainfall patterns, and even how much algae you're already dealing with.
If you're thinking of giving it a shot, here's a quick rundown:
1. Install copper strips near the roof ridge so rainwater runs over them.
2. Make sure they're wide enough—usually around 3-4 inches—to get decent coverage.
3. Clean existing algae first; copper won't magically erase what's already there.
4. Be patient...it takes a while (months sometimes) to see noticeable results.
I've seen roofs where copper strips made a huge difference, and others where it was barely noticeable. Asphalt shingles alone probably aren't feeding algae significantly—you're right about sunlight and warmth being bigger factors—but organic debris buildup can still contribute a bit.
Bottom line: copper strips aren't just gimmicks, but they're not miracle cures either. Worth trying if algae's driving you nuts, but keep expectations realistic.
Copper strips can help, sure, but honestly I've found zinc strips to be a bit more reliable overall. Installed copper on a client's roof last year—did everything right, cleaned algae first, proper width—but results were pretty underwhelming. Switched to zinc strips later and saw improvement within a couple months. Might just be anecdotal, but worth considering if copper doesn't pan out for you...
Interesting, I've had decent luck with copper myself, but zinc does seem more consistent. Either way, proper installation and regular maintenance are key... algae can be stubborn if you let it go too long.
I've found copper decent for short-term setups, but zinc has definitely been my go-to for longer-term reliability. A few years back, I set up a rainwater harvesting system with copper piping and it worked great initially... but after about a year, algae buildup became a real headache despite regular checks. Switched to zinc and haven't had nearly as much hassle—just the occasional cleaning. Still, nothing beats staying proactive with maintenance, regardless of material choice.
