New Atlas shingles prevent algae growth

The next time you drive through your neighborhood, look at the roofs. If you notice ugly black streaks on your roof and those of your neighbors, they are probably caused by something you would hardly expect - algae (or to be more scientifically correct: Gloeocapsa magma).

It is a living microscopic organism that thrives in humid climates like ours, is carried on the wind - and it loves to eat the limestone in your shingles.

Once algae is established on a single roof in a neighborhood, all homes in the area are susceptible to algae growth. Algae spores are spread by the wind, carried from rooftop to rooftop, looking for new hosts. Entire neighborhoods can become overrun with roof algae from just one infestation, according to representatives of Atlas Roofing, a manufacturer of roofing systems (shingles, underlayment and hip and ridge systems).

Homes east of the Mississippi River, as well as along the entire West coast and areas just west of the Mississippi, are particularly at risk, said Don Brands, Atlas territory manager for metropolitan Chicago and a 40-year veteran of the roofing industry.

"Atlas is battling this problem with algae by teaming up six years ago with the 3M company to protect its Pinnacle Pristine and Pro-Cut hip and ridge shingles with a Scotchgard-branded protection system that is exclusive to Atlas," Brands said.

The Scotchgard system features an optimum blend of 3M copper roofing granules that are uniformly manufactured into the surface of every Atlas Roofing Pristine laminate shingle. These copper granules act as a natural biocide, eliminating algae growth, ensuring a streak-free surface for your roof.

To ensure this, independent third-party laboratory tests are regularly run on batches of shingles manufactured in Atlas' 19 different facilities around the country.

Consequently, according to Brands, Atlas is the only manufacturer that offers a lifetime algae protection limited warranty on its Pristine shingles, as long as they are installed with the Pro-Cut hip and ridge shingles, too.

"Our shingles and roofing systems are primarily used for replacement roofs on houses, apartments and condominiums. We sell direct to wholesalers who, in turn, sell to roofing contractors," Brands said.

"There is no additional cost to homeowners for these protected shingles, so we shouldn't have to deal with algae growth on roofs anymore. It can now be avoided," he said.

In addition, Atlas sells impact-resistant polystyrene hip and ridge shingles to guard against hail, and a variety of underlayment products made of felt, fiberglass, synthetic and organic materials.

"If you are planning to replace your roof and don't want those black streaks to return, ask your contractor about Atlas shingles and the lifetime warranty against algae growth," he said.

Founded in Meridian, Mississippi, Atlas has been in the roofing materials manufacturing business for 35 years.