Iannacchione wrote:

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I would like to build a "prop" for local flea markets and conventions; showing before and after with real shingles nailed to a piece of plywood about 4'x4'.

Does anyone have any ideas on how I could get algae to grow quickly on new shingles to get this to work?

I know that I could ask a roofer for some old ones, but I would like to show newer dimensionaly shingles with aglae all over them.

I know I am nuts, but any ideas?

Thanks,
Brad

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The next job you do BEFORE YOU CLEAN OR BREAK OUT ANY CHEMS grab some granules out of the gutter and some debris that is in the gutter. Also take a clean rag with no chems on it and wet it, blot it it across a part of the roof that is badly stained and any areas that have lichen make sure you get some of that big time,  then wipe the face of the gutter if it has black streaks. If there are any moss plugs or visable groth from anything else grab it.

Next, put all of that stuff in a black contractor bag and take it to your shop/house whatever. Lay down another black contractor bag and put your plywood and shingle on top of it. Dump the contents of the other bag on top of the shingles. Grab your rag and squeez the water our of it all over the shingles. Mush everything together in the rag and add more water. Squeeze it all out over the shingles. This black nasty juice is obviously called "Apple Vomit".

Grab another bag and put it ontop, tape the whole thing shut and as air tight as you can. Wear protective gear too. Definitely without a doubt wear a mask.

Put it directly in the hot sun for 2 days. Then pull it out, but be careful it will be mold city in there, and lay it in a damp somewhat shady spot, not too shady you will need some light or reflective light at the very least.

You should have yourself a nasty Gloeosocapsa magma sandwhich in a few days.

Chris Kaeppel wrote:

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Here's a idea until you get some tear offs or
"grow your own"

Remember...It's used to illistrate and display
...creating interest

Hit it with some spray paint and then put some
moss on top of it to display the progress-tion...

We used this at a home show creating interest...
with good results...

You can make a documentary when you get your
real samples

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Great call. You could even get some of that fake moss from like a toy train set thing at a craft store.

You know what you could even tell people that you wouldn't want to use the real stuff when showcasing because it is all bacteria and mold and that may promt them to realize the severity of the issue they have going on up there.