Say Goodbye to Roof Mold Before It Damages Your Roof
Roof mold is the last thing a homeowner wants to deal with when they have free time. Mold on roof shingles typically shows up as black streaks or stains. Discovering mold on your roof can be alarming: While roof mold outside your house isn’t as serious as mold inside your home, it still requires attention. Left unchecked, roof mold can gradually eat away at your shingles or pose a serious health risk if it gets inside your home.
Read on and learn more about how to remove mold from your roof.
What is Roof Mold?
Scientifically speaking, mold is a fungal growth that forms on decaying organic matter. As a fungus, it produces microscopic spores, ranging in about three to four microns each, less than three percent the size of human hair. That means any noticeable spot of roof mold is actually thousands of tiny spores.
Mold thrives in damp, dark conditions like behind house siding and on roof shingles. Spores can quickly spread, allowing mold to take over a sizable area in almost no time. Hiring a professional roof mold removal company is a fantastic way to get rid of pesky roof mold and discourage it from returning in the future.
Roof Mold vs. Algae
Algae is a plant that grows from one roof to another, and it feeds on the limestone in your shingles and leaves behind a similar black residue as mold. Algae can separate the granules in your shingles, which requires a residential roof repair company to replace the damaged shingles.
Even though algae and mold are different problems on your roof, their removal is similar. More importantly, a reputable Lafayette roofing company can handle any issues you find on your roof.
How to Remove Mold from Roof Shingles
Most experts agree that chlorine bleach can remove mold, mildew, fungus, algae, and other items that grow on rooftops. Some jobs require something with more cleaning power, like a TSP (trisodium phosphate)-bleach mix or a special cleaner like Jomax (from Rustoleum).
1. Start by spraying any plants in the area with water. Bleach can cause serious problems to plant life. Wetting trees, grass, bushes, etc. with water before cleaning your roof will help keep them from absorbing unwanted chemicals. Make sure to respray them when you are finished cleaning your shingles.
2. Always think about your own safety. If you’re going to be on top of your house, make sure you have the right safety equipment. A roof harness and proper footwear, gloves, and goggles are ideal.
3. Use a chemical sprayer to apply a coat of one part water and one part chlorine bleach to your roof. Let this mixture sit for at least 60 minutes. You can also use one cup of TSP for every gallon of water-bleach mix. If you use a roof cleaning product, follow the instructions to ensure you don’t damage your roof.
4. Thoroughly rinse your roof with clean water after the chemical mixture has done its work. Make sure to spray surrounding areas with water to keep the bleach from damaging your yard, driveway, landscaping, etc. While you might be tempted to use a power/pressure washer to rinse and clean your roof, stick to a regular hose with a standard garden hose. Too much pressure can damage your roof far more than the mold will.
5. Wait for the roof to dry completely. Examine your roof for any remaining mold. You can repeat the process if you notice a slimy texture or any sort of residue. Make sure the roof is dry before applying a second application, as it will not work on a damp surface.
Stop Roof Mold from Coming Back
If you don’t want to repeat the mold cleaning process again and again, you may want to take steps to keep it from forming in the first place. One option is to hire a Lafayette roof repair company to install zinc or copper strips under the shingles near your roof’s peak. Whenever it rains, metal molecules will wash down the roof and kill any mold or algae trying to regrow on your shingles.
Another option is to use mold-resistant shingles. These shingles are built with copper granules to stop anything from growing on them. You can find these shingles in various colors, sizes, and thicknesses, so you can easily add to the aesthetic of your home. They may cost a little more than regular shingles, but they are durable and relatively easy to maintain. If you live in an area where roof mold is a severe problem and it’s time to replace your roof, it might be worth asking your roofing installation company about mold- and algae-resistant options.
Roof Mold Removal Near Me
Cleaning your roof to remove mold may not seem too challenging to take on yourself. At the same time, do you really want to be up on a ladder with a garden hose and a chemical sprayer? Instead of taking on the risk yourself, reach out to a local roofing company like Hibbard Roofing & Construction. We know how to diagnose and treat any roof issue that comes your way. Whether you need a new roof or just need to get rid of some pesky mold, we’re on the job. Give us a call to schedule your roof mold removal service or a complimentary consultation regarding your roofing needs.