Things like mold, fungus, mildew, moss, and algae frequently grow in primarily damp or humid climates where a lot of moisture prevails, but these issues can become a problem for the unwary in any sort of climate. For example, if you’ve noticed streaks on your roof’s shingles, this could signify that mold is beginning to perforate your roofing. Homeowners should address this issue as soon as possible!
Mold will grow anywhere there is moisture left to stagnate, often starting around places with damp or leaky pipes, blocked gutters, standing water, or under soggy roof materials. This is a problem because mold can become airborne and land elsewhere where it continues to grow.
Seeing the Signs of Mold
Streaks in your shingles aren’t the only indication of mold growing on your roof. Some other common signs include:
- Leaking
- A musty odor
- Blotchy stains that can look like dirt or color lightening
The Problems & Solutions Surrounding Mold
The most prominent problem with mold is its toxicity to humans and animals. Mold affects your health, usually within your eyes, lungs, nose, throat, and skin, and often more severe in individuals with respiratory issues or sensitivity. Occasionally, mold growth can contain mycotoxins that are highly unhealthy to people and cause severe reactions whether allergies are present or not.
Another problem with mold is that it can cause your roof and other parts of your home to decay more quickly. Excess moisture alone can cause rot in the wood beams that support your roof and cause decay elsewhere.
Preventative Measures
Keeping mold off your roof or out of your home is preferable to removing it only after it already has a growing grip. Some things you can do to prevent mold or undesirable organic growth include:
- Keeping gutters and pipes clean
- Trimming nearby trees regularly
- Keeping track of where excess moisture might gather or stagnate and keeping it dry
Additionally, your roof’s ventilation may need an upgrade if it’s lacking, as ventilation keeps it from getting too hot or cold in various seasons. Inadequate ventilation in the attic can cause many problems, including allowing moisture to build underneath your roof.
Getting Rid of Mold in Your Roof
It is highly recommended that you choose an experienced company to remove mold from your roof since being up on your roof is already dangerous enough. However, you can try the bleach-solution method if you think you can tackle the problem alone.
This method is effective against mold, fungus, mildew, moss, algae, and other damaging organic growths.
Before You Start:
- The solution you’ll want to use for your mold issue contains bleach, so remember to never mix ammonia and bleach. This will create a highly toxic gas that can be deadly.
- Since bleach is effective in killing mold, it also kills everything else. If you’re using it on top of your roof, the runoff could kill any grass, plants, etc., below when it runs off. Laying down tarps or other protective coverings to keep your yard safe is recommended.
- Wear a facemask and gloves, as bleach is toxic in heavy doses to your skin and respiratory system.
- Never pressure wash your roof!
Your Next Steps:
- Create a bleach solution using 1 part oxygen bleach cleaner with 1 part water – mix in ½ cup per gallon of trisodium phosphate if you want something even more potent.
- Pour the solution over the affected or moldy areas and let it soak for up to 30 minutes.
- When it’s been the entire half-hour, use a hose on a low-pressure setting to rinse off the solution as best you can.
- Depending on your preference or how concentrated the problem areas are, you can use a bucket or a pump sprayer to spread the solution.
DIY or Hiring a Company
When you own your home, you may want to do some projects around your house, whether to save money or because you think you can. However, a hazard is involved when working on the roof, especially with slippery cleaning products or slimy substances like mold. Therefore, having someone professional do work on your roof is always recommended.
The benefits of hiring a professional:
- Experience
- Insurance against mishaps
- Lessening potential hazards to you
- They can see any other damage that you might otherwise miss
A roofing company can spot damage or hazards and perform repairs that prevent mold from starting. Many even offer free inspections to assess any issues you think your home might be facing! But ultimately, the decision is up to you as the homeowner on how you want to tackle the problem.
Bringing It Home
Mold on your roof is one of the worst places for it to develop and one of the most challenging areas to remove. We hope these tips will help you should the need arise! And don’t forget to keep safety at the forefront of your mind when preparing any home project.
Whatever your decision is regarding a DIY or professional removal, if you have mold on your roof or in your home, you may have a leak that needs to be repaired as quickly as possible. Keeping ahead of the curve and ensuring mold never has a chance to grow is also good advice. Get in touch with Arrow Roofing when you want a professional opinion if you think there might be any damage to your roof!