Mold can be found nearly anywhere there is a lot of moisture, such as around leaky pipes, wet basements, and even on your roof. Characterized by its black-greenish hue, algae can gradually eat away at roof shingles, resulting in rot and an unsightly appearance. Mold on roof shingles often appears as black streaks or stains, and while it is more common in climates that experience warm, humid summers, mold can grow in a wide range of conditions.
Removing fungus, moss, mildew, and associated stains from a roof is no easy feat. That is why many homeowners rely on experienced roofing contractors to complete the job. However, if you believe you are up for the task, take the time to protect your property and gather the right equipment and supplies for the job. Learn how to remove mold from roof shingles and discover why you may want to consider hiring a professional.
Protecting Your Home & Yard
Mold can often be removed from roof shingles using a basic bleach solution. Unfortunately, bleach can be toxic to the grass and plant life that surrounds your property. As the bleach solution is likely to run off of the roof and onto the property below, it is important to take the proper precautions to protect your home and yard from the effects of bleach. Ideally, you should cover plants, furniture, and other items in your yard with tarps or plastic sheeting. Placing tarps across the grass will also help prevent bleach from soaking into the soil. If this is not an option, simply spray water onto the grass and plants to help minimize the impact of the bleach.
You will also want to perform a few essential maintenance tasks to discourage further moss and algae growth. Start by trimming back tree branches to allow direct sunlight onto your roof. This creates a less inviting environment for mold. Also take the time to regularly remove debris that accumulates on your roof, such as leaves and twigs which can absorb and hold onto moisture. Gutters should be cleaned on a routine basis to allow for proper water drainage. You may also want to consider adding copper or zinc strips to your roof to prevent moss and algae growth. If you decide to upgrade your roof in the future, opt for asphalt shingles with algae-resistant technology.
How to Remove Mold From Roof Shingles: Step-By-Step
Make a Bleach Solution
While wearing protective rubber gloves and a breathing mask, carefully pour ¼-part chlorine bleach into a clean bucket with ¾-part water. Next, put a tablespoon of trisodium phosphate to the bleach solution. Pour the bleach solution into a pump sprayer. Generous spray the moldy roof shingles with the solution.
Rinse The Bleach Solution
After spraying the shingles with the bleach solution, allow the bleach to sit for approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the severity of the mold growth. Using a garden hose at low pressure, rinse the roof shingles thoroughly to remove the bleach solution. When rinsing, start at the top affected shingle and work downwards. While wearing gloves, run your fingers across the shingles. If you still feel slime on the shingles, apply the bleach solution a second time and let it sit for an extra 10 minutes. You can then rinse the roof again.
Use Safety Precautions
It is important to take certain precautions to prevent further damage to your roof and home. First, never use a pressure washer to rinse the bleach solution from the shingles. The force of a pressure wash can cause the granules on the shingles to fall off. This leaves your roof unprotected and more susceptible to mold growth. You should also never complete roofing tasks on your own. Climbing onto your roof poses serious dangers and should therefore be completed by a professional.
Benefits of Hiring a Roofing Contractor
Mold is typically the result of algae growth. Mold spores can easily become airborne, jumping from roof to roof. That is why you may see a mold problem in a certain neighborhood. Certain conditions are more favorable for mold, such as roofs with leaks or wood rot. Oftentimes, the presence of mold is a sign that there other roofing problems exist. While you may not visibly see roof damage, that does not mean that damage does not exist. When you call in an experienced roofing contractor, underlying roof problems may be found. Making these repairs can reduce the likelihood of mold growth in the future.
Years of Experience
There are also other reasons you may want to consider hiring a roofing contractor to remove mold from your roof shingles. Roofing contractors have hands-on experience with mold growth and know how to deal with it in a way that is safe and will not result in the spread of fungi spores. They can also remove mold without causing damage to your existing shingles, home, or yard. Professional roof contractors already have the right tools and supplies needed to kill stubborn mold. Oftentimes, the products used by professionals are of a higher-quality and better concentration than anything you could find at your local home improvement store.
Prevent Health Issues
In addition, hiring a roofing contractor can also be good for your health. Not only can you avoid breathing in harmful mold spores which can lead to respiratory distress, climbing onto your roof can pose significant dangers. Professional roofers use harnesses and other safety gear to ensure their safety while working. All reputable roofing contractors are also trained, certified, and insured which can provide you with peace of mind. Depending on the extent of the problem, your roofing contractor may also provide you with a warranty. If there are any issues with your roof in the given time frame, the company will resolve it without additional charges.
Learn More About Removing Mold From Roof Shingles
Mold growth on roof shingles can be a frustrating problem to deal with, but you do not have to resolve the issue on your own. For more information or to schedule a free consultation with a roofing contractor, contact Beyond Exteriors today.