How Do Roof Leaks Happen
When fungi growth leads to roof damage and leaks, the problem becomes critical. If the damage has already traveled to this extent, the task to restore your roof will involve more than just a cleanup. If water is now leaking into your attic, you will need to identify the source of the leaks and the extent of the damage both externally and internally. In cases such as these, the best option is to hire a roofing professional to examine the situation and perform the needed repair work.
Roof leaks can stem from various types of damage, which are often the result of gradual fungi growth. Some of the most common sources of roof leaks include:
Any time a major storm hits your area be it a blizzard, snowstorm or hurricane you should contact a roofing professional to inspect your roof the moment the storm has passed. Storms can rip away random parts from a roof and render interiors vulnerable to wind, water and the further spread of malignant, toxic fungi.
Why Do Algae And Moss Grow On Asphalt Shingles
The wind and small animals will carry algae spores, and its one of the reasons why you may see algae-covered roofs clustered in a single neighborhood. Moss, on the other hand, likes moist, shady environments and often grows on the north-facing side of trees. Overhanging tree branches and debris left to accumulate on a roof is why you may find clumps of this green stuff gathering on asphalt shingles.
Vinegar Solutions Work Against Moss
A solution of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water has long been touted as an effective herbicide and pesticide. Using it does kill algae and moss, but not mold.
And caution must be taken to protect nearby bushes and plants because overspray will damage them. Vinegar quickly changes the pH of the soil making it inhospitable to most plants.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Mold Off Ceiling In Bathroom
What To Watch Out For
Cleaning any roof can be hazardous, particularly if you plan on climbing up on the roof itself to wash it. Many people mistakenly believe that metal roofs can be simply hosed off, or even power washed. Unfortunately, a simple garden hose is often not enough to free most of the dirt from the roof, while a power washer may dent the metal or cause corroded areas to sustain even worse damage.
Therefore, its usually best to clean a metal roof from on top of the house itself. Keep in mind that metal roofs tend to be much more slippery than an asphalt roof, and that many aluminum roofs will also dent easily if walked on.
Before you can clean your metal roof, youll need to do a thorough inspection of the roof itself. This is because metal roofs may harbor some areas of corrosion, and this corrosion may weaken the roof, making it more hazardous to walk on. Some standing seam roofs may also have sharp edges, particularly if a seam has bent or moved over time, which can also make cleaning the roof more dangerous. If you find either of these on your roof, you may want to call for a professional roofer to help clean and repair your roof before you attempt to clean it yourself.
In addition to areas of damage, you also want to take a look at what it is that needs to be cleaned from your roof. White roofs that have been stained by blue/green algae may require a different cleaner than a green roof which merely has a few built up layers of dust, debris, and pine sap.
Bleach Solution Will Remove Mold From Roof
Q.What do you think of the products and people who clean roofs of various stains? I have quite a few stains, and wonder if I need to hire a roof cleaner, or buy products such as Roof Begone at Ace Hardware. I have one of those zinc strips installed parallel to the roof ridge, but it is exposed only 1 inch and I still have the stains. I treated some lichen with a lot of water, and when the spots finally came off, they pulled off a lot of the shingle. DAN, Lynnfield
A. Roofs seem to be collecting a lot of stains of late: mold algae moss get on your roof. That Roof Begone sounds intriguing, but at $30 a gallon its as expensive as some paints.
Or make your own: one part bleach and three parts water, which will kill mold and algae, but algae needs scrubbing and an extra dose of the bleach/water solution. You can scrape off the moss, or treat with a strong stream from the garden hose.
Unless the power is turned way down, it is not a good idea to power wash an asphalt shingle roof.
Finally, those zinc strips will prevent new growth of all these pesky things, but will not remove whats already there. Other metals that will deter growth of the three peskies are copper and lead.
Q.Warm water is running from the cold water taps in both my kitchen and bathroom. Replacing the fixtures did not solve the problem. How can I fix it? NANCY, in Hottons chat room
I would avoid candles, they produce a lot of soot and other contaminants.
Don’t Miss: Mold Off Leather
Rinse With Garden Hose
Youll wash it off with the water from your garden hose and repeat the process until the algae has all dispersed. Go slowly and use even strokes when washing the shingles clean. If the garden hose is not powerful enough, youll want to invest in something more powerful or hire a professional to do the cleaning for you.
Protect Your Roof Dont Damage It
Do not use a pressure washer! While it will strip the growth right off, it will also wear down and reduce the lifespan of the shingling underneath. In the short term its a great fix, but in the long run, you will cost yourself a lot more when you have to replace the entire roof sooner than you otherwise would.
Read Also: How To Stop Mold On Bathroom Ceiling
Visual Interior Signs Are Evidence Of An Extensive Outbreak
Water intrusion through a roof leak, even a small leak, into the attic and drywall space creates an optimal environment for mold growth. And because these areas are largely enclosed you wont notice youve got a problem until its too late.
Discoloration along the joint between the ceiling and wall is a common indication of having a leak. Youll also find paint around the windows starting to peel or bubble.
Roof mold affects wood in the attic and wood exposed for decorative purposes. Wood gets dark, splotchy, and will often soften.
Why Is Moss Bad For Shingles
You may feel that a bit of moss gives your roof some charm, just as ivy growing up the side of your house might. While moss may be beautiful, it is a detriment to your roof. Heres why:
Most plants gather water from their roots, but mosses gather water from their leaves. Therefore, they do not mind that shingles, unlike soil, are a dry and relatively nutrient-free environment. They will grow roots directly into the shingles, which can destroy the shingles and create the opportunity for leaks.
When it rains, moss will soak up water and retain it, creating consistently wet conditions on your roof. Moss growth will also interfere with proper drainage of water off the roof as water needs to trickle through or around the moss instead of running straight down to the gutters. The resulting constant exposure to water can degrade shingles.
Over time, moss can also work its way under shingles, lifting them up. This uplift creates opportunities for water to penetrate lower layers of the roof and, potentially, your home.
While minor moss infections may not cause many issues, it is likely to become severe over time. Once you spot moss growth on your roof, you should take steps to resolve it. If you have a severe infection, you may have no choice but to remove the shingles that have been damaged by it. A professional roofer can help you assess what kind of intervention your roof needs.
Recommended Reading: Black Mold In Shower Ceiling
Problems With Using Bleach On Asphalt Roofs
There is some concern regarding the use of chlorine-based productson asphalt roofs. Household bleach can damage asphaltdue to its high sodium content. Apparently, the sodium causes anelectrochemical reaction that reduces the elasticity of the asphalt leading to stiffness, brittleness and curling of the shingles.
Also Check: Why Does My Toenail Fungus Keep Coming Back
How To Prevent Roof Mold From Developing
The easiest way to deal with roof mold is to prevent it from developing at all. Take measures during your periodic roof inspection to reduce the circumstances that make your home vulnerable to mold growth.
Manicure shade trees. Keep branches of nearby trees trimmed about three feet from your roof line. Overhanging branches cause shade that prevents water from quickly evaporating. Trapped water is a breeding ground for microbial growth that starts generating mold on your roof.
Keep gutters clean. Remove and dispose of debris, trash, and dirt that gets lodged in your gutters. Clean gutters let water drain from the roof onto the ground. Clogged gutters trap water on the roof creating the perfect environment for mold to grow on your roof.
Apply a moisture and/or microbial barrier. Roofing materials and technology have advanced greatly within the last few decades. One of those advances is the ability to apply chemicals to your existing roof that repels water, or prevents algae and mold from developing. New roofs are often constructed of materials that have these properties impregnated into them.
Also Check: Ultraviolet Light Mold Removal
Option Two: Oxygen Bleach
For those against using straight household bleach, oxygen bleach is another alterative in eliminating algae stains. Oxygen bleach uses hydrogen peroxide versus sodium hypochlorite as an oxidizer. The result comes in liquid or powdered form for an eco-friendlier choice.
Once mixed with water, the power or liquid eliminates all foreign specimens without taking the color out of your shingles. In addition, it doesnt affect the vegetation surrounding your home. Using a pump sprayer, spray the solution on the roof continuously for 10 or 15 minutes. The oxygen bleach attacks the roof algae directly and begins to take the stains away.
After the allotted time, take a scrub brush and lightly scrub the shingles. Apply more solution while you work for a deeper clean and hose off the roof once finished. If needed, repeat the previous steps until the stains are gone.
Other special products for removing algae include:
Roof Moss Removal And Algae Tips
Roof moss removal usually requires a broom or heavy stream of water. Moss is a thick organic growth. Algae is just a thin film of organic growth that can be removed by washing the roof with certified organic oxygen bleach. Copper strips prevent the growth of moss and algae.
- Moss is thick – Algae is paper-thin
DEAR TIM: Part of my roof gets very little direct sun and is shaded. Both moss and green and black algae grow on the shingles. Are these organisms causing damage to my roof?
What’s the best way to remove them? I’m very hesitant to use chlorine bleach as it may damage the roofing material. Once clean, is there a way to permanently keep the roof free of the moss and algae? Scott W., Toledo, OH
DEAR SCOTT: People who live in all parts of the nation and have roofs made from all sorts of materials, wood, metal, asphalt, clay or concrete tiles, etc. can have moss and algae accumulate on their roofs.
Those places that receive more rainfall and have sustained high levels of humidity have more moss and algae growth as the moss and algae need water to grow and multiply.
This roof is covered with different species of roof algae. You can see where the lead is helping to keep the roof clean. If there was a copper strip along the entire roof ridge, the roof would be perfectly clean. CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO PURCHASE THE COPPER STRIPS.
Don’t Miss: Mold Cleaner For Ceiling
How An Black Roof Stains Be Removed From Shingles
The good news is: Yes, Roof Stain removal is possible! Choose between two common roof cleaning solutions used to :do it yourself roof cleaning using a roof cleaning product, or using roof cleaning services from a professional roof cleaning business.
The difference between the roof cleaning company and DIY roof cleaning is cost, and results.
Hire a Roof Cleaning Business
A roof cleaning business has experience at the shingle cleaning techniques and appropriate pressure to use with roof wash products. Pro roof cleaners years of experience will typically result in more complete removal of roof stains.
Do It Yourself Roof Stain Removal
Search for Roof Cleaning Products to find roof cleaner suppliers who offer roof cleaning chemicals, but be careful to know the company and what products they offer. Trust roof cleaner supply companies that offer multiple formulas, and preventive solutions as well. Over the years we have found Roof Cleaner QSE and Roof Shingle Cleaner OX to be quality products with thousands of customers every year.
When you clean your own roof shingles be prepared to set aside an afternoon, and get your ladder out. There is no magic bullet when it comes to Roof Cleaning, and you will at least need a ladder to get up to the level of the gutter. The closer you are to the roof stains, the better your Roof Stain Removal Products will work.
Recommended Reading: How Much Shingle Roof Cost
Saturate The Shingles With Wet & Forget
You will start the process by saturating the shingles with the roof cleaner. The biodegradable cleaner is a unique and effective way to clean any exterior surface. Upon application is will attack algae while protecting the integrity of your roof, getting rid of stains without harming it in any way! You can apply it once it has been diluted with water. The gentle cleaning action of a gentle cleaner will remove even the most stubborn stains. It doesnt require scrubbing, rinsing or harmful acids to clean your roof shingles. Its also safe for your skin too! It takes time depending on how much algae is present on your shingles. I may multiple applications but should be able to see initial results within 30 minutes 1 hour
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Bathroom Ceiling Mold
Preventing Mildew From Forming
Removing overhanging tree branches and allowing sunshine and air movement over your roof. This can eliminate the mildew-friendly environment and stop it from growing.
Installing zinc strips under a row of shingles near the ridge of the roof will prevent mildew from forming. The mild chemical reaction caused by rainwater coming in contact with the zinc inhibits the growth of mold and mildew.
Applying asphalt roofing shingles containing a copper additive in their surface granules is an option. The copper granules in combination with rainwater have a mild chemical reaction that prevents mold and mildew.
Spray-on commercial products that you apply and leave on are also available. Annual application reportedly blocks the growth of mildew.
How To Remove Algae From Roof Shingles
Have you begun to notice some streaky discoloration on your roof? Or maybe even some green, mossy stains that seem to have come from nowhere? Maybe it even looks dark, like someones been rubbing charcoal over your homes roof! Youre probably dealing with mold or algae that has started to creep onto your roofs surface. Usually, homeowners will begin to notice the marks after two or three months, as the algae continues to worsen and become more prominent?
How do I remove Algae from Roof Shingles? Washing your roof with a powerful roof cleanser will do the trick. In this process you will want to use water and bleach to cleanse your roof. Below, we will delve more into what to do if algae has become apparent on your homes roof.
Don’t Miss: Black Mold In Grout
How To Clean Your Roof
There are several ways to clean your roof from moss, algae and mold. Use these tips as your guide when cleaning your roof.
Some homeowners are considering roof waterproofing in order to prevent moisture and mold growth. While its good to initiate for your roofs maintenance, getting help from an exceptional roofing company is still your best option.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Roofing Leads Without Door Knocking
How To Remove And Prevent Black Algae Stains On Asphalt Shingle Roofs
If you live in a humid area of the country, youve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. Though often attributed to an accumulation of dirt, defective shingles, mold, or mildew the most common culprit is actually a blue-green algae known as Gloeocapsa Magma that is spread by airborne spores.
While algae growth does little harm to roofing, the stains dont help the overall appearance or resale value of your home.
You may also have noticed that algae stains are absent directly below the metal flashing around chimneys or roof vents. This is due to fact that copper and the zinc coating on galvanized sheet metal are toxic to algae. Every time it rains, trace amounts of metals are washed down the roof, inhibiting algae growth.
Read Also: Cleaning Mildew Off Bathroom Ceiling
