Thursday, March 21, 2024

How To Remove Mold From Roof Shingles

Preventing Reinfestation Zinc Strips Are One Option

Removing Algae Stains From Roof Shingles

If you wish to prevent reoccurrence of fungus, think zinc! Zinc strips have been used for many years as an algae preventative. StainHandler.com offers sets of 3′ zinc strips, which areattached near the peak of the roof. When it rains, a slight amount of zincdissolves from the strips and coats the roof, inhibiting algae and fungusgrowth.

Why Is There Algae On My Roof

There are various causes for algae to begin growing on your roof. It often favors warmer and more humid climates, so if you live somewhere that fits that description, youre more likely to deal with roof mold. While roof algae can happen just about anywhere in the U.S., most cases are seen in the warmer, Southeast regions: Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, North and South Carolina, and Arkansas.

Roofing materials can also play a significant role in the cause of roof algae production. While algae and mildew tend to be attracted to homes in the warmer climates, algae prefers a house whose roof is shaded and sometimes exposed to cooler and wetter weather. Although attracted to opposite environments, both moss and mold are pests that youll want to get rid of as soon as possible when it comes to your home. If your climate can get reasonably wet, we recommend that you especially check the north side of your roof. Usually, the Northside receives less sun, and algae is more likely to be there.

Algae is an unfortunate issue to have for your homes roof. It can cause roofing to be replaced sooner, draw rodents, damage your attic, and potentially travel to the rest of your home. Algae is a problem you will want to take care of ASAP before it leads to other issues.

Tags:

How To Clean Roof Shingles From The Ground

If you are concerned about voiding the warranty on your roof shingles due to walking on them, then you can clean your shingles from the ground. In this instance, using a garden sprayer attachment with your hose is ideal. Put liquid bleach in the sprayer and apply from the ground. Apply bleach from top to bottom, as you dont want to spray up and under the shingles.

It is important to note that leaving the bleach on the roof to sit too long will damage the roof. Ensure that you rinse the roof after 15 or 20 minutes. Repeat if necessary until all the damage is gone.

Best Time to Clean an Asphalt Shingles Roof

The best time to clean a shingle roof is when there is no rain in the forecast for several days and when temperatures will not drop below freezing. Freezing will freeze water to your roofs surface, negating the effects of the cleaner.

Also Check: Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold In Crawl Space

Thankfully There Are Some Killer Alternatives To Bleach

1) Sodium hydroxide products are NOT recommended!! A chemical alternative to bleach uses theantifungal agent sodium hydroxide… also known as lye. Lye-based products appeared on the market a few years ago, but turned out to be even more dangerous to use than bleach! Even at low concentrations, permanent damage could be done to the roofing, possibly even dissolving the roofing nails!

Fortunately, most lye-based products have been removed from the market.

2) Here are a few bleach-free chemical treatments that can help keepfungus under control:

Moss Out! from Lilly Miller Brands

Moss Out! comes in a number of formulations, one specifically for roofs and others designed to remove and/or inhibit moss and fungus growth on siding, masonry surfaces and even lawns. Their formulae use tried and true zinc compounds that linger on surfaces to provide continuing protection from fungus regrowth.

How To Remove Mold & Algae On Your Roof

How To Clean Roof Shingles Mildew

A lot of the dark streaky stuff found on roofs in wet climates like ours in the Lower Mainland and the South coast of B.C. is in fact, algae and not mold. There is difference between mold and algae and how they affect your roof. Algae commonly feeds on the limestone powder in asphalt shingles, while mold often thrives on plant and other organic matter thats fallen onto your roof.

You cant do anything to prevent algae and mold spores from flying through the air and landing on your roof, but you can help prevent mold growth by keeping the shingles free of organic matter.

Also Check: Does Mold Have To Be Removed Professionally

What Is The Best Roof Shingle Cleaner

Vinegar is the best shingle roof cleaner for a few reasons. First, it is cheap and easy to find. Second, you can mix it with dish soap to increase effectiveness. Use a higher concentration of vinegar for more severe damage or less for a quick wash. Vinegar is not harmful to paint or nearby landscaping, but bleach and store-bought roof cleaners are harmful.

Why Mold & Algae Grow On Your Roof And How To Remove It

Todays post is from Devyn Earls of Orlandos A-1 Quality Roof Cleaning and Restoration company. They have been in business over the last 20 years specializing in low pressure cleaning with hundreds of satisfied residential and commercial customers both large and small. So with no further ado Why mold & algae grow on your roof and how to remove it

Your roof is important to the integrity of your home & the lifespan of your roof is highly affected by the weather and its environment. How about the roof that seems like it gets dirty really quickly. If youre in a humid part of the country, you know what its like as it appears almost overnight to be covered in black stains, discolored streaks and/or green mossy growth. Here in Orlando, FL, we have seen new roofs completely covered by the problem in less than four years.

You May Like: What Is Best Way To Treat Toenail Fungus

Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mold Off Drinking Glasses

How To Clean Mold Off Roof Shingles

  • Written by Carol S. on Dec 13, 2009To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.Reviewed by

Mold stains can form on roof shingles that are in permanent shade. These stains will discolor your roof and damage the shingles over a period of time if left alone. Extensive mold growth can also expose the interior of your attic or crawlspace to mold spores, carrying the problem over to the inside. Not to worry, though, because you can clean the mold off with basic household bleach and save your roof long before you need an expensive replacement. Follow the steps below to remedy this problem.

How To Clean Mold Off A Roof

Roof cleaning products review on how to remove mold from asphalt shingles.

This article was co-authored by Mike Kapur. Mike Kapur is a home inspector and the owner of Sonic Home Inspections, a home inspection company in Westchester, New York. With over 15 years of experience in pre-inspecting properties, Mike specializes in mold, radon, asbestos, lead, water, and air quality testing as well as hazardous materials, pest, infrared, and general home inspections. Prior to founding Sonic Home Inspections, Mike worked pre-inspecting apartments. Mike holds a BS in Accounting from Queens College and is a Certified Mold Assessor in the state of New York.There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 68,974 times.

Its easy to let a mold problem sneak up on you on in out-of-the-way places like the roof of your home. Just because you cant see it, however, doesnt make it any less dangerous. At best, slimy black mold deposits are an eyesore at worst they can pose serious health risks. Thats why if you find evidence of mold growing on the roof of your home, eliminating it right away should be a high priority. You can bust up stubborn mold, along with other types of growth like moss and algae, by spraying your roof down with a powerful chemical cleaner.

Also Check: How Do I Kill Black Mold On Wood

What Precautions Should Be Taken

To prevent additional damage you must take specific steps, to ensure you are safe and dont cause further damage. To begin, avoid using a pressure washer, since it can cause the shingles granules to fall off. This will additionally expose your roof making it more vulnerable to mold growth. You should never attempt to complete roofing projects alone. Climbing on your roof is dangerous and should only be done by a trained and reputable professional.

If youre ready to replace your roof and you are looking for the best roofing contractor in Tampa, contact us via email or via phone at 813-962-7663.

Use Of Bleach Solution

This method is one of the best options and effective ways to eradicate mold growth in your home.

Carefully pour a quarter of chlorine into a container with about three-quarters clean water. Add one tablespoon of trisodium phosphate into the solution and stir to mix. Put the bleach mixtures into your pump sprayer.

Spay the roof shingles and allow them to stay about 15 to 30 minutes. This, however, depends on the severity of the infestation.

Then rinse the bleach solution using a garden hose sprayer.

Make sure you begin from the roof peak downwards. Consider the second application again if you notice mold leftovers on the shingles.

Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes and rinse the roof again.

Avoid high-pressure washer machines as this can damage your shingles. Unless you attach them with nozzles to ensure low pressure.

You May Like: What Is Mold Remediation Coverage

Assemble A Team And Get To It

Three hardy people can tear off and felt a roof in one day, but be careful. Only tear off what you can safely protect from the weather the same day, especially if youre working shorthanded. It always takes longer to weatherize than you think! Tear off the areas farthest from the trash container first. That way you wont tear up the new felt paper when you haul the rest of the debris to the container.

Go over the wood surface with a fine-tooth comb after tear-off. Pound in protruding sheathing nails and remove any leftover shingle nails, then sweep and install ice and water barrier and felt.

Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Black Mold In Bathroom

Cleaning Asphalt Roofshingles With Bleach And Water

Removing Fungus, Mildew, Algae And More From Roofs

Bleach and water work well when cleaning asphalt roof shingles. Clean the roof following the procedure below

  • Climb the roof using a ladder and inspect the roof to find areas affected with algae, stains or moss.
  • Wet all the plants and vegetation around your home to protect them from bleach mixture.
  • Mix equal parts of bleach and water in the ratio of 50:50 to form a bleach cleaning solution.
  • Pour the solution in a garden hose sprayer.
  • Climb the roof using a ladder and spray the shingles with the solution.
  • Leave the solution on the surface of the roof shingles for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly with water. Any remaining algae or moss will be washed away with rain or blown away by wind.
  • When using this method ensure that you clean the roof in the morning hours or when itâs cloudy and there is no rain. If you clean on a sunny day bleach will evaporate. Keep repeating the process till the roof is clean. If the problem of algae and moss persists then it is important to consult a professional roof cleaner.

    Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Mold On Tulip Bulbs

    Taking Care Of Your Asphalt Shingle Roof

    You should expect to get about 15-25 years out of a shingle roof upon replacement. Thats if, and only if, youre taking proper care of your roof throughout the years. Other roof types may vary in life expectancy. Check out the best roof types and their life expectancies.

    The weather and environmental stress can be tough on a roof. Not only the roof itself, but also your gutters, chimney, trees, and sealant. When you cause damage to those, that can also lead to further roof damage. Let me share with you key tips to taking care of your asphalt shingles:

    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.

  • Don’t Miss: How To Get Black Mold Out Of Wood

    Roof Mold By Any Other Name

    A lot of the dark streaky stuff found on roofs in wet climates like Seattle is actually algae. You probably don’t care to know the difference, and neither does the roofing industry, as most cleaning solutions and other products for roofs are targeted at mold, mildew, lichen, moss, slime, or algae it all works the same. But for the record, algae commonly feeds on the limestone powder in asphalt shingles, while mold often thrives on plant and other organic matter that’s fallen onto your roof. You can’t do anything to prevent algae and mold spores from flying through the air and landing on your roof, but you can help prevent mold growth by keeping the shingles free of organic matter.

    Tips On Removing Mold From Your Roof

    How to Clean Asphalt Shingles with 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner

    Finding mold on your roof or under your shingles can be quite alarming. Dont worry! Although Diversified Roofing doesnt offer mold removal services, we have some tips that will help you have a mold-free roof and a more attractive home in no time.

    Although not harmful, molds on your roof will negatively affect the overall appearance of your home.

    Typically, a moldy roof consists of algae, moss, and mold. Algae may look slimy green, black, or appear in blue/green streaks. Mosses are tiny plants that can cover your roof in dense green mats.

    To fully determine the condition of the roof, the first step is to get a thorough mold inspection of the attic. Roof molds typically originate from the attic, and are often due to the presence of roof leaks.

    Also Check: How To Remove Mold From Attic Wood

    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

    Choose The Right Day And Prepare The Area

    Check the weather forecast and choose a cool or overcast day with little to no wind so the spray hits your shingles, not the neighbors. Those conditions allow the cleaning solution to soak deep into the algae colonies without evaporating too quickly.

    Next, repair any loose shingles or flashings, and clean the gutters and downspouts so they can drain freely.

    Then prepare the area by moving lawn furniture and covering vegetation, because youre going to have overspray. Even though the product we chose isnt toxic, the runoff can be pretty ugly. So a little prep work will save you cleanup time later.

    Recommended Reading: Replacing Roof Trusses

    You May Like: Can Black Mold Cause Staph Infection

    Your Roof Is Moldy Now What

    Scientists may think mold is great, but the rest of us have a hard time not resenting it. The stuff grows everywhere, from the cheese in the fridge to the bathroom ceiling to the very skeleton of the house. And yes, it can even grow on your roof. The good news is that moldy roofing shingles, unlike old cheese, don’t need to be thrown out. Here’s how to get rid of roof mold and keep it from coming back.

    How To Identify Youve Got A Mold Problem On Your Roof

    How To Clean Roof Shingles From Hard Water

    Microbial overgrowth from algae, moss, mildew, and mold are common in homes located where there is high humidity, or insufficient roof drainage.

    Unfortunately, most homeowners mistakenly characterize the signs of a mold problem as a cosmetic issue or one of old age. Heres what you should know when looking for mold on your roof:

    Know the difference between algae, moss, mildew and mold. All four organisms pose their own set of complications.

    • Algae growth is natural and is normally harmless, but excessive growth in the right conditions causes property damage. Its distinguished by its green or black-green color that resembles a surface stain. Algae is slick and slimy to the touch.
    • Moss is normally a benign organism that grows naturally in many areas. Its obvious by its fuzzy green appearance.
    • Mildew is a powdery residue that spreads quickly in warm wet climates. Its color varies but its normally a light grey-green.
    • Mold is very unattractive and often smells rancid. Mold usually grows on moist wood or drywall and is identified by the dark splotches it leaves on the materials surface.

    Pay attention to odors. A vacation home thats been closed up for a while may smell musty, but if the odor continues after youve aired out the space then you may be facing a mold problem. Odors originating from the attic space are a clear indication that youre facing mold growth.

    Don’t Miss: Can Mold Affect Your Thyroid

    Popular Articles
    Related news