Discover How to Get Rid of Mold and Algae on Your Roof
Mold and algae on or below the roof can indicate serious underlying issues. If left unchecked, they accumulate water on the roof and deteriorate shingles and other roof structures. Therefore, it’s best if you remove them before the problem spreads. Here’s how to identify mold and algae on your roof and the best ways to get rid of them.
Differences between algae and mold
While mold and algae are serious issues, you should still know how to differentiate between them.
Usually, mold won’t grow on the rooftop, especially if it receives a considerable amount of sunlight over the year. Mold doesn’t tolerate high temperatures and needs high humidity to flourish, making attic spaces and ledges a perfect hiding spot for them to grow under the roof. Mold comes in various colors, ranging from white, yellow, green, and even black.
On the flip side, algae are plant-like organisms that feed on sunlight and are dependent on it to survive. It can be frequently found on shingles and will spread like wildfire if it gets enough water. They are usually yellowish or green in color.
Moss is another common roof infiltrator. It thrives on rooftops due to available moisture and free spots for its root to take hold as a plant. It’s usually dealt with similarly to algae.
Removing algae and moss
The gold standard for algae removal on rooftops is diluted chlorine bleach. A half-and-half mixture of bleach and water has enough power to kill algae. Please don’t use a pressure washer to apply the bleach or rinse it off the roof because it can damage the shingles. However, bleach is a toxic substance that is corrosive if not flushed completely and requires careful handling. First, wet your household or garden plants near the property to prevent accidental bleach exposure that might inadvertently kill them.
To keep algae from growing back, install zinc or copper strips across the ridgelines next to the affected shingles. When it rains, a small portion of the metallic particles will wash over the roof and kill any algae trying to grow. You can replace the entire roof with copper-infused shingles that prevent algae growth for a more foolproof solution.
Removing mold from shingles
Mold likewise doesn’t withstand bleach well, and a solution of ¼ bleach, ¾ water, and a tablespoon of trisodium phosphate is an effective homemade mold killer. After applying the bleach solution, please leave it to rest for at least half an hour, then rinse it off from the roof. Commercial mold removal products can be a better replacement if you don’t want to deal with toxic bleach fumes inside the attic but research the product carefully. Always adhere to the product’s guidelines when using it to ensure personal safety and health.
Do you need help to get rid of mold and algae on your roof?
If the mold or algae problem seems too much to handle, contact a local roofing contractor to assist. They usually have the most cost-effective solutions to deal with the issues and prevent recurring growths.
Irish Roofing Company provides Scottsdale with roof inspection, installation, sealing and repair. We offer shingle services, tile roof services, flat roof services, roof cleaning,roof inspection, roof installation, leak repair, roof recovering, roof repair, roof sealing, and wood shake services for commercial and residential customers.
