How To Remove Mold From Roof Shingles

Molds on your roof are dangerous. Not only will they alter the appearance of your home, but they also can reduce the lifespan of your roof shingles.

This puts your roofs at risk of wear and tear. And this will lower the value of your home in the long run.

Nobody wants to purchase roofs sooner than anticipated. That is why it is crucial to have your roof cleaned immediately after discovering molds on your roof shingles.

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How To Identify Mold On Your Roofs

You can find mold nearly anywhere there is plenty of moisture. In most cases, you can find molds in leaky pipes, roofs, and wet basements.

Molds are best known for their black-greenish color. Molds on your roof shingles are characterized by their black streaks.

But they also prefer staying in warmer and humid environments. In general, molds can survive in an extensive range of conditions.

Be cautious of smells

A home that has never been used for so long might smell musty. But if the scent maintains even after you have aired the room, you are experiencing mold growth.

Prolonged sickness

Mold infestation can cause respiratory problems such as a runny nose. They can also worsen those suffering from asthma and skin rashes.

Also, if you notice discoloration on your walls and ceiling, this might be a sign of mold infestation.

The difference between mold, moss, black algae, and mildew

Most people confuse these organisms. Here are the differences you need to know when identifying molds on your roof shingles.

Molds

Molds look unattractive and have a rancid odor. They prefer growing on drywalls or moist wood structures.

The best way to identify them is by the dark stains they leave on the surface they grow.

Moss

Moss growth nearly happens in any condition. You can quickly identify moss by its fuzzy green appearance.

Black Algae

The technical word for black algae is Gloeocapsa Magma.

Roof algae are generally non-destructive. But excessive growth can destroy your property.

Algae appear green in color, a sort of surface stain. They are also slimy and slick.

Mildew

These organisms can spread fast in wet regions.

Mildews typically appear light-green. But their color varies depending on the humid weather.

Precautions you should consider before deciding on mold removal

When it comes to mold removal, your safety matters. It is a job that involves working on higher heights, so you need to be careful.

Again, molds on the roof can be slippery, making cleaning a bit risky.

Here are the safety precautions you need to take before considering mold removal.

Wear rubber gloves

It is a must to wear gloves when removing molds from your roofs. This is especially true if you want to protect yourself from the bleaching agents. Also, wear breathing masks, too.

Wear anti-slippery shoes

As said earlier, molds tend to be slippery. Anti-slippery shoes, therefore, will prevent you from skidding from the roof.

Wear an apron

Wear an apron or something that will cover the entire body. This will protect you from bleaching chemicals.

Ultimate tips on how to eliminate molds from your roof

Mold removal can be done in many different ways. Use these tips when cleaning molds from your top shingle.

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.

Use copper or zinc strips.

Copper granules or zinc strips discourage mold growth. Some homes’ roofs are constructed to include them.

But if your shingles have seen old days, they might lack them. You can put these metals in centralized areas such as joints between your ceiling and walls and chimneys.

Apply vinegar solution

A vinegar solution can also do an excellent job in mold removal. A 50/50 mixture of plain water and apple cider vinegar solution has been considered an effective pesticide.

It has also been proven to kill moss and blue-green algae growth. However, take caution when applying this method.

A vinegar solution can change soil PH fast. This can damage nearby bushes and plants. So, avoid over spraying it.

Mold removal using shampoo

This is one of the best environment-friendly methods of removing molds. But it is a bit expensive solution compared to other methods. Here are the steps involved;

Scrub the regions of your roof containing excess molds.
Spray water to the nearby plants to prevent the roof cleaning agent effects.
Spray the roof surface with the shampoo solution and ensure all parts of the shingles are adequately soaked. Mostly, shampoo cleaning solutions come diluted for ready use. But others may require water. So, read the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you have used the agent in the best way expected.
Allow the agent to sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Then rinse your roofs using a gallon of water.

Why leave it to professional roof cleaners?

From mixing chemicals to spraying your shingles, it is clear that mold removal isn’t a simple task. This is especially true if you are removing mold from old roofs.

Also, hiring a professional contractor is a good idea for your health.

It offers you a chance to escape harmful airborne spores, which may cause serious respiratory diseases. Moreover, climbing on roofs is dangerous.

Lastly, you may end up doing more destruction than good. For instance, you may change the entire roof if you keep the bleaching solution for so long.

Let the experts help you and stay safe. They are equipped with the necessary tools to ensure safety throughout their work.

All professionals are also trained and licensed to offer the peace of mind that you deserve.

How to discourage molds from growing on your roofs

Molds are a good fan of trees. So, if you notice any overhanging trees on your shingles, cut them.

Remove any branches, twigs, and leaves on your roof using a leaf blower. Direct the air blow down to ensure debris, and other tree material doesn’t get stuck in your shingles.

Also, you need to keep your gutters cleaned. Molds hate strips. So, you can place 6-inch-wide strips of zinc under the roofs to discourage mold growth.

Finally, if you consider a total replacement, go for mold-resistant new roofs.

How to remove molds from roof shingles: The bottom line

Roofs play a vital role in your home. If you maintain them properly, they can provide prolonged service for many years.

So, maintenance is the key. Mold growth on your shingles is devastating, but there is no need to do the work by yourself.

Schedule an appointment with your trusted mold removal contractor for help.