Taking care of your roof is an essential part of caring for the exterior of your home. From ensuring the removal of fallen branches to monitoring for any signs of damage to your shingles, there are many ways to ensure your roof looks its best. But, one factor that can significantly impact the appearance and performance of your roof is mold.
Roof mold can be incredibly damaging, making it essential that you know how to identify and remove it. At Lifetime Roofing, we understand how quickly mold on your roof can spiral out of control. If you suspect you might have mold growing on your roof, keep reading to learn how to identify and remove it to protect your home.
Why Do You Have Mold on Your Roof?
Mold growth on your roof is often attributed to moisture, lack of sunlight, and organic matter on your shingles. When your roof accumulates moisture from precipitation coupled with limited sunlight exposure, it creates the perfect environment for mold growth. Organic materials, such as leaves, twigs, and algae, may also contribute to this perfect environment.
As the water accumulates on your roof and feeds off of this organic material, the mold will continue to grow. As it spreads across your roof, you might even begin to notice problems with the structural integrity of your roof. Poor ventilation may also contribute to this roof mold growth, as any moisture struggles to dry from the surface. Addressing this as soon as possible is essential for mitigating potential damage to your roof before it reaches the end of its lifespan.
Is It Mold or Algae?
It isn’t uncommon to confuse roof mold for algae because the two share very similar characteristics. However, there are a few subtle differences between the two that can help you determine if you have an algae or mold problem. Mold often appears fuzzy or slimy and comes in a variety of colors, including black, green, or brown.
Algae, on the other hand, has a slippery, slimy texture, especially when wet, and appears green or blue-green. Additionally, mold is able to penetrate the surface it is growing on, whereas algae forms in thin layers and cannot penetrate surfaces. Another major difference between the two is their distinct growth patterns.
Mold grows in irregular patches and spreads rapidly. Conversely, algae take quite a bit of time to form and grow in a more uniform coating across a surface. If you aren’t sure whether the growth on your roof is mold or algae, it is best to reach out to a professional for identification. Each growth requires different treatments, so proper identification is essential for adequate treatment.
Signs of Roof Mold
There are several signs of roof mold, and knowing these signs can help you identify the problem more quickly. If you believe you may be dealing with roof mold, look out for the following signs:
- Discoloration: Dark or black streaks on your shingles may indicate mold presence. This discoloration may be uneven and unrelated to the normal signs of an aging roof.
- Stains on Ceiling or Walls: Water stains on your ceiling or wall may indicate a roof leak, which may lead to the development of mold.
- Musty Odor: If your attic begins to smell earthy or musty, this may be a sign that there is mold present.
- Visible Growth: You may notice mold on the shingles of your roof, especially in areas with low light, poor ventilation, and an abundance of organic matter.
- Warping Shingles: If you’ve recently replaced your roof but are beginning to notice curling or warping shingles, this may be a sign of compromised roof materials, potentially caused by roof mold.
- Increased Allergies: If you or your loved ones are noticing a sudden increase in your allergies, this may indicate mold growth in your home, including on the roof.
How Do You Remove Mold from Your Roof?
If you have recently noticed roof mold, you likely want to address it as quickly as possible to prevent any additional damage. There are a few things you can do to address this mold growth yourself. First, it is important to wear appropriate safety equipment, including gloves, goggles, and a mask, to protect yourself from inhaling mold spores.
Once you’ve put on your protective materials, dry the area, remove any organic materials, and use a stiff brush or scrubbing tool to remove the mold. Then, use a cleaning solution with water and mild detergent to wash the area. Avoid using bleach, as it may be too damaging for your roof. Finally, rinse and thoroughly dry the area to prevent additional growth.
You should also avoid using pressure washing devices on your roof. The materials on your roof are incredibly fragile, especially after mold exposure. The pressure from your pressure washer may cause more damage to your roof tiles, leading to costly repairs. It may also damage the appearance of the tiles, harming your home’s curb appeal.
If the mold growth is extensive, it might be best to reach out to your trusted roofing professional for assessment and treatment. They can help you address the problem and prevent it by scheduling regular roof maintenance appointments.
The Risk of Ignoring Roof Mold
While you might not think your roof mold is extensive enough to require treatment, there are several risks to avoiding its growth. Some of the risks associated with ignoring roof mold include the following:
- Structural Damage: Mold can compromise the integrity of your roofing materials, potentially rotting, warping, and deteriorating shingles, leading to leaks and structural damage.
- Increased Repair Costs: Failure to address the mold immediately may lead to more extensive damage. As this mold continues to grow, the cost to repair any damage it causes will only increase.
- Health Problems: Prolonged exposure to mold spores can be incredibly harmful, especially to individuals with respiratory illnesses. As the mold grows, you may notice these problems becoming more significant.
- Persistent Moisture Issues: Mold growth often indicates an underlying moisture problem. Ignoring it may mean neglecting the root cause, allowing persistent moisture issues to worsen.
If you notice mold growing on your roof, it is essential that you reach out to a professional for help as soon as possible. They can help you identify the root cause of the mold and determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Schedule Roof Maintenance to Keep Your Home Safe
If you believe you are dealing with roof mold but aren’t sure how to move forward, our team at Lifetime Roofing is here to help. With years of experience caring for roofs across the Northern Utah area, we’re confident that we can help keep your roof in pristine condition. If you need help handling mold on your roof or would like to schedule roof maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact our team today.