What Should You Do About Mold on Roof Shingl
When you hear the word “mold,” your mind probably jumps to something like a damp basement, the cabinet under the kitchen sink, or the shower curtain in the bathroom. You probably don’t picture your roof.
But mold on roof shingles is a common problem for many homes.
How are you supposed to deal with that?
Don’t panic. We’ve put together this guide to walk you through what to do if you find mold on your roof, so make sure you keep reading below to learn some helpful tips!
Why Is My Roof Molding?
It’s probably not your fault.
The growth of roof mold, called Gloeocapsa Magma, has a lot to do with the local weather. If you live in a warm, humid area or a place that gets a lot of rain, you’re more likely to notice the characteristic black stains forming on your roof. Other causes include a dirty roof or improperly installed shingles.
This type of mold also spreads quickly and easily through the air, so if your neighbor struggles with their roof molding, there’s a good chance it will infect your roof soon.
The best way to prevent roof mold is to trim any plants or trees back from your roof (so it gets good airflow), fix any leaks or other issues, and clean it often. However, despite your best efforts, you might still end up with this pesky mold on your roof. Keep an eye out so you can deal with it quickly when it starts to grow.
The Importance of Roof Mold Removal
If you notice mold on your roof, the last thing you want to do is leave it alone. The mold will only get worse with time, which will make the cleanup process more difficult and more expensive. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of fast mold removal.
Creates Structural Problems
As the mold spreads over your roof, it eats away at your shingles and underlying roofing material. If you wait too long to get rid of it, you may end up having to replace your shingles. In more serious cases, you may need to install an entirely new rood.
Becomes a Rodent Magnet
Creatures like mice, rats, and more are attracted to moldy areas. They will climb on your roof and chew on the moldy material. If your roof is already weakened by the mold, they may even be able to make their way inside your home.
Is Bad for Your Health
Remember, roof mold spores are airborne. This means the mold spores will travel through your HVAC system and get into the air you breathe. Not only is this bad for your health, but it can also cause more serious problems for anyone in your family who has asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Lowers Your Home’s Value
Are you getting ready to sell your home? If you have roof mold, you had better be prepared to take a price cut. A moldy roof can have a significant impact on your home’s value, so to keep it as high as possible, invest in some roof mold cleaner right away.
Doesn’t Look Pretty
Compared to the other risks listed above, this one is much less serious. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t important. Roof mold can be a real eyesore, and it can make your entire house look old and unmaintained.
How to Get Rid of Mold on Roof Shingles
When it comes to removing roof mold, you have two options available to you: hiring professional roof cleaners or rolling up your sleeves and doing some DIY work. There are pros and cons to both options, so make sure you spend some time researching each method before you choose one.
Professional
For most homeowners, hiring a professional to clean up the mold will be the better choice. A professional company has years of experience dealing with this stubborn mold, so they know what they’re doing. They also have the necessary tools and safety equipment to ensure they do the job right.
Investing in a quality residential or commercial roof repair company will reduce the chances of the mold coming back later.
The downside is the money.
Hiring a professional will likely be more expensive than DIY. However, for people who don’t have a lot of free time, don’t know the right know-how, or don’t want to risk injury, this is the better choice.
DIY
With a mixture of bleach and water, you can wash off all the mold yourself.
Keep in mind, though, if you have to buy all the tools from scratch, you might not end up saving any money with this method. Climbing around on your roof is also dangerous. A trip to the emergency room will cost much more than hiring a professional company in the first place.
The bleach mixture can also run off your roof and kill your plants and lawn if you aren’t careful. You may want to cover your greenery in large tarps before you start.
If you do want to give DIY a try, follow the tips in this guide. And be careful!
Keeping Your Roof Mold-Free
Discovering mold on roof shingles is a worrisome annoyance, but it’s not a death sentence. With the right cleanup plan in place, you won’t have to be stuck with this mold forever.
Want to learn some other helpful homeowner tips and tricks?
Our blog is full of advice that will keep your home looking its best during every season. Make sure you check out the rest of our posts today!
