Your roof is important to the integrity of your home. It also seems like it gets dirty really quickly. You know what I’m talking about. When your roof isn’t even that old, and it’s supposed to last for several more years but all of a sudden it’s covered in black stains, discolored streaks and green mossy growth.
Maybe you know that this isn’t good for you roof, that the lifespan of your roof is highly affected by the weather and its environment. Maybe you know that living in Orlando, FL, your roof could be completely covered by the problem in less than four years.
But maybe you don’t know where these issues even came from or how to get rid of them. Well that’s all right. Our Orlando roof cleaners can solve this problem for you. Read more below to find the causes of why mold and algae grow on your roof and how to remove it.
The black streaks on your roof don’t appear for everyone — they usually only appear on roofs in humid parts of the country. They also appear specifically on the north side of the roof. Known as black algae or roof mold, Gloeocapsa Magma is usually blamed on dirt accumulation, mold and mildew or defective shingles. It’s actually just a blue-green algae spread by airborne spores.
It is easily spread and causes those colorful stains on so many roofs. In humid areas, it lives on the north side of the roof where sun is minimal and the humidity can last the longest. It also grows quickly in the shade of large trees. It needs heat, moisture and nutrients to grow. The sun and the humidity on your roof give it the first two. The third ingredient, nutrients, is gained when the spores begin to eat the limestone filler in your roof’s shingles. Feeding on the inorganic materials of your roof’s materials, they’ll continue to spread and darken until you get rid of them.
So a mossy alga that eats your roof doesn’t sound too bad on its own. But that’s not all that it is. It doesn’t just affect the appearance of your roof; it affects the structural aspect of it as well, which can lead to structural damage to your home. When the limestone and other granules are digested out of your shingles, it makes way for more problems. Moisture and water can get in to your home through the holes in your roof and down to the wood underneath.
As you can see, the alga gets on your roof easily enough — the wind just has to blow in the right direction and there it is. Just as easily, mold and mildew follow. The standing water and humidity, the rapidly growing spores and wood rot, these are quick and fertile breeding places for mold. This can be expansive, and as a result, expensive. Often the damage is done well before it’s discovered, as mold on the outside of the house is usually indicative of mold on the inside of the house.
You can’t prevent spores of algae and moss or mildew from landing on your roof. But you can prevent growth. Obviously the best care is preventative care. With regular cleanings you can get rid of the algae before it even becomes an issue, and definitely before it gives way to rot, mold and mildew. Regular roof cleanings are a good way for you to be more aware of what is going on with your roof.
If your roof is super bad, make sure you consult someone professional before taking action. Why spend money cleaning a roof when it needs a repair. In that same vein, why repair a roof when it just needs a cleaning? But luckily (especially when paid attention to) most of the time to remove algae and mold your roof will just need a good, thorough cleaning. And for the best results, you’ll obviously want a knowledgeable Orlando roof cleaning companythat can clean your roof while guaranteeing the safety of the products they use.
One way to clean the roof of algae and moss is with a brush and a little grunt work, scrubbing and separating the greens from the roof. Brushing should start at the top and work down, as going up could mess up your shingles. Bleach shouldn’t be used either because it can damage your roof. You should use an environmentally friendly and safe roof cleaning solution.
However, doing a roof cleaning yourself can be dangerous and isn’t recommended. Wet algae can be slippery, even more so than just a wet roof. It’s dangerous working on a ladder so high up, while professional roof cleaners are insured and experienced with such heights. It may cause more damage and final expense cost if you do it on your own.
The roof cleaning process may be simple, but you’ll want it done right for the protection that it can offer your roof and home. Roof cleaning is done with a cleaner and a gentle low pressure washer that actually rids your roof of the growths rather than just moving them around. The roof is rinsed and cleared of debris, and then the low pressure washing is done with an added chemical treatment.
Be sure to check with whoever you hire to make sure the chemical used is not harmful to the surrounding foliage, but many companies today use gentle, environmentally friendly cleaners.
The cleaning is the most important step. The algae and mold are removed by the washing, but the roof is treated by the chemical. Soaking in to the tile and the spaces between, these cleaners are created to specifically target algae and moss, spores and all. Some are even formulated to keep the issue from immediately returning, offering long-term year round protection for your roof. Finally the roof is rinsed again and checked for any remaining issues.
Professional roof cleaners can tell you from the beginning, before any unnecessary work, if your roof needs to be replaced. And if that’s not the case they can get your roof cleaned and back to a brand new state, free of algae and any other growth issues. The important thing to remember is to keep an eye on your roof and get regular cleanings to prevent bigger problems from arising. Once it’s there it can be taken care of, but why let it happen in the first place?
Do you want to know more about the algae, moss and mildew on your roof? Or do you have a question about the removal process that we didn’t answer here? Give us a call at 407.256.8610 or contact us online here and let A-1 Quality Roof Cleaning and Restoration help you and your roof out.