As a homeowner, keeping your home looking its best is a priority. But those living in humid areas of the country might be all but familiar with black streaks on their roof. Caused by a form of algae, these unsightly roof stains also include black mold as well as moss which all contribute to the weathered look of your home's roof.
Learn more about the dangers of roof mold and how roof cleaning can help keep your home looking stunning year round.
Why Does Mold, Moss and Algae Grow on Roofs?
Mold, moss, and algae love a wet environment, and roofs are vulnerable since they're constantly exposed to the elements. This is especially true for shingled roofs in shaded areas. Since these roofs seldom have a chance to dry out completely, black mold, moss, and algae are given the perfect habitat to grow.
What Happens if Mold, Moss, and Algae are Left Untreated?
While many homeowners believe that these unsightly problems are purely a cosmetic issue, the problems run much deeper than that. In fact, moss and algae can seriously damage wood shingle and shake roofs, asphalt shingles, and roll roofs.
Because they absorb and hold moisture against the surface of the roof, they rot away the roof surface over time, and can even result in increased frost damage in cold climates.
Health Problems Associated With Roof Mold
In addition to decreasing the value of the property and becoming an eyesore, algae, moss, and mildew on the roof can also harm your health. It specifically has long been linked to a variety of respiratory problems, such as asthma, congestion, coughing, sneezing and irritation.
How to Clean and Prevent Mold, Moss, and Algae
These simple mold prevention tips will help you keep your roof beautiful and functional:
- Use mold-resistant shingles
- Install metal flashings to slow moss and algae growth
- Clear trees around the house to provide the roof with more sunlight
- Treat the roof with a moss-killing chemical
Even if you've taken preventative steps, roof cleaning is still an important part of maintenance.
In most cases, a gentle power washing or brushing with a soft-bristled brush will be enough to remove the moss or algae from the surface of the roof. In other cases, the roof is simply too damaged and new roofing will be needed. If the damage to the roof is extensive, or the shingles beneath it are fragile, contact roofing experts Cloud Roofing to learn more about how to restore your roof to good working order or to repair your roof.