Roofing shingles are exposed to constant moisture, fluctuating temperatures, and bacteria. This makes them more susceptible to mold growth which can lead to roof damage and lead to leaks inside the home. Taking proper care of your roof will require you to remove mold as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of shingle lifting and a weakened roof.
If your roof looks like it has black stains, you are dealing with mold. Fungus, mildew, algae, and mold all need to be removed properly with safe cleaners in order to protect your home. Below are some tips to help you properly remove mold from your roof.
Safe Products To Remove Mold
The most popular solution that is used by homeowners to remove mold is a mixture of bleach and water. This is a homemade solution that is fairly inexpensive and works well to clean mold out of small spaces and prevent it from spreading. Using bleach can lead to damage to your paint, grass, or exterior landscaping though, so be sure to use it with caution.
Trisodium Phosphate mixtures are used when other mold removal methods are not successful. Sodium triphosphate and sodium phosphate are easily purchased at hardware stores and can be left on a roof for around 15 minutes to help remove even the most stubborn mold.
Many people think that homemade cleaners are safer than commercial cleaners, but cleaners that are crafted for roof cleaners can be more effective and cause less damage to your home. If you are unsure if a cleaner will work for your home, ask a roof cleaner or someone at the hardware store if that cleaner is safe for your roof type.
Can A Roof Be Pressure Washed?
Using a pressure washer on your roof can be dangerous when you don’t have the proper safety equipment. When you hire a professional roofer, pressure washing can be an effective way to remove mold from your roof. The high stream of water can break up the mold build-up and special cleaners can lower the risk of the mold growing again.
Pressure washing is also a tricky process because certain roofing materials can only handle so much pressure. Shingles or tiles may be able to handle a low psi, but metal may be able to be cleaned with a higher psi. Using the wrong pressure of water could remove granules from your shingles or leave dents in the materials which makes your home vulnerable to the elements. Limit the need for roof repairs by letting a professional wash with a pressure washer.
How Do I Protect My Health When Removing Mold?
Being near mold can cause you to breathe in mold spores which can lead to respiratory issues. If you choose to clean your roof by yourself, you can benefit from wearing a mask or respiratory protection to keep you from breathing the mold that you release into the air.
Hiring a professional team will remove this worry from your mind. Our professionals at Kanga Roof and other cleaning companies have safety equipment and proper cleaning solutions that don’t damage human health. Professionals will also have eco-friendly cleaners that won’t harm your lawn, landscaping, or pets.
Can Algae Be Removed In The Same Way?
While both algae and mold are microorganisms that grow on surfaces, algae thrive in aquatic environments and do not penetrate materials as easily. Some cleaners that are used for mold can be too harsh to remove algae and could damage or discolor your roofing material.
Killing algae and mold can both be done by reducing humidity and increasing ventilation. If the surface is not easily damaged, algae can be removed by scrapping and scrubbing.
Professional Mold Removal Benefits
Mold spores and continued growth can damage your roof, but improper removal can as well. Working with a professional roof cleaner will ensure that all mold is removed while protecting the integrity of your home. Removing mold from the porous surface of roofing material is essential because any spores that are left are like to spread and regrow. Roofers should do a roof inspection before and after cleaning to ensure that no other repairs are needed and that all spots of mold have been removed.
Working with cleaners will also give you access to tools and protective equipment that you may not have. Professionals can use long-handled scrapers or brushes to help remove mold and protect them from slips and falls. This keeps you off the roof and prevents major injury.
Clean and inspect your roof often to prevent mold growth and roof deterioration. Your home won’t last forever, but with the right services, you can prolong its life, and its ability to protect you.
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