Mold can cause the shingles on your roof to deteriorate, leaving your home susceptible to the elements. Also, if you do not address the problem, mold can adversely affect your home’s overall appearance and value. This is because mold causes dark spots, discoloration, and a foul smell. Mold can also induce reactions in people who have respiratory problems or compromised immune systems. Removing mold from your roof can be quite a hassle. As a result, you must enlist a professional who can help remediate the problem. The following are a few popular methods that roofing professionals use to remove mold from roofs.
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is one of the most effective methods to remove mold from roofs. To prevent structural damage and safely remove the mold, a hose attached to a nozzle is used instead of a power washer. Power washers are infamous for ripping shingles off roofs, which can cause the roof to leak when it rains.
Pressure washing is much more cost-effective than other mold removal methods, and it is also the most environmentally friendly. The hose and nozzle technique disperses the water evenly over the roof at a gentle pressure, causing the mold to loosen up and fall off. Once the cleaning job is done, the professional will drain all the water off the roof to prevent mold growth in the future.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning eliminates mold by creating a hot environment that dehydrates the spores. This method has a few benefits over pressure washing, including unclogging gutter guards and getting rid of standing water. However, steam cleaning is more expensive than pressure washing. When steam cleaning the roof, roofing professionals, along with others who are present near the work area, must wear a protective layer when the roof is being steam cleaned to prevent burns or injuries from hot water.
Using Bleach and Water Solution
Professionals often use a bleach and water solution to clean mold off roofs. Since combining bleach and water is inexpensive and safe, it can be an easy choice over other mold removal techniques. To effectively remove mold from your roof using bleach and water, the professional should mix the bleach and water solution at a ratio of one part bleach to one part water.
Once the bleach and water solution is prepared, the professional sprays it on the roof and waits for it to sit for about an hour. This allows the solution to penetrate deep into the mold spores and break them down, facilitating easy removal. The professional can then simply rinse away the mold, cleaning the entire roof.
Using Trisodium Phosphate Mixtures
Trisodium phosphate, or TSP, is a mixture of sodium triphosphate and sodium phosphate. An expert can use this cleaning mixture to clean mold off your roof when other agents have failed. The solution is evenly dispersed onto the roof and must be left to sit for about 15 minutes for maximum effectiveness.
In addition to removing mold, TSP effectively eliminates algae and lichens. The roofing professional should exercise caution when using this method since it contains hydrochloric acid, so proper protective clothing should be worn, including a breathing apparatus.
Using Commercial Cleaning Solutions
Commercial cleaning solutions are specifically formulated and manufactured to remove mold. These solutions are available in most stores and have been tested and approved for cleaning. There are several types of commercial cleaners that are used by roofing professionals. These include alcohol-based solutions, bleach-based products, and acid-based cleaners.
There are a variety of commercial cleaning solutions that are designed to clean various roofing surfaces, and they all have different instructions for using them. The roofing professional will examine your roof and then choose the solution that will best address your problem.
How to Prevent Mold From Developing on Your Roof
Although you may have successfully removed the mold from your roof, it can grow back. The best way to ensure that your roof remains mold-free is to find ways that can help you prevent mold from occurring in the first place. Here are some tips to prevent mold from forming on your roof.
Keep Gutters Clean
One of the biggest reasons mold develops on your roof is clogged gutters. If there is an accumulation of standing water in the gutters, it creates a breeding ground for mold spores. Having a qualified roofing professional clean out your gutters regularly ensures that water drains properly, preventing the accumulation of stagnant water.
Additionally, it is essential to ensure that the gutters are appropriately sized for your property. You should also make sure that a gutter guard gets installed. A gutter guard helps ensure water does not leak from the gutters into your home, especially during heavy rains.
Install Ridge Vents
Installing ridge vents on your roof allows for more efficient and adequate ventilation. This helps prevent moisture from building up in the attic, preventing mold growth. Ridge vents should be installed in the middle of your home and spaced evenly on each attic side.
Trim Shade Trees
If you have shade trees near your home, be sure to have them trimmed 3 feet above the roof. Overgrown trees can cause shading on your roof, leading to damp conditions, which are ideal for mold growth.
Apply a Moisture or Microbial Barrier
With technological and scientific advancements, moisture and microbial barriers have become more common. A moisture barrier’s purpose is to protect your roof by keeping water away from the shingles.
Moisture and microbial barriers are generally made from a firm, porous material that acts as a permeable membrane that blocks the passage of water between your shingles and the underlying substrate. A microbial barrier is applied in conjunction with a moisture barrier. The microbes break down the water in your shingles and allow it to evaporate.
Install Copper or Zinc Strips
Copper and zinc strips have proven to have a preventive effect on mold growth. Studies have shown that zinc kills mold spores, preventing them from growing and spreading. Copper also affects the biology of mold spores, causing them to die off before developing into harmful molds.
Rely on the Experts
Most homeowners choose to have their roofs waterproofed to prevent mold from developing on them. However, professional roofers offer the opportunity to prevent and eliminate mold from your roof through proper maintenance. Here at Axis Roofing, we provide comprehensive roof servicing, restoration, and maintenance services to the residents of Mesa, AZ, and surrounding areas. In the case of mold contamination and water damage, we will provide a free assessment of your roof to determine the extent of the damage and provide a cost-effective restoration plan. Additionally, our skilled team of experts utilizes the latest roofing materials, equipment, and technology to ensure your roof gets repaired in the shortest time possible. We also offer financing options to help our clients get the services they need without breaking the bank. For more information on our services, feel free to contact Axis Roofing today!
