How to Remove Moss, Mildew or Mold from Your Roof

As a homeowner, you know that your home is subjected to many natural threats. The prevalence of humidity makes Georgia homes the perfect host for moss, mold and mildew. These nuisances can spread within your home as well as its exterior, including the roof. If left untreated, mold can destroy the strongest roofing material, shortening its lifespan by many years.

Moss

This green, sponge-like plant absorbs water through its tiny leaves. Moss thrives in moist environments. It blankets the surface of many forests, giving them a mystical and beautiful appearance. However, on rooftops, moss does nothing but harm. It can damage roofs by lifting shingles and allowing water to leak underneath.

Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew are fungi that also grow and thrive in moist environments. They can develop in cold temperatures but tend to progress especially quickly in higher temperatures. People often assume that mold and mildew are the same thing, but they do vary significantly in appearance and texture. Mold is usually a dark shade of black, red or green. It tends to resemble dirt and has a fuzzy texture.

Mildew, on the other hand, has a white, gray or brown hue. It’s flat, powdery and consists of small dots.

Despite these visual differences, both types of fungi can eventually damage your roof and cause health problems once they work their way into your home.

How to Remove Moss, Mildew or Mold from Your Roof

Rinse your roof with a hose on low pressure. Plain tap water is usually an effective preventative tool for early removal. Never use a pressure washer on your roof. Remember to spray the water at a downward angle. Using a brush, scrub the surface from the top down so you don’t lift the shingles. Scrub gently to avoid removing granules or damaging the roof.

If the steps above don’t solve the problem, you can add a cleaning solution to the water. For example, mix liquid chlorine bleach with water in a one-to-one ratio. Spray the solution on the roof and allow it to seep through the moss or mold for approximately 20 minutes. Once the time is up, wash off the roof with low pressure water.

Remember to wear protective gear, such as a face shield, safety goggles and waterproof gloves when working with bleach.

How to Prevent Moss, Mildew or Mold from Recurring

Whether it’s moss, mildew or mold, once you’ve gotten rid of the intruder, you can prevent it from recurring by keeping your gutters clean or installing zinc or copper coated strips on both sides of the roof.

Hire a Roofing Expert to Inspect Your Roof

In some cases, it may not be possible to adequately clean your roof without potentially damaging the shingles. Some mold or mildew damage isn’t reversable, which means it may be necessary to completely replace your entire roof or sections of your roof.

An experienced roofing contractor will recognize if moss or mold have caused any damage to your roof. Their trained eye will recognize underlying issues with your roof that someone who isn’t experienced with roofing could easily overlook.

A trained professional will use the proper equipment to repair or replace your roof safely. If the company offers a warranty or guarantee and you continue to have roof problems, you can request a free follow-up.

Schedule a Roof Repair Job in Atlanta with Total Roof Solutions

If you’re in McDonough or the greater Atlanta area and are looking for a roofer to replace or repair your roof, we are here for you. Our team of licensed roofing contractors offers residential roof repairs, replacement and other home improvement services.

Call 678-752-8668 or drop us a line for more information.