How to Remove Mould from Your Roof

Mould can be found almost anywhere there is a lot of moisture present, like pipes, basements, and even your roof! Mould on your roof can eat away at your roof's shingles and result in rot and an unsightly appearance. Mould on roof shingles will often appear as black streaks or stains. Mould is more common in climates that experience warm, humid summers, but mould can grow in various conditions. Removing fungus, moss and mildew from your roof can be challenging. Many homeowners will hire an experienced roofing contractor to complete the job. However you can remove the mould by yourself, but it's essential to make sure you protect your property and gather the proper safety equipment and supplies. Today we have some tips on how to remove mould from roof shingles and also tell you why you may want to consider hiring a professional roofing contractor.

Mould can often be removed from your roof's shingles by using a solution of bleach and water. Because the bleach solution is toxic and likely to run off the roof and onto your property, it is crucial to take the proper steps to protect your home and yard. You should cover plants close to the roof and any nearby furniture with tarps or plastic sheeting. Placing tarps or plastic sheeting over the grass will prevent the bleach from soaking into the soil. If you don't have a tarp or plastic sheeting, you can spray water onto the grass and plants to help minimize the effects of the bleach solution. 

To start cleaning the mould off your roof, begin by making the bleach solution and carefully pouring it into a pump sprayer. You can then spray the shingles generously with the solution and let them sit for up to an hour, depending on how much mould you have. Use a hose to rinse the bleach solution off the roof. Pressure washers will cause more damage to your shingles, so we don't suggest using one. Start at the top when rinsing the solution, and work your way down until it is all rinsed off. You can run your hands over the shingles to see if they still feel slimy when you are done. If they do, you can repeat the process until all the mould is gone. 

Safety should always be your number one priority when performing roof maintenance. It is crucial to take the proper safety precautions to prevent further damage to your roof and keep yourself from getting injured. We don't suggest completing roofing tasks on your own. Climbing up on your roof is dangerous, which is why you should always hire a professional roofing contractor. If you do decide to try and remove the mould from your roof on your own, take these precautions to keep yourself safe:

1. Wear appropriate clothing for the job.
2. Wear appropriate shoes for the job.
3. Wear a hard hat.
4. Wear a dust mask.
5. Wear appropriate eye protection.
6. Wear a harness (fall protection) when working on roofs.

Once you've cleaned the mould off your roof, some simple roof maintenance will ensure that your roof is safe from mould. Some things you can do to prevent mould from growing on your roof are:

1. Keep gutters clean as clogged gutters will hold water, causing moisture to enter the roof. These damp conditions cause fungi and other organisms to grow.
2. Trim back trees and branches, so they do not touch your house. Tree branches in contact with houses can attract insects and pests, potentially leading to mould growth.
3. Ensure adequate ventilation under the eaves of the home. This stops warm moist air from stagnating during the summer months and causing condensation problems during the winter if you live in a cold climate.

Hiring a roofing contractor is the best option to remove mould from your roof. You can injure yourself or damage your roof if you do not know what you are doing. If the mould is extensive, you may need to hire a professional roofing contractor to do it for you. A roofing professional can also identify any potential issues with your roof. Mould can sometimes signify a more significant problem that someone who isn't experienced may not notice. A roofing contractor will be experienced and complete the work efficiently without damaging your roof. They will also have the necessary safety gear. This is why we always recommend hiring a professional roofing contractor to do any work on your roof. 

The experts at United Roofing & Exteriors offer roof maintenance services to keep your roof clean and safe. With our many years of roofing experience, we know that we are your number one choice for any roofing job. We even offer free estimates for all of our services. Contact us today!