Two: Wash Down The Solution
Leave the roof with the solution for 10 to 15 minutes. Allow the solution to soak the mold properly.
Oxygen bleach will start killing them and loosen up from their place. Then it will take away the stain. 20 minutes later, take a long handle soft bristle scrub brush. Lightly brush the shingles.
Harsh scrubbing is not advised. It can lift up the roof shingles from their position. Rinse it off with your garden hose. Dont use high pressure while spraying on the roof.
Donât Miss: Where To Buy Zinsser Mold Killing Primer
Homes With Outdoor Space Is More Desirable
People who want Chicago living are also looking for larger square footage and outdoor space. This has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, where homeowners want room for a home office or a virtual classroom. Because of this, there will be competition to find properties that offer both so its important to act fast.
Option Two: Oxygen Bleach
For those against using straight household bleach, oxygen bleach is another alterative in eliminating algae stains. Oxygen bleach uses hydrogen peroxide versus sodium hypochlorite as an oxidizer. The result comes in liquid or powdered form for an eco-friendlier choice.
Once mixed with water, the power or liquid eliminates all foreign specimens without taking the color out of your shingles. In addition, it doesnt affect the vegetation surrounding your home. Using a pump sprayer, spray the solution on the roof continuously for 10 or 15 minutes. The oxygen bleach attacks the roof algae directly and begins to take the stains away.
After the allotted time, take a scrub brush and lightly scrub the shingles. Apply more solution while you work for a deeper clean and hose off the roof once finished. If needed, repeat the previous steps until the stains are gone.
Other special products for removing algae include:
You May Like: How To Insulate A Roof Deck
Hiring A Professional To Clean Your Roof
If you dont want to climb on your roof to clean it we dont blame you. Many homeowners are in the same boat. But theres always another option: hiring a professional for a roof cleaning service.
Roofing contractors use algaecides to ensure that those pesky black stains are gone and are unlikely to come back.
The result is a beautifully restored roof and little work for you!
Mold On Roof Use These 11 Tips To Remove It
Mold on roof: this can cause serious harm to your home. Use these 11 tips to remove mold from your roof and keep your home safe and secure.
Without a doubt, your homes roof is one of its most important structures. The roof provides support, climate control, and safety it also adds value and aesthetics to the residence. Its a major investment that will last many years if properly installed and maintained.
However, there is a silent attacker: mold on roof.
Although most people are aware of the ruinous effects of things like loose shingles, missing soffitt, and storm damage, few are able to recognize hazards posed by mold.
Following these guidelines youll learn how to identify a mold problem, how to prevent it, and how to get rid of it.
Read Also: How To Tell If Black Mold
Read Also: What Roofing Companies Offer Financing
Cleaning The Roof With Bleach And Trisodium Phosphate
The benefit of using Trisodium Phosphate is that it comes with sodium hypochlorite as the active ingredient. Cleaning your shingles with this solution requires a pressure washer with black soft spray chemical injector tip, 5.5 gallon system and hot water
The disadvantage of this is that trisodium phosphate strips paint from the roof. If the solution is left on windows, it dries leaving tough stains that are difficult to remove. It also contains phosphates that are harmful to the environment.
Recommended Reading: How Long Does An Aluminum Roof Last
How Are Black Streaks On My Roof Removed
If you have black stains on your roof that need to be removed, the best course of action would be to have a professional come in and handle the job for you. The main reason for this is that getting on your roof to clean or repair shingles is dangerous.
There is a serious fall risk, especially if you dont have the right safety equipment or experience. In addition, if you dont have the appropriate skills or knowledge, you could end up damaging your roof more than helping it when you clean, leading to more severe repair costs.
Keep in mind that an asphalt shingle roof should not be power washed since this can easily damage your shingles. Instead, remove algae stains with a thorough, gentle cleaning. However, even if the cleaning job is done perfectly, the stains will likely return and repeated use of harsh cleaning chemicals can shorten the lifespan of your asphalt shingle roof.
A more permanent prevention technique will need to be applied to prevent the stains from returning.
Typically, in cleaning black streaks from an asphalt shingle roof, a mixture of water, bleach, and trisodium phosphate is needed. Keep in mind that you may need to protect your plants under your roof since this mixture can damage them.
Using oxygen bleach instead of chlorine bleach is better for the environment, though perhaps less powerful against the algae streaks.
You May Like: How To Glue Down Rv Rubber Roof
How To Prevent Algae Or Fungal Growth On Roof Surfaces
Cutting back overhanging tree branches for more sun can also help reduce this problem.
Zinc or copper strips tacked along the ridge will produce metal salts which will killalgae, lichens, and moss as the zinc salts wash down the roof. New shingles offered by some manufacturers include algae resistant chemicals in theirmineral granule coating.
Shingle Shield and StainhandleR and Z-stop are example of a zinc strip products intended for use in reducing roof growth of moss, lichens, algae.
Whatever cleaning is done on a roof surface, make sure the process doesnot cause more harm than good to the roof and to the environment around the building.
Trim back trees whose branches overshadow the roof surface. Keep the roof clean of organic debris like leaves or pine needleswhich may collect in valleys or at other roof locations.
How To Clean Roof Shingles From The Ground
If you are concerned about voiding the warranty on your roof shingles due to walking on them, then you can clean your shingles from the ground. In this instance, using a garden sprayer attachment with your hose is ideal. Put liquid bleach in the sprayer and apply from the ground. Apply bleach from top to bottom, as you dont want to spray up and under the shingles.
It is important to note that leaving the bleach on the roof to sit too long will damage the roof. Ensure that you rinse the roof after 15 or 20 minutes. Repeat if necessary until all the damage is gone.
Best Time to Clean an Asphalt Shingles Roof
The best time to clean a shingle roof is when there is no rain in the forecast for several days and when temperatures will not drop below freezing. Freezing will freeze water to your roofs surface, negating the effects of the cleaner.
Don’t Miss: How To Fix A Caved In Car Roof
Can Black Streaks On A Roof Be Prevented
If youre wondering how to prevent black streaks on roofs, then keep this in mind: unless you implement a deliberate prevention strategy, the algae and black streaks are going to come right back. Preventative action is necessary.
One of the best prevention techniques is to install a strip of either copper or zinc-coated sheet metal along each side of your roof, just below its ridge. For this strategy to be fully effective, between two and four inches of the metal must be left visible.
Copper and sheet metal are toxic to algae and prevent regrowth. Copper is more toxic to algaeand therefore more effectivebut galvanized sheet metal tends to be far less expensive. In either case, these narrow sheets of metal can be easily attached directly to your roof with nails, or screws and rubber washers.
An alternative option is to install asphalt shingles on your home with algae-resistant technology. It also helps to keep your roof clear of leaves, sticks, and other debris, and to trim any overhanging branches from nearby trees.
Never attempt a DIY roofing project without adequate skills, knowledge, and experience. Roofing projects are always dangerous and require an experienced hand. Consult a professional if youre looking to add different shingles to your home or strips of metal to help prevent algae regrowth.
How To Remove Mold Mildew And Algae
Again, while we dont encourage it, you can handle mold, mildew, and algae yourself. The biggest thing to keep in mind is to completely remove the stains and streaks, otherwise, they will just come back. If you have an asphalt shingle roof with mold, mildew or algae, there are several ways to effectively remove it.
If you dont want to buy a product, you can also create a cleaning solution by mixing 1 part oxygen bleach cleaner with 1 part water. This can be sprayed or poured over the affected area of your roof, killing the algae. Let the solution sit for 30 minutes before cleaning with a hose. If you choose to use this method, please be careful. Algae, mold, and mildew can make your roof extremely slippery when wet. Better yet, spray your roof from a ladder or call the professionals!
Last but not least: Do not pressure wash your roof. This can cause lasting damage to your shingles, reduce the lifespan of your roof, and cost you hundreds of dollars in repairs.
You May Like: How To Get A Loan For A New Roof
Make Your Shingles Last Longer
Roof stains are a common roof problem. Black streaks on the north- and west-facing and shaded areas of your asphalt-shingled roof can really wreck the appearance of your home. The roof streaks look like mold, but theyre actually algae colonies that form in your shingles and feed on moisture and the limestone filler agents in the shingles.
Using shingles that have been treated with algicide keeps the growth at bay for about 10 years . But once the algicide wears off, your roof hosts an all-you-can-eat buffet for the neighborhood algae spores. So it pays to clean your shingles as soon as you spot algae growth.
Bleach Solution Will Remove Mold From Roof
Q.What do you think of the products and people who clean roofs of various stains? I have quite a few stains, and wonder if I need to hire a roof cleaner, or buy products such as Roof Begone at Ace Hardware. I have one of those zinc strips installed parallel to the roof ridge, but it is exposed only 1 inch and I still have the stains. I treated some lichen with a lot of water, and when the spots finally came off, they pulled off a lot of the shingle. DAN, Lynnfield
A. Roofs seem to be collecting a lot of stains of late: mold algae moss get on your roof. That Roof Begone sounds intriguing, but at $30 a gallon its as expensive as some paints.
Or make your own: one part bleach and three parts water, which will kill mold and algae, but algae needs scrubbing and an extra dose of the bleach/water solution. You can scrape off the moss, or treat with a strong stream from the garden hose.
Unless the power is turned way down, it is not a good idea to power wash an asphalt shingle roof.
Finally, those zinc strips will prevent new growth of all these pesky things, but will not remove whats already there. Other metals that will deter growth of the three peskies are copper and lead.
Q.Warm water is running from the cold water taps in both my kitchen and bathroom. Replacing the fixtures did not solve the problem. How can I fix it? NANCY, in Hottons chat room
I would avoid candles, they produce a lot of soot and other contaminants.
You May Like: How Much Does A Square Of Roofing Cover
How To Remove Black Algae Roofs Stains By Yourself
There are several products on the market specifically designed to remove algae stains from roofs, such as Wet & Forget Outdoor. A mixture of trisodium phosphate , bleach, and water will also remove stains. Oxygen bleach lightens stains as well and is less harmful to the environment, but it doesnt produce as immediate or dramatic an effect as chlorine bleach.
Heres what youll need to clean your roof:
- Garden hose with spray nozzle
- Safety glasses or goggles
Why Bleach Or Pressure Washing Arent The Answer
Some homeowners turn to bleach or pressure washing to clean roof stains, but they arent the best option for cleaning black algae on asphalt shingles. Bleach is a caustic chemical that runs the risk of corroding your homes downspouts, damaging your lawn with caustic runoff, and even causing some shingles to shed their protective granules prematurely.
Using bleach on black algae also requires brisk scrubbing and rinsing, making it a pretty work-intensive job and increasing the wear and tear on your roof.
If you pressure wash your roof, the force from the water can cause your shingles to shed their protective granules, tear shingles loose from the roofs membrane, knock your downspouts out of whack, and force water into spaces where it doesnt belong.
After all of that hassle, these methods fail to reach the root of the stain and even leave a food source behind, which can cause growths to come back quicker and thicker. This means you will be back on your roof with the bleach and scrub brush or pressure washer, again and again, stuck in an endless cycle of cleaning and re-cleaning.
Don’t Miss: How To Add A Metal Roof To A Pergola
Roof Discoloration Caused By Black Algae
This type of roof discoloration has been most widespread in the Gulf States and along the Northwest and Eastern Seaboards. It is not, however, confined to only these regions. Algae growth occurs to varying degrees in all regions of the country, especially those subjected to warm, humid conditions. It should be noted that almost all types of roofing systems are susceptible to algae discoloration. It is, of course, most readily visible upon white or pastel roofs, while it is not so visible upon darker shades of roofing.
Algae discolorations are difficult to remove from roofing surfaces but may be lightened by applying a solution of chlorine bleach, trisodium phosphate, and water. Solutions for these ingredients may vary between shingle manufacturers and depend on the amount of discoloration. Solutions range from one cup TSP, one-gallon bleach and five gallons of water, to one cup TSP and 2.5 gallons each of bleach and water.
When To Call Roofing Professionals
A licensed roofing contractor will know how best to handle your roof algae issue. A professional can inspect your roofing system, determine whether the algae has caused any underlying issues, and clean your roof in a way that will not cause further damage. A contractor can then recommend ways to prevent future algae growth, such as special roof coatings or gutter replacement. If the algae have damaged your roofing system, a contractor can schedule repairs.
Contact a roofing professional the day you notice signs of potential algae growth on your roof. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to treat. Save yourself the time, money, and hassle of deeper issues by calling a roofer right away. If you see discoloration, watermarks, dark spots, peeling paint, mold on your chimney, rotting wood, or crumbling drywall, you need to call a professional roofing expert. Otherwise, you could put yourself at risk of property damage and health issues.
Recommended Reading: How Long Does It Take To Replace The Roof
Why Algae Grows On Roofs
The black streaks, a form of algae known as gloeocapsa magma or roof mold, only appear in the most humid areas of the country. Therefore, its normal for the streaks to appear on the roofs north side. This side of the roof receives the least amount of sun and stays damp the longest.
The bacteria accumulated over time feed on limestone filler and moisture. The algae spores grow and darken, creating the dark streaks visible on roofs. These airborne spores can be carried from roof to roof and infest an entire neighborhood if left untreated.
Not only do the elements and creatures carry the bacteria particles from place to place, the particles foster the growth of other roof inhabitants. The black stains harbor a number of molds or fungi which require warm, humid environments. The fungi lack chlorophyll, giving the them the name of heterotrophs. They feed on organic matter since they cannot manufacture food from raw materials.
On the northern side of an asphalt roof gathers the most moisture, which raises the humidity and provides an abundance of organic nutrients for the fungi to feed off of. Another factor in supplying food sources to the fungi is the tar used in roofing. The substance is ultimately fossilized, dead organic matter.
However, the granule base of asphalt is consumed first along with the tar. The dislodged bases accelerate deterioration of the roof because it cannot prevent the effects of excessive heat or extreme weather.
