Would You Believe Fungus
Yessiree… the 3M Companyhas developed an additive for asphalt roofingshingles using copper granules. This unique advance in shingle technologygives long-term fungus protection for the entire roof. Theycall it the AlgaeBlock system. You can find more information onthese special roofing shingles HERE.
3M is not a manufacturer of asphalt shingles, just the granules. However, at the time of this writing they do list anumber of companies that are producing shingles meeting their specifications.
Use A Pressure Washer
Of all the sure-fire ways to remove algae, mold, or mildew, a pressure washer is the most common and quickest solution. If you need to get rid of it like yesterday, this is the way to go.
For mild growth, you can usually get away without using a pressure washer. If you have a thick mat of algae or moss that has started to grow, you will most likely need to use a pressure washer for the initial clean-up.The only downside to using a pressure washer is that can be expensive. You can either buy one, which is a good idea if you know you will need to repeat the process, or you can rent one.
You could also pay a professional to do the dirty work for you. They typically use the pressure washer, in combination with the bleach solution that I am sharing with you below, to handle algae and mold.
Why Does Roof Moss Grow On The North Side
The growth is often more pronounced on the north-facing portions of roofs since they tend to stay wetter longer and are in the shade.
Large trees that produce lots of shade on a roof can also foster the growth of moss and algae as evidenced by my own west-facing roof. It used to get covered with moss and algae. Morning dew and rainfall tend to evaporate slower on these surfaces because of the minimal amount of direct sunlight these roof surfaces receive.
Don’t Miss: Does Home Insurance Cover A Leaking Roof
How Do I Get Rid Of Algae In My Pond Naturally
Its natural for barley straw to combat algae. When the straw comes into contact with water, it begins to break down, and peroxides are released into the water, which combats algae. This natural chemical brightener, which can be applied to mini bales or as a concentrated extract of barley straw liquid, is a chemical brightener for algae.
The type of algaecide you want to use for your pond determines what type of algaecide to use. You can use Algae D-Solv or another liquid chemical to remove fine plankton algae that cause green water. If youre dealing with filamentous algae, a granular solution like AlgaeOff will be more effective.
It is critical to keep the water filter clean. The filter cartridge in your water system should be changed at least once a year, either because the water turns an unpleasant color or smells bad, or because the water shuts down. Its fine to change the water if you cant or wont need a water filter. Every week, aim to get about 10% of the water from the faucet. The aim is to dilute the remaining water in order to remove some of the impurities without disturbing the fish or plants. If you are unable to or do not want to install a water filter, you may be able to make partial water changes.
How To Get Rid Of Moss And Algae On My Roof
If youre reading this, youre probably annoyed that your home is beginning to look like its part of the woods, with moss and algae growing on the roof. Elite Remodeling Services can assure you our roofers seen this on many residential properties with all kinds of roofs. Its a fairly common problem, but well worth checking on and cleaning to avoid uniting your home with nature on a damaging level!
Don’t Miss: How Many Roof Panels Do I Need
How To Prevent Moss On Your Roof
Happily, there are preventive measures you can use to keep your roof moss-free. First, let the sunshine in. Trim any branches hanging over your roof, keep the gutters free of debris, and regularly remove moisture-collectorssuch as leaves, branches, and seedpodsthat pile up on the roof and encourage moss to grow. The best long-term solution is to attach strips of zinc or zinc-coated metal flashing strips just below the peak or ridge caps. When it rains, water flows over the metal strips leaching out moss-retardant zinc particles, which attach to roof shingles and/or tiles to stop new moss from forming.
Working safely, smartly, and strategically guarantees your operations will run smoothly. These prevention measures mean you’ll be able to stay off the ladder and roof for seasons, if not years, to come.
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.
Also Check: Can You Put A Skylight On A Flat Roof
Diy Algae And Moss Removal Recipes
Luckily both algae and moss can be easily removed from shingle roofs. DIY stores sell many popular liquid solutions that are specifically made to kill the moss. Or you can make your own moss remover in a large spray bottle with one of these four DIY recipes:
- 240 ml dish washing soap + 7,5 liter of water
- 450 grams powdered oxygen bleach + 7,5 liter of water
- 500 ml chlorine bleach + 7,5 liter of water
- 500 ml white distilled vinegar + 7,5 liter of water
When using one of these homemade options, you should wet down the roof with plain water first, then apply the cleanser and let it rest for 20 to 45 minutes. Lightly scrub your roof with a soft-bristle brush, and then rinse with water.
Guide For Algae & Moss Removal On Your Roof
If you live in the South, Midwest, or another region of the country that has warm, humid summers, you may have noticed stains and streaks showing up on your asphalt shingles. These stains look a lot like moldbut in fact, much of this so-called mold is actually blue-green algae . In some cases, what looks like mold might be more properly classified as moss.
In less frequent instances, the streaks on the roof actually are mold, which can be very dangerous for your family and more difficult to get rid of. The most serious mold cases can cause asthma, headaches, and other health problems, so its crucial to understand the difference. Thats where our roof algae and moss removal guide can assist you. Lets start by identifying whats exactly on your roof.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Color Roof For Energy Efficiency
How To Use Bleach Mixtures On Your Roof
The following procedure is for bleach-cleaning only using JOMAX. If JOMAXis not available in your area, use a TSP mixture with bleach added.
If you think it wise to leave the bleach-brew on the roof longer than therecommended time, thinkagain! As mentioned earlier, long term exposure to bleach can damage most any surface, and yourroof is no exception. However, this piecemeal approach is the likelyto cause the least damage.
How To Clean Algae Stains Off Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Algae stains are often mistaken for mold or dirt on 3-tab asphalt shingles in Atlanta. Although some of these dark streaks on the shingles may be dirt or mildew, algae is a more common explanation, because the spores are airborne and grow easily on the shingles, especially in humid areas. While algae stains dont harm the shingles themselves, if you want to get rid of the unsightly stains, here are a few tips.
Also Check: How Often Does A Flat Roof Need To Be Replaced
Should I Avoid Chlorine Bleach
It is wise to avoid chlorine bleach as a roof cleaner. Chlorine bleach can remove the natural color from wood roofing shakes.
Chlorine bleach, even diluted with water, WILL KILL vegetation on the ground if it runs onto the ground as it is rinsed from the roof. My one neighbor systematically murdered two specimen maple trees next to her patio because she used chlorine bleach to remove the algae from her patio each spring. I WARNED her to stop and she thought I was an idiot.
Chlorine bleach can accelerate corrosion of metal gutter and downspout systems. If it drips down on a wood deck below your roof, it will also cause accelerated corrosion of the joist hangers, nails, screws and any other metal structural connector.
How To Get Rid Of A Stagnant Water Smell From Carpet
To remove the smell of stagnant water from a carpet youll need to coat the whole carpet in a layer of bicarbonate of soda.
Youll then need to leave the carpet alone for up to 48 hours. Once the 48 hours has passed, you can hoover your carpet multiple times to remove the bicarb.
If the smell is still lingering, you can repeat the steps above. Alternatively, you can buy an off-the-shelf carpet cleaner/shampoo and use this to treat the carpet. Youll need to follow the instructions on the packaging if youre going to try this.
If youre struggling to clean the carpet, you could rent a carpet cleaner, or you could ask a carpet cleaning firm to come out to help you.
Of course, if you go down this avenue there are additional costs to think about. So, consider whether or not it would be better to bin the current carpet and buy a new one to replace it.
Recommended Reading: What Does Per Square Mean In Roofing
How To Remove The Mold And Prevent It From Growing Back
A skilled roofing expert who works with commercial flat roofs can easily help you rid your flat roof of mold or algae and keep it away. A roofing professional will be able to not only clean the area, but also inspect the flat roof to ensure there isnt a bigger problem at the root of the growths, like negative slope or severe ponding.
By taking mold and algae growth seriously, you can preserve the condition of your commercial flat roof and help prevent the need for extensive repairs in the future. When you get your roof inspected and schedule maintenance on a regular basis, you are saving yourself time and money, which pays off in the long run.
At Pickard Roofing, we think Design. Craft. Renew. We are experienced in all types of roofing systems- and provide the right roofing design and selective craftsmanship for renewing our customers assets. We invite sustainable building customers to give us a call for your free evaluation. For over 90 years Pickard Roofing Company has installed countless metal, tile, slate, TPO, EPDM, and all types of shingle roofing in the Triangle. Our services include residential, commercial, custom architectural metal fabrication, and historical renovation.
Things To Avoid When You Remove Roof Stains
It may be tempting to use a pressure washer, but the high pressure of the water carries the risk of stripping away the granules in the asphalt shingles, causing premature roof wear. If you still have algae and moss after you clean your asphalt shingles, you can try the procedure a second time. Just make sure to completely rinse the solution if you use bleach.
You May Like: What Is The Average Life Of A Roof
How To Recognize Roof Algae
What does roof algae look like? The answer will depend on the type of problem you are experiencing. Most often, roof algae will appear as some type of discoloration to roofing materials. You may notice black stains or streaks, or a blanket of green mossy growth. Roof algae can also look like spots of mold leading to the common misconception. Although mold can grow in your roofing materials if water gets trapped somewhere if you see any of the following on top of your roof, algae are more likely your problem:
- Green moss that spreads across your roof
Algae is not the same as mold. Algae is more common and not as dangerous to humans. Algae can overtake a new roof in four years or less in the right conditions. If you notice strange discoloration or vegetative growth marring the look of your new or existing roof, contact a roofing contractor near you for an inspection. A contractor can confirm the existence of algae and recommend the best course of action for your home.
Thankfully There Are Some Killer Alternatives To Bleach
1) Sodium hydroxide products are NOT recommended!! A chemical alternative to bleach uses theantifungal agent sodium hydroxide… also known as lye. Lye-based products appeared on the market a few years ago, but turned out to be even more dangerous to use than bleach! Even at low concentrations, permanent damage could be done to the roofing, possibly even dissolving the roofing nails!
Fortunately, most lye-based products have been removed from the market.
2) Here are a few bleach-free chemical treatments that can help keepfungus under control:
Moss Out! from Lilly Miller Brands
Moss Out! comes in a number of formulations, one specifically for roofs and others designed to remove and/or inhibit moss and fungus growth on siding, masonry surfaces and even lawns. Their formulae use tried and true zinc compounds that linger on surfaces to provide continuing protection from fungus regrowth.
Also Check: How Many Square Feet Is My Roof
Rinse With Garden Hose
Youll wash it off with the water from your garden hose and repeat the process until the algae has all dispersed. Go slowly and use even strokes when washing the shingles clean. If the garden hose is not powerful enough, youll want to invest in something more powerful or hire a professional to do the cleaning for you.
What Is The Best Certified Organic Roof Cleaner
Stain Solver is MADE in the USA with USA ingredients that are food-grade quality. CLICK THE IMAGE to order some NOW.
The best roof cleaner, in my opinion, is non-toxic opens in a new windowStain Solver oxygen bleach. Stain Solver is certified organic and is a powder you mix with hot tap water.
It does a fantastic job of cleaning algae from roofs. Many customers have sent in before and after photos of it working. opens in a new windowCLICK HERE and scroll down to see a stunning before-and-after photo set.
It’s best to apply the Stain Solver solution to a cool roof surface, preferably on an overcast day. If you keep the roof surface wet with the solution for just 20 minutes, and then lightly scrub the roof surface, the algae will come off with no issues.
Severely stained roofs may require multiple applications of the Stain Solver solution. The solution also helps to loosen the grip of the shallow moss roots.
Also Check: How To Figure Out Roof Squares
How To Get Rid Of Algae On Roof
You do not want your roof to have a dirty or damaged look. This is why if you find that blue-green algae have occupied your roof, it is important to start getting rid of the algae as quickly as possible. If most of the shingles are damaged, and your roof is past its lifespan, you might think about replacing your roof with better shingles.
However, there are other options as well. At Kickapoo Roofing, we receive a lot of questions regarding how to remove the black streaks from the roof. Our experts with years of experience share how you can clean your roof.
Removing Moss And Other Growth
If you decide to take a DIY approach to clean moss off your roof, you need to take all proper safety precautions. Use a rubber footed safety ladder, and make sure you have someone to spot you. Always wear a helmet, and never walk on the roof of your house. Roofers use a safety harness and rubber-soled boots for traction. They may also install toe boards and roof brackets if necessary. If you cant address the problem from a ladder, you risk a severe injury that will cost a lot more than hiring a professional.
If you can reach the growth from a ladder, you can try following these steps, but be warythere are several ways you can cause damage to your roof in the process.
Also Check: Can Am Maverick X3 Turbo Roof