Cleaning Procedure For Roofshingles With Bleach Powdered Laundry Soap And Water
How An Black Roof Stains Be Removed From Shingles
The good news is: Yes, Roof Stain removal is possible! Choose between two common roof cleaning solutions used to :do it yourself roof cleaning using a roof cleaning product, or using roof cleaning services from a professional roof cleaning business.
The difference between the roof cleaning company and DIY roof cleaning is cost, and results.
Hire a Roof Cleaning Business
A roof cleaning business has experience at the shingle cleaning techniques and appropriate pressure to use with roof wash products. Pro roof cleaners years of experience will typically result in more complete removal of roof stains.
Do It Yourself Roof Stain Removal
Search for Roof Cleaning Products to find roof cleaner suppliers who offer roof cleaning chemicals, but be careful to know the company and what products they offer. Trust roof cleaner supply companies that offer multiple formulas, and preventive solutions as well. Over the years we have found Roof Cleaner QSE and Roof Shingle Cleaner OX to be quality products with thousands of customers every year.
When you clean your own roof shingles be prepared to set aside an afternoon, and get your ladder out. There is no magic bullet when it comes to Roof Cleaning, and you will at least need a ladder to get up to the level of the gutter. The closer you are to the roof stains, the better your Roof Stain Removal Products will work.
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Does Cleaning Your Roof Damage It
Roof Cleaning is a Regular Part of Roof Care
Neglecting your roof can lead to creeping damage that may be expensive to repair and could cause loss of personal property from intrusion of water and mold. Doing at least an annual cleaning and inspection will go a long way to prevent long-term issues with your roof.
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Are Those Black Stains On The Roof Mold Or Algae
Mold, algae, and moss are very different organisms. Each requires a different method of safe removal and prevention to keep your roof healthy and looking good. Black stains or streaks on the roof will appear anywhere in the U.S., where its hot and humid. In Florida, roof discoloration is a common problem. Most people will refer to these stains as mold, but algae actually cause them.
Whats the difference between mold and algae seen on a roof? Mold is a fungus that eats a variety of nutrients to grow and thrive. In contrast, algae is technically a plant organism that requires all the things other plants need to grownamely, sunlight and moisture. Mold wont form on a roof because its allergic to sunlight, and as soon as the ambient temperature surrounding the mold becomes dry, the mold dies.
Moss, those green, feathery clumps you may see forming on the roof, is a different type of plant and isnt the same thing as algae or mold. Algae is a single-celled organism, while moss is not. Moss also looks like a plant with its tiny stems and leaves. Algae do not have plant-like characteristics. Instead, it spreads out as a clump of single cells and will be slimy to the touch.
Prolonged Illnesses Can Be A Sign Of Mold On Roof
There are lots of different kinds of mold although only a relative few are considered toxic. Despite that, even non-toxic mold can still cause significant health problems.
Mold infestations have been found responsible for respiratory issues including infections, excessive runny nose and eyes, worsening of asthma, and even skin rashes.
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How To Remove Black Roof Stains
Our home is 10 years old and the asphalt roof shingles are starting to stain badly on the north exposure. Is there something that we can use to clean off the staining and treat the shingles to prevent further staining?-Tim
Hi Tim,
Your stains are probably caused by the airborne spores of a blue-green algae known as Gloeocapsa Magma, which is often mistaken for mold or mildew. While doing little harm to your shingles, the black streaks caused by the algae are unsightly.
Algae can be killed and the stains removed using chemical cleaners, though they usually return over time. Use a cleaner specially made for killing algae, or by spraying a mixture of one part bleach to four parts water with TSP or other detergent added in a garden pump-up sprayer. Allow the bleach to remain on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with a hose.
Note that bleach may kill or damage plants, so wet down or cover any shrubs or flowers that will come in contact before starting. Repeated use of harsh chemicals or pressure washing can damage or shorten the life of your shingles.
Once the roof is clean, consider installing strips of zinc or copperwhich are toxic to algaealong your roof below the ridge. Molecules of the metal will then wash down the roof each time it rains to keep new algae from forming. A better solution is to specify algae resistant shingles, which have copper granules embedded in them, the next time you have your roof replaced.
Good luck with your project,
Maintenance Solutions To Clean Black Mold Off Roof Shingles
Bleach Solution: The most powerful at-home cleaning solution to remove mold from roof shingles is a 50/50 mix of bleach and water. You could also add a tablespoon of trisodium phosphate for extra cleaning power. Combine all ingredients in a pump sprayer then generously spray the solution on the moldy roof shingles. Let it sit for up to 30 minutes and rinse with clean water from your garden hose. If they still feel slimy or still have mold present you can spray the solution again and let sit for 40 minutes. Safety Precautions: Never use a power washer on your roof as it could crack, damage and loosen the shingles and cause even more damage. Unless youre highly experienced all roofing tasks should be performed by a professional roofing contractor. It is very dangerous to work on top of your roof without the right safety gear or knowledge.
Replace Shingles: If your shingles are very worn out, outdated or missing it makes sense to replace the moldy shingles with new ones. Roof shingles laced with copper granules are suggested in areas that are susceptible to high mold growth.
Hire a Professional Roofer: More often than not mold is not a standalone problem, it is usually the sign of other, more serious roof repair issues. Our professional and experienced roofers will perform a full inspection to find all areas of mold growth and the underlying issue. Many times fixing these minor repairs will prevent future mold & algae from forming on your shingle roof.
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Roof Mold Health Risks
Black mold on roof shingles is most common on homes in rainy, storm-plagued climates, especially on ill-equipped homes with insufficient roof drainage. Many of these same homes are vulnerable to roof leaks, which allow water and mold growth to spread into attics, top floors and more. Mold has been linked to allergies, respiratory problems and asthma in exposed individuals.
Once the growth of mold has spread into your homes interior, it can render your house a health hazard, especially as the toxins circulate through your HVAC system. If mold growth is a problem inside your house, contact licensed professionals who are equipped to assess the damage, pinpoint the source, remove the mold, sanitize the affected areas and perform the needed air filtration.
Protect Your Home And Plants
Just as the organisms on your roof wont thrive in bleach, your plantings around your house wont like it either. To minimize damage to your lawn, shrubs, flowers, and trees, spray them with a nice rinse of water before you start on the roof. You may even want to cover them up with plastic sheeting. And when youre finished with the roof, spray the plants well one more time to rinse away as much of the runoff as you can.
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Removing Moss And Algae From Asphalt Shingles: The Bottom Line
Preventing algae and moss from growing on your roof is easier than trying to remove it. Removal can take several months before the moss can be blown away, revealing clean shingles underneath. Always keep your roof clear of overhanging branches, and clean your gutters regularly. If your roof in Tampa needs repaired thanks to unchecked moss growth, contact Code Engineered Systems today for a free, no-obligation quote.
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.
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Use Of Bleach Solution
This method is one of the best options and effective ways to eradicate mold growth in your home.
Carefully pour a quarter of chlorine into a container with about three-quarters clean water. Add one tablespoon of trisodium phosphate into the solution and stir to mix. Put the bleach mixtures into your pump sprayer.
Spay the roof shingles and allow them to stay about 15 to 30 minutes. This, however, depends on the severity of the infestation.
Then rinse the bleach solution using a garden hose sprayer.
Make sure you begin from the roof peak downwards. Consider the second application again if you notice mold leftovers on the shingles.
Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes and rinse the roof again.
Avoid high-pressure washer machines as this can damage your shingles. Unless you attach them with nozzles to ensure low pressure.
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Choose A Safe And Effective Product To Clean Asphalt Shingles Without Damaging Them
The first step in maintaining your roof is to roof it right. If youre not doing the work yourself, choose a qualified professional roofer to do the job. And choose your roofing material wisely. Some roofing will require less maintenance than others. Choices include metal and slate. Some roofings types last longer than others, as well. That said, data shows that you are probably going to choose asphalt shingles, which can last a lifetime, but likely not without some repairs and maybe replacing a few shingles here and there. And, you may need to clean the roof once in a while.
Twenty years ago I bicycled about 500 miles along the Oregon / Northern California coast and marveled at the number of asphalt shingle roofs carpeted with lichens and moss. The roof growth gave character to many seaside and forest cottages. Though the roofs looked cool, I knew the shingles probably wouldnt last too much longer.
Lichens and moss accelerate shingle deterioration by loosening shingle granules and exposing the asphalt and fiberglass base materials. The granules arent just there to color the shingles they protect the base materials from sunlight and weathering.
About five years ago, I noticed a few patches of lichens growing on the north side of my roof. Like most lazy homeowners, I ignored the problem. Then about two years ago, when the roof looked like those out in the Pacific Northwest, I knew I couldnt put off treating the growth any longer.
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Tools That Make The Job Easier
Family Handyman
One manufacturer has taken roof cleaning to a new level and developed a special rinsing tool to dislodge dug-in algae colonies. The Roof Rinsing Tool is pricey, but far more effective than an ordinary garden spray nozzle. If your household water pressure isnt enough to generate the proper nozzle pressure at the jets, the manufacturer recommends boosting it with a supplemental 1/2-hp pump.
If you really want to speed up the cleaning process and are willing to spend even more, buy the Defy Roof Cleaner Applicator . Pour in the concentrated cleaner. The special sprayer dilutes the cleaner as you spray, eliminating the need to continually pump and refill a traditional garden sprayer.
Make And Apply The Bleach Solution
Put on rubber gloves and a breathing mask before proceeding, so you can protect your skin and your lungs from the fumes produced by both bleach and trisodium phosphate. In a two-gallon bucket, create a cleanser composed of 1/4 chlorine bleach and 3/4 water. Then, add one tablespoon of trisodium phosphate and mix well. Fill a handheld pump sprayer with the solution, and apply it to the moldy shingles only.
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How To Remove And Prevent Black Algae Stains On Asphalt Shingle Roofs
If you live in a humid area of the country, youve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. Though often attributed to an accumulation of dirt, defective shingles, mold, or mildew the most common culprit is actually a blue-green algae known as Gloeocapsa Magma that is spread by airborne spores.
While algae growth does little harm to roofing, the stains dont help the overall appearance or resale value of your home.
You may also have noticed that algae stains are absent directly below the metal flashing around chimneys or roof vents. This is due to fact that copper and the zinc coating on galvanized sheet metal are toxic to algae. Every time it rains, trace amounts of metals are washed down the roof, inhibiting algae growth.
What Causes Black Stains On Roof Shingles
Roof experts say black streaks are caused by an algae known as gloeocapsa magma. Airborne spores deposit it on your roof, where it soaks up plenty of sunlight for photosynthesis and munches on the limestone filler in your shingles. Humid areas of the country are most susceptible to dark streaks from algae.
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Tips On Removing Mold From Your Roof
Finding mold on your roof or under your shingles can be quite alarming. Dont worry! Although Diversified Roofing doesnt offer mold removal services, we have some tips that will help you have a mold-free roof and a more attractive home in no time.
Although not harmful, molds on your roof will negatively affect the overall appearance of your home.
Typically, a moldy roof consists of algae, moss, and mold. Algae may look slimy green, black, or appear in blue/green streaks. Mosses are tiny plants that can cover your roof in dense green mats.
To fully determine the condition of the roof, the first step is to get a thorough mold inspection of the attic. Roof molds typically originate from the attic, and are often due to the presence of roof leaks.
Contact Your Trusted Collingwood Roofers Today
For more information on how to remove mold from your roof and why its important to do so, contact us today. As an experienced roofing contractor, well handle everything from new roof installation to roof repair to roof maintenance, such as removing mold and algae. Contact us today for more information.
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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.
Preventing Mildew From Forming
Removing overhanging tree branches and allowing sunshine and air movement over your roof. This can eliminate the mildew-friendly environment and stop it from growing.
Installing zinc strips under a row of shingles near the ridge of the roof will prevent mildew from forming. The mild chemical reaction caused by rainwater coming in contact with the zinc inhibits the growth of mold and mildew.
Applying asphalt roofing shingles containing a copper additive in their surface granules is an option. The copper granules in combination with rainwater have a mild chemical reaction that prevents mold and mildew.
Spray-on commercial products that you apply and leave on are also available. Annual application reportedly blocks the growth of mildew.
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