Remove and Prevent the Return of Roof Mildew, Roof Moss, and Roof Algae

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If you have never battled organic roof contamination, the concept of roof moss and roof algae may seem a bit unusual. Yet many residents in the vicinity of Charlotte, North Carolina understand this issue. Preserved forts, old barns with wood shakes, and park collections of frontier homesteads standout as the type of buildings that typically collect the algae, moss, and mildew. It adds character to the old buildings, and is a common thing around Concord, Kannapolis, and Gastonia.

 

Yet very few modern homeowners tend to think of roof algae or mildew as a threat to their primary dwelling site. This is strange, considering that all throughout the United States, millions of homes are damaged by the wear and tear that accompanies embedded roof algae and roof moss complications.

 

These organisms trap water on the roof materials. This accelerates the natural wear and tear of the roof coverings and the underlying wood. A clean roof removes and prevents the growth of algae or moss.

 

 

A Distinction

 

There is a distinction between algae and moss. Algae grow on water. Moss grows on land. One survives on sunlight while the later draws nourishment from dead or dying plants. Algae feel slimy. Moss feels spongy. Algae are a plantlike protist or phototroph.

 

Although most often limited to attics, basements, and bathrooms, mold can also invade your roof. Where ever water stands, spores can breed. When you spot mold, deal with it very quickly. It spreads fast and is a sure indication of retained moisture. It is also an indication of a deeper problem than surface moisture. Mold is a member of the Fungi family.

 

When provided with a suitable environment, any of these troublemakers can grow on your roof. This article compresses the treatment of mold, algae, and moss into a single area of roof complications. If you need in-depth definitions, you will have to do further research on your own.

 

 

Central Areas of Invasion

 

Areas of the nation that experience intense rainfall suffer a greater plague of algae. A sustained high level of humidity amplifies the problem. Due to a tendency to stay wet longer, the northern portions of roofs accumulate more algae than areas that face other directions. Shade trees that overshadow the roof also promote quicker growth of algae. When dust and other plant particles are mixed into a situation of trapped water, expect that moss and mold may also become a major roof problem.

 

Although some locations are more prone than others to breed phototroph and/or heterotrophs, no part of the nation, Concord and Charlotte included, is safe from the organisms. Furthermore, the invasions is not limited to a given roof type. Asphalt, clay, concrete, metal, and wood are all subject to algae and moss related water damage.

 

 

Clean It Up

 

Moss: The removal of moss is not difficult. The moss root system is shallow. Just attach a standard bristle scrub brush to a pole, brush down the roof, and tear the moss free. Be careful not to apply upstrokes with the brush as this may break or damage the bond between the layers of shingle. When the cleaning is complete, inspect the vertical slots between the affected shingles. If the ceramic granules are stripped away, you will only see the interior fiberglass mat that makes up the shingle. At this point, call a local Charlotte roofer.

 

Algae: Due to the lack of extended roots, algae are not as harmful to the roofing material as is moss. However, the black and green coloring of algae seriously clashes with the aesthetic designs of the roof. Algae is a bit more difficult to remove than is moss, and the green algae is much easier to clear away than is the black algae.

 

Mold and Mildew: Although mold is typically treated with a chlorine bleach solution, this is not a safe method of dealing with roof mold. Chlorine bleach runoff can damage nearby plants. Chlorine bleach can also hasten the corrosion of a metal gutter system, or strip the natural color from wood roofing shakes. When removing mildew, some roofers apply a copper sulfate solution. This too is a risk to nearby vegetation. In fact, calling a local Gastonia roofer may be your best choice for safe removal of roof mold.

 

Overall: Begin with a clean work area. Remove all organic debris, including leaves and branches. Use commercial materials. Be very cautious with power washers and other industrial cleaning tools. They can, when used improperly, damage your roofing materials.

 

Keeping It Clean: When finishing up, be certain to remove any tree limbs that overhang your roof. Introduce copper strips to the roof. This will hinder algae and moss buildup. Some roofers use zinc materials, but copper seems more effective. Copper also tends to better blend with the materials of a shingled roof. If you are replacing an old roof, or installing a new roof, and you are using asphalt shingles, purchase shingles that have copper hidden amid the ceramic granules.

 

 

Matters of Safety

 

Roof cleaning can be risky business. Wear shoes with good traction. Keep special guard when dealing with algae; it is extremely slippery when wet. Whenever possible, work the contaminated sections from the sides so as not to walk over wet areas. If feasible, work from a sitting position – this lowers the risk of slipping and falling. To prevent falls, use ladders of sufficient length for the task, and be sure to tie them off at the roofline. Keep someone nearby so that they can secure the foot of the ladder during your assent and descent.

 

If you have doubts about your own skills, avoid the risks; call in a local roofer.



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