Dark stains on a roof may be immediately classified as mold, although it’s easy to confuse roof mold with blue-green roof algae. Mold is more uncommon on a roofing structure and can cause a serious problem once it develops.
If mold has begun to grow on the roof of your building, it may be caused by an underlying issue in your home or business.
Finding Mold on Your Roof
Mold will most often grow in an attic due to improper ventilation. In some cases, an upper bathroom fan may not have been installed properly and will vent moisture directly into an attic space instead of the outdoors.
Roof mold can be easily cleaned using the shingle cleaning steps in the previous section.
Zinc Strips
However, when it comes to effective roof mold removal, prevention is key. Experts confirm that the best way to fight roof mold is by installing zinc strips strategically on a roof structure.
When zinc strips are installed at the ridge of a roof, they will react as soon as they come in contact with rainwater to inhibit algae growth in the future. Six-inch zinc strips should be installed with roughly 1 to 2 inches left exposed to the elements. When it rains, zinc molecules will wash over a roof to kill residual mold and algae and prevent it from returning. Win-win!
ROOF MOLD REMOVAL
If you have a serious mold problem on your roof, you need to do everything in your power to get it under control by taking necessary precautions inside and outside of the house:
1. Identify problem areas.
Any high-risk areas for mold growth inside or outside of your home should be identified immediately. If your basement is prone to flooding, you may need to contact a plumber for further help to reduce moisture buildup that could spread mold throughout your house.
2. Dry wet areas right away.
Whether it’s a broken pipe, a leaky bathtub, or rainwater seeping into your home, areas of moisture should be dried completely within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
3. Ensure proper ventilation.
Basic household activities like taking a shower or doing laundry could cause mold growth if your house isn’t vented properly. It may be wise to hire a professional to assess your ventilation system to ensure that daily activities aren’t contributing to roof mold growth.
4. Monitor your humidity.
You can check for high humidity levels in your home by watching for condensation buildup on walls, pipes, and windows. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that indoor humidity in a home or commercial facility is kept from 30% to 60%.
5. Clean out roof gutters.
In many cases, roof mold growth may be related to the simple issue of full gutters that have begun to leak. It’s important to clean roof gutters regularly and repair them as needed, especially after a heavy storm.
Roof Mold Problems in the Tri-State Area?
Contact the roofing experts at A & J Reliable, Inc. to help remove, protect and prevent future roof mold problems. Proudly serving New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Contact us today for a FREE roof inspection to understand the full extent of the mold problems on your roofing structure.
