Removing Mildew From Asphalt Roofs

The most common culprit is actually a blue green algae known as gloeocapsa magma that is spread by airborne spores.

Removing mildew from asphalt roofs.

The black mold like stains and streaks that appear on roofs particularly light colored asphalt shingles is actually a blue green algae gloeocapsa magma. Moss build up can lead to roof damage or shingle blow off if left unchecked. Commonly found in climates with warm humid summers it does no damage to the roofing but it certainly does looks bad. If it s dirt the dark stain will remain but if it s mildew the stain will go away.

It is not uncommon for roof shingles to turn black over time. Do it yourself and save big bucks. They re likely to damage the shingles. How to remove algae from asphalt shingles.

Spray wash the roof with a 50 mix of water and bleach to get rid of the algae. When that happens it is generally caused by mildew algae mold or dirt stains. No pressure washers please. Keeping branches trimmed back from the roof and removing any debris that begins to accumulate should be part of a regular roof maintenance program.

Removing moss mildew fungus and associated stains on roofs roof cleaning is a topic that draws yawns in new england but causes shudders and screams of agony from florida and points south where vegetable life seeks world domination. These stains will discolor your roof and damage the shingles over a period of time if left alone. Using shingles that have been treated with algicide keeps the growth at bay for about 10 years thus the 10 year algae warranty. Removing algae stains from roof shingles is easy with the right technique.

You could use regular household bleach to remove the algae from your roof. Extensive mold growth can also expose the interior of your attic or crawlspace to mold spores carrying the problem over to the inside not to worry though because you can clean the mold off with basic household bleach and save. So it pays to clean your shingles as soon as you spot algae growth. Roof shingles are exposed to a lot of wear and tear as extreme heat sun wind and precipitation come into contact with them.

But once the algicide wears off your roof hosts an all you can eat buffet for the neighborhood algae spores. To remove the algae from asphalt shingles you have a few options. If moss or algae becomes visible clean the roof. A few years ago commercial roof cleaning products containing hydrogen peroxide lye were commonly recommended to remove mildew.

If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. One way to determine if it s mildew is to put a few drops of chlorine bleach on to the black mark.