Mold is never fun. We don’t love it on our food or in our home, so it makes sense why we also wouldn’t want it growing on the outside of our home. While a moldy roof isn’t too common in Indiana (much more humid climates such as Seattle tend to battle this problem more frequently), it is still possible and something to keep an eye out for.
Roofs that do not get a lot of direct sunlight, do not drain well, have a leak, or collect debris have an increased likelihood of growing mold. Any time a damp area is sustained it can become the breeding ground for mold spores.
Mold often shows as black streaks, which can often be confused with algae. Neither are good for curb appeal and both can generally be removed with the same types of cleaners, so it is not always crucial to be able to decipher between the two. However, it’s handy to know that algae usually grows from the material in asphalt shingles while mold can grow from plant and natural debris that gets left on the roof.
To stay on top of the issue before it gets out of hand, regular inspections are highly recommended, especially on a roof that is most frequently in shade or is prone to hold more debris. In addition to inspections, be sure that the right up-front precautions have been taken on your roof to prevent mold. Proper ventilation will go a long way, including ridge vents which we include on roofs that we install.
So, what do you do if mold gets on your roof? We recommend that you first ask a professional to come out and do an inspection for you. Not only will this diagnose if the issue is indeed mold, but they can also recommend ways to prevent it from happening in the future once it is cleaned off.
We would love to install a quality roofing system for you or help you get yours upgraded to prevent mold growth. Please give us a call if you’d like to learn more about how we can serve you.
