Roof mold, mildew and algae is undeniably a problem, but many will underestimate just how much damage they’re capable of.
Like all complex life forms, mold and algae require sustenance. This is particularly bad news for homeowners with limestone shingles, as limestone happens to be an ideal food for such organisms. They can, in short, literally eat away at your roof!
The chain reaction from this can be deceptively damaging, aesthetically and financially.
It will also reduce your roofing’s weather- and heat-proofing capacity. Many households will burn energy and money on temperature control, unaware a better, more affordable long-term solution is directly above them.
The aesthetic damage can also have far-reaching consequences. A clean roof not only means greater curb appeal; it can also legitimatley improve the market value of a property, and the chance of successfully selling or renting at the best possible price. A roof coated in organic residue, naturally, will have the opposite effect.
It’s all too easy to grow accustomed to the new haze, fuzz or streaks developing on your own roof. (After all, how many of us truly look up to examine it in detail?) As such, the impact on curb appeal and market value can go largely unnoticed. Only after the roofing has been cleaned will many homeowners realise just how dirty it had been allowed to get!
Worst of all, roof mold can endanger the inside of your house. An open window or air conditioner can be all it takes for nearby spores to make their way into your living area, where they can cause serious damage to the wall, ceiling, kitchen, bathroom and any other area with moisture.
This can lead to some health risks, ranging from mild to severe. Mould can trigger sneezing, coughing, congestion, allergic reactions and respitary infections, which is particularly worrying to asthma sufferers.
The general rule of thumb with mold always applies: the more mould spreads, the more damage it does and the harder it will be to eliminate. The very best action is to eliminate it before it can become a problem.
All this can be avoided by simply cleaning roof mould on a regular basis, either yourself or via a professional roof cleaner. Be sure to enquire about special treatments and water repellants capable of preventing regrowth.
Stay tuned for part two, in which we discuss the most safe, effective and economical ways to remove roof mould.
