Removing Mildew From Asphalt Roofs

These stains will discolor your roof and damage the shingles over a period of time if left alone.

Removing mildew from asphalt roofs.

Using shingles that have been treated with algicide keeps the growth at bay for about 10 years thus the 10 year algae warranty. Do it yourself and save big bucks. Commonly found in climates with warm humid summers it does no damage to the roofing but it certainly does looks bad. Algae and moss growth on roofs at a minimum is an unsightly nuisance.

Keeping branches trimmed back from the roof and removing any debris that begins to accumulate should be part of a regular roof maintenance program. If moss or algae becomes visible clean the roof. The black mold like stains and streaks that appear on roofs particularly light colored asphalt shingles is actually a blue green algae gloeocapsa magma. The most common culprit is actually a blue green algae known as gloeocapsa magma that is spread by airborne spores.

When that happens it is generally caused by mildew algae mold or dirt stains. Spray wash the roof with a 50 mix of water and bleach to get rid of the algae. To remove the algae from asphalt shingles you have a few options. It is not uncommon for roof shingles to turn black over time.

Removing algae stains from roof shingles is easy with the right technique. A few years ago commercial roof cleaning products containing hydrogen peroxide lye were commonly recommended to remove mildew. One way to determine if it s mildew is to put a few drops of chlorine bleach on to the black mark. 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.

No pressure washers please. How to remove algae from asphalt shingles. So it pays to clean your shingles as soon as you spot algae growth. Though often attributed to an accumulation of dirt defective shingles mold or mildew.

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. Moss build up can lead to roof damage or shingle blow off if left unchecked. They re likely to damage the shingles. If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs.

If it s dirt the dark stain will remain but if it s mildew the stain will go away. You could use regular household bleach to remove the algae from your roof.