Living in the South, Midwest, or one of the many other warm and humid areas across the country presents a unique challenge for homeownership-- Namely, protecting your roof from mold, mildew, and algae. As the snow begins to melt and the sun breaks free of its wintery slumber, you may notice unsightly streaks and stains marring your asphalt shingles. 

This is a fairly common occurrence and, while it’s not life-threatening, it can lead to more significant problems down the road if ignored. Fortunately, mold, mildew, and algae can be dealt with in a variety of ways. Learn all about removing contaminants and protecting your home with the roofing experts at Feazel below.

What are the Dark Streaks on my Roof?

While the dark streaks and stains on your shingles may look a lot like mold, they are most often blue-green algae called Gloeocapsa Magma. This type of algae can arrive on your roof in a variety of ways, from birds and vermin to wind and vegetation. It begins as airborne spores that reach your roof and starts to spread, working their way into and under asphalt shingles. It tends to thrive on the northern exposure of roofs, as that area gets the least amount of direct sunlight and stays moist from rain and dew longer.

What Should I Do About Mold, Mildew, and Algae on my Roof?

So how do you safely remove mold, mildew, and algae? While it can be a DIY project, as a professional roofing company, we don’t suggest it. At Feazel, we’ve seen our fair share of mishaps and accidents when homeowners try to fix their roofs themselves. Roof repair and cleaning are best left to the professionals! If you have stains, mold, mildew, or algae on your roof, it may be time to consider a roof repair project. And if you live in one of the communities Feazel services (Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Dayton, Ohio; Raleigh, North Carolina, and Indianapolis, Indiana), we can help! Feazel offers free roofing inspections to help you understand exactly what’s going on with your roof, and the best way to deal with it.

Best Ways to Remove Mold, Mildew, and Algae From Your Roof

If you’re feeling particularly entrepreneurial, you can clean your roof yourself. The most important thing is, to have the mold and mildew removed so you don’t have unsightly stains or damage issues down the road. If you have an asphalt shingle roof with mold, mildew, or algae, there are several ways to clean it. 

The best method to remove unsightly streaks and stains is using a product specifically designed to do so-- The most common are Wet and Forget, and Spray and Forget. They can be found in hardware stores and can be attached directly to your home’s hose. Simply connect, spray, and let it sit. 

The next most effective way to remove algae is by mixing 1 part oxygen bleach cleaner with 1 part water. This solution can be sprayed or poured on the affected area, and will effectively kill the algae on your roof. After the solution has sat for 30 minutes, it can be washed off with a hose. But be careful! Algae, mold, and mildew can make your roof slippery, especially when wet. Please use extreme caution when stepping on your roof. Or, better yet, spray it from a ladder or call the professionals. 

Finally, do not pressure wash your roof. This can cause irreparable damage to your shingles and can compromise your roof’s integrity.

Contact the Experts at Feazel Inc. to Learn More!

If you’ve discovered stains and streaks on your roof, the first step should be a free roofing inspection from the professionals at Feazel! We have been providing top-tier roofing repair and replacement services to Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina for over 30 years and can help keep your roof healthy.