Mold can grow anywhere moist. Problem areas in your home can range from down in the basement to up on your roof.
Though roof mold may seem benign growing where you barely notice it, this fungus can create problems. Mold destroys asphalt shingles and causes wood to rot. It may also leak into your home and pose a health risk to you and your family.
How can you detect a mold problem on your roof?
Indicators of Roof Mold
Your roof protects the rest of your home from rainfall, keeping you dry and preventing all the issues that come along with water damage. But, it is easy to overlook important maintenance tasks, like keeping your roof clean.
As water sits on the roof, fungus, like mold, mildew, and algae takes the opportunity to grow. Keep reading to learn 3 signs that you may have roof fungus that needs attention.
Musty Odors
Mold releases an odor often described as musty, stale, earthy, or rotten. Many people think of an old basement when they catch a whiff.
This connotation occurs because mold will often settle in a damp basement. But, if you smell it in a newer house, upstairs, and/or outside around the house, you may have a moldy roof.
Moldy Growths
Mold can grow in a variety of colors and textures. You may notice discolorations to the wall, colorful fuzz, or a slimy drip. If you find this upstairs in your home without any indication of water damage, you check on your roof.
Leaks Due to Damage
As mentioned earlier, mold and mildew on the roof will damage the shingles and wooden beams. When this happens, your roof will eventually leak.
On the roof, you may start to notice missing shingles as they erode away. From inside the house, you will see water spots, discolorations, and cracks on the ceiling.
How to Prevent and Remedy Roofing Mold
Prevention will save you money and effort. To prevent mold from growing on your roof, clean your gutters, trim close tree branches, treat your roof, and line it with Soffit.
If you discover that it already started growing, you can scrub away a small problem with bleach and water. For bigger problems, you will need to repair the damage.
Mold can spin a vicious cycle once damage occurs. The mold will erode the shingles and rot the wood which allows more mold colonies to settle, eventually eating the roof away.
In some instances, you may need to replace the roof altogether. With asphalt shingles, you should not expect to see much more than 20 years of protection. So, before you start your repairs, see how many years you will even get out of them.
Maintain a Strong Home
You rely on your home for comfort and safety. Make sure you keep up on the maintenance so your home remains strong.
Preventing and eliminating roof mold will help you save money and keep your family healthy. Though a common problem, it is easily preventable, starting with choosing Soffit.
We want to help you maintain your home. Read more tips on our blog!
