One huge factor for prospective homeowners when looking for a house is the age and condition of the roof. There are a lot of things that affect the lifespan and health of your roof if not maintained properly. In this article, we will discuss different types of roof fungus, what causes them to grow, and how to treat and prevent it in the future.
Types
There are four common types of roof fungus that cause the most problems, whether it be damage to your home or your health.
The first one we will talk about is Algae. This fungus is particularly damaging to the roof itself when not taken care of as soon as it’s noticed. Algae will devour your shingles and are also attracted to moisture. So when the spores land on moisture deposits on your roof, they will make a home for themselves there. Spreading across your roof, the ideal place for algae to spawn is somewhere damp and humid. Households in the deep south, northeast, Midwest, and Pacific coast should look for the black-green hue on their roof.
The next roof fungus is something everyone will know. Moss. If properly maintained, this fuzzy green fungus can be a beautiful aesthetic piece for the outside of your home. However, like most fungi, moss is also attracted to moisture, which can be detrimental to your roof’s health. The more the moss spreads over your roof, the more it will add to the moisture problem on your roof. This can seep into the wood of shakes and shingles and lead to roof rot.
Mold is one of the most problematic fungi there is for a homeowner. Not only is it unsightly, it is extremely hazardous to the health of you and your family. It’s easy to notice because of its distinguished smell and the way it looks. It can be a slimy black, brown or even dark green color. Again, moisture deposits attract mold. The most common place for mold to grow is on wood and drywall, where water might seep in.
The last one we will discuss is Mildew, which like mold, is very dangerous if left to fester and grow. Unlike its fungi counterparts, mildew spreads extremely fast in warm and wet places. This includes roofs that don’t have proper drainage systems in place. You can spot this nasty fungus due to its wide color range; light grey, pink or black.
Common Factors
After discussing these fungi, there is an underlying factor they all have in common: Moisture, dampness, and humidity. Excess amounts of moisture on your roof can lead to any one of these fungi infestations. Remember, the two most dangerous fungi are Mold and Mildew. These can cause serious respiratory problems in your family if exposed to it for too long.
How do you treat Roof Fungus?
If the roof fungi haven’t damaged the structural integrity of the roof, you should be able to clean it yourself. You can do this easily with a 1:1 ratio of bleach and water. Bleach kills fungus on contact. Simply mix the bleach and water, spread the mix over your roof with a mop, and hose the roof off. This will be the perfect time to check on your gutters to make sure they are draining properly.
After cleaning off the roof, treat the roof with a moisture-resistant solution to help keep moisture off. Next, try trimming branches that may be hanging over your roof. Overhanging branches may cause excess water buildup. Finally, make sure your attic and roof can vent heat and humidity properly with ridge vents.
