Understanding Mold Growth On Roofs And How To Prevent It

You don’t have to be an expert in roofing to know that mold is never good. And yet, homeowners face it pretty consistently, especially in our local climate. Pinnacle Roofing deals with this, so you don’t have to, and we’ll help you understand mold growth on roofs and how to prevent it.

An Unwelcome House Guest

There are definitely special circumstances and environmental factors that make mold more likely to show up. These include:

1. Moisture and Humidity: The Mid-South’s brilliant highlights almost year-round are moisture and humidity. High humidity levels, paired with dew or fog, feed mold. The same can be said for a damp roof after lots of rain or snow. 
2. Shaded Areas: We love trees, but when they cast shade on a roof, sunlight is unable to dry out moisture. Debris that falls from trees can also trap moisture and encourage growth. North-facing roofs or ones that are shaded by taller buildings can present a similar issue.
3. Poor Attic Ventilation: Poor attic ventilation can trap warm, moist air inside, leading to condensation on the underside of the roof. This moisture can breach roofing materials, creating a damp environment.
4. Clogged Gutters: When water is unable to drain properly, damp areas and mold can grow along the edges of the roof.
5. Roofing Material: Certain materials can be more susceptible to mold, like asphalt shingles. They’re naturally more absorbent. Older roofs can have cracks that allow moisture to penetrate more easily, too,
6. Nearby Water Sources: If your home or apartment complex is near a pond, lake, or the Mighty Mississippi, this makes mold far easier to develop from the surrounding humidity. 

Prevention of Mold

The good news is there are plenty of measures you can take to prevent mold or at least address it when it occurs. We’re here to help in this process, of course, and can always answer specific questions you have. 

• Regular Roof Maintenance: Make sure you partner with Pinnacle Roofing for routine roof inspections and washings. We take this time to identify signs of damage or areas of concern that you might not be able to detect without our help.
• Keep Trees Trimmed: By managing branches and overgrowth, you can increase sun exposure and minimize the amount of debris on your roof. If you have trees in your yard that shed considerably, particularly ones that shed pine needles, make sure they’re being maintained well. 
• Clean Your Gutters: If you haven’t had your gutters or downspouts cleaned recently, it’s probably time. Autumn can make matters worse in terms of leaf buildup. Consider gutter guards to help combat this.
• Manage and Monitor Humidity: Using a dehumidifier in your attic can help combat moisture levels. Aim to keep indoor humidity around 30-50%.
• Replace Aging Roofing: Roofs can last for decades, but if yours has started to indicate that it needs to be replaced, we suggest not putting this off. Mold can be the least of the problems presented by an aging roof.
• Apply a Protective Coating: We can apply a roof coating in some instances, which can help to create a water-resistant barrier that combat mold growth. Also, consider installing strips of zinc or copper near the roof’s ridge; these can release metal ions that inhibit mold, algae, and moss growth.
• Consider a Darker Roof Color: If this is practical for where you live, a darker roof can absorb more sunlight, thereby drying out shingles more quickly than a lighter color roof. This won’t eliminate mold growth completely, but it could help curb it.
• Monitor Attic Insulation: If our team determines that your attic lacks proper insulation, we can help advise you on what to do next. You want to make sure that your attic has a proper balance of insulation and ventilation, which keeps moisture levels under control. 
• Address Damage Promptly: Any damage to your roof, especially anything that allows water to penetrate it, should be brought to our attention as soon as possible to be resolved. The longer you leave these issues unattended, the more severe the consequences can be for your home. Remember that Pinnacle Roofing offers 24/7 emergency roof services for serious issues.

No More Mold!

Mold is a sneaky issue we encounter often. It can hide in places you wouldn’t even think to look and may not present itself until the consequences are dire to your roofing or home. We’re happy to report that we know exactly how to get mold growth under control at Pinnacle Roofing, so don’t be too discouraged if you see signs. Just be sure to let us know as soon as you can!