Could Your Roof Be Under a Stealth Attack from Mould?
Posted on: 23 March 2022
Share
If you live in a densely operated area where homes tend to be quite tightly packed together, then you may not actually be able to see most of your roof. Other buildings may simply obscure the view from a distance, and you may not be in the habit of conducting a regular roof inspection. In this situation, you may not realise that any problems have taken hold until you can see some obvious signs elsewhere, and this may be particularly the case if mould and mildew have populated the surface of your shingles. What can happen if such a situation is left to progress unchallenged?
Airborne Danger
If you live in a humid environment, there is always a danger of mould and mildew. It thrives in warmer and damp environments, and the mould spores are simply carried through the air on the wind. However, for mould and mildew to take hold, they also need a food source, which they can often find within the limestone used to affix your shingles. Once the feeding frenzy gets underway, it can spread rapidly across the entire surface, causing massive discolouration and potential damage.
Worsening Problem
Once the mould penetrates the protective shingles, it will reach the underlay beneath. Certain parts will then be directly exposed to the elements, which could cause further rotting and degradation. As the weeks and months go by, considerable damage could be caused to the roof, and, in the worst-case scenario, you may need an entire replacement.
Repairing the Damage
The good news is that, when caught early enough, mould and mildew damage can be repaired. Of course, the mould will need to be removed first using special cleaning materials mixed with bleach or water, and this is a job for the professionals. Once the cleaning is complete, roofers can then get to work to replace any damaged shingles and make sure that the mould cannot easily return.
Best Course of Action
So, as it may be hard for you to see the condition of your roof and you may not know what's going on up there, get into the habit of scheduling an inspection instead. If there is any existing infestation, you will need to bring in roofers to carry out repairs as soon as possible. While you may not be able to avoid airborne spores, you can certainly make it a lot more difficult for them to take hold.
For more information on roof repairs, contact a professional near you.