Common growths found in residential roofing systems
Your roof is the structural support of your home. It protects the sensitive interior from nature's elements. When the roof is leaking, you will notice some obvious signs. Water dripping from the ceiling is one of the biggest red flags that a roof is in need of repair.
However, this may already indicate that the problem has been occurring for longer than you think.
A roof has a lot of surface area and if it's not protected, water will cause some growth in the form of mold, moss, fungus, and other invasive organisms that will cause expensive damage to your home if left unchecked.
If you have a leak, have noticed the growth in your attic, or looking to be a more responsible homeowner, read on for the most common types of growth you may see and what you can do to solve the issue and make the necessary repairs.
Asphalt Shingle Growth (algae)
This is the most common cause of roof leaks. The growth of algae and moss can occur in areas that are exposed to direct sunlight.
The reason why this happens is because of the heat generated by the sun, which will create a warm environment for the spores to grow.
The spores will then attach themselves onto your shingles and start to grow. As they grow, they will begin to block off any cracks or holes on your roof, making it hard for water to pass through. This causes water to build up behind the shingles until it finally starts leaking out of them.
Here are a few types that you may notice:
Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria).
These microscopic organisms grow in greenish colonies on the surface of your shingles and can cause stains or discoloration. While not harmful to humans, cyanobacteria may produce toxins harmful to some animals.
Black algae.
Also called blackmold or stinky mold because of its unpleasant odor, black algae grows on the underside of asphalt shingles when they get wet and don't dry out quickly enough.
If you have black algae on your asphalt roof, it is more than likely due to high temperatures and humidity. The best way to remove the algae from your roof is by using a pressure washer with a soap solution and rinsing off the entire surface. If you have not yet replaced your asphalt shingles, check with a professional to determine if they are still in good condition or if they need to be replaced.
Brown algae.
This type of algae grows in patches that look like brown spots or streaks on asphalt shingles. It typically occurs during periods of heavy rain or snow melting off your roof quickly.
Moss
Moss can grow on shingles. Moss prefers shady areas, so if your roof has a lot of moss, it is likely to be in an area that receives little sun. Moss grows best in moist conditions, so if you have a leaky roof, you may see moss growing at the base of your gutters.
If you have moss growing on your shingles, it is important to take care of it as soon as possible because it will only get worse over time. Moss growth can cause the shingles to deteriorate faster than they would otherwise and they can become brittle and break off easily. If you have water damage in your attic due to a leaking roof, then you should consider replacing the entire roof before any other repairs are made because otherwise you will end up having to replace multiple layers at once when the problem continues to get worse over time.
Fungus
At first, the fungus might not seem like a big issue. After all, it's only a few spots on your roof and it looks fairly harmless. But don't be fooled — fungus growth can quickly become a serious problem if you don't take care of it right away. The longer you wait to act, the more likely it is that your entire roof will be damaged by moisture and mold.
Here are some tips to help you prevent fungus growth on your roof:
Make sure you have good ventilation in your attic. This helps reduce moisture buildup which can cause mold and fungus growth on your ceiling tiles.
Get rid of any dead branches or leaves that may be collecting water on the surface of your roof.
Make sure there are no loose shingles or gutters so rainwater doesn't pool near vents or other openings where it can cause damage over time as well as lead to fungal growth.
Identifying fungus growth on your roof:
There are several reasons why you may have a leaky roof. However, identifying fungus growth on roofing materials can be difficult. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Discoloration. Fungi tend to grow in dark areas, such as underneath shingles or tiles. As they grow, they absorb moisture from the surrounding area and release it in the form of water vapor. This is why fungal growth often causes discoloration in the affected area.
Mold spores. If you see mold spores on your roofing material, it's likely that fungus is present somewhere nearby. The spores can spread to other areas of your home through ventilation systems and air conditioners, so make sure to check them as well if you suspect a problem has developed near your attic or exterior walls.
Odors. Fungi often produce odors as they grow and release spores into the air around them. If you smell mustiness or moldy smells coming from an area of your home that isn't damp or wet, then it's likely that there's a leak somewhere nearby that's causing moisture problems inside your home.
Lichen
Lichen can grow quickly on roofs that are exposed to sunlight and rainwater. It gets worse when there is more sunlight because it feeds off of the heat. This can cause damage to your roof and make it harder for you to find leaks as well as repair them. If you notice lichen growth on your roof, there are some things you should know about how to remove them:
Lichen growth has many colors including reds, greens and browns depending on where they are located on your roof. Some may look like moss while others may look like mold or mildew depending on the type of weather they have been exposed to over time.
Lichens thrive in moist areas where there is little or no air circulation. They feed on dust particles in the air and on mosses that grow in the area. Lichens can also grow on your roof if there are leaks where water has seeped through your home’s structure and onto your roof decking material. This can happen when there are holes in shingles or cracks in the rafters of your home causing water to find its way into these areas through which it travels until it reaches your attic space where it will then drain out of your house through downspouts or gutters leading from your roof
How to spot it lichen growth on your roof
You can identify lichen growth by its color — most lichens are either green, brown or black. You may also be able to see the fungus itself if it's growing in large patches or clumps.
Takeaway
Understanding the importance of a well-maintained roof is a vital first step to prolonging the life of your roof and house. A leaky roof is more than just an annoying inconvenience, it can also be dangerous. Knowing how to spot different kinds of leaks and what you should do if you see them is an important step toward ensuring your family's safety.
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Posted on: 11/1/2022
By Sunroof Roofing Inc.
