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 is 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 fungus, moss is also attracted to moisture, which can be detrimental to your roof health. The more the moss spreads over your roof, the more it will add to your 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, 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. Over hanging branches may causing excess water buildup. Finally, make sure your attic and roof can vent heat and humidity properly with ridge vents.
So, if you notice water marks, peeling paint, peeled plaster or discoloration you might have a leak cause by unwanted fungus. Call us today, we would love to come take a look and help you get back to healthy, fungus-free living!
One of the least exciting things that can happen to a homeowner is roof rot. It might not sound like much of an issue, because “out of sight, out of mind” right? When this problem becomes evident by water spots on your ceiling or even plaster falling off, you know its past time to check in the attic for the cause. Here at Beneficial Roofing, we are experts at not only dealing with this problem, but also preventing it.
temperature changes in the attic, moisture from the condensation caused by the temperature, and ventilation problems. You may be asking yourself, “What exactly is roof rot?” Roof rot, or dry rot as it is commonly known, is what happens when there is too much moisture in your attic. Another cause could be a water leak somewhere in your roof, allowing water to seep into your attic.
wood chisel. Injecting a consolidant into the wood will help reinforce the affected wood that you might not be able to reach with the chisel. This will help the wood fibers bond with the undamaged wood, making them strong again. To finish the repair, apply a wood patching product, a putty like material. Doing this yourself could be dangerous. Not removing all the affected wood could lead the rot to seep deeper into the rest of the wood. This will eventually causing the same problem.
The replacing process is a little different. You will need to remove all the rotted wood, including three feet of surrounding wood. Then remove the plaster, skirting paneling, linings and ceilings to make sure you got all the fungus. Next you must clean all the surfaces and steel pipes in a five-foot radius of the rotted parts. Next, you will need to apply a fungicide to all the surface area in that five-foot radius. Then you replace the wood you took out, preferably with one that has a preservative coating already on it. Lastly, you have to re-plaster and paint, typically with a zinc oxychloride product.
The best way to make sure that your roof is rot-free is to have regular inspections done. Having a professional come to check your attic will insure that if there are any signs of moisture, leaks or excess humidity, you will be able to take measures to rectify these problems. Another thing to do is to make sure that you have a proper roof ventilation system. Without a ventilation system in place, the moisture from the humidity has nowhere to go, thus sinking into the wood and causing this problem. You should also keep track on how your shingles are holding up. Make sure that there is no debris on your roof preventing water from running off the roof.
One of the unsung heroes for a homeowner is a roof, but more importantly, the shingles on the roof. Without shingles on your roof, you just have a bunch of nice wood planks left exposed to all the elements.
The main thing you need out of your roof in hot climates is the ability to reflect heat. This will help keep your home cool by controlling the harshness of the sun rays from seeping inside.
Another great material for your shingles is slate tiles. This is a natural material that is often requested by homeowners who value the vintage look. The lighter colored slate tiles help to reflect the heat, while darker colored tiles absorb it, Make sure that you have a balanced amount of each. Keep in mind that the prices for slate tiles might be more than other options.
Metal sheets, contrary to popular belief, are great options for roofing material in hotter climates. They are extremely durable. If you choose a lighter color of metal, the shingles will efficiently resist heat without letting the sun rays in. They are also a great option for the budget-savvy homeowner; they will quickly pay for themselves in their performance.
Asphalt is a common roofing material seen in colder climate areas, because it maintains its structural integrity so well against the colder elements. If your roof does incur damage, it is very easy for a professional to replace the damaged shingles. If you decide to go with an asphalt material, make sure you 
We didn’t forget about wood shingles. This type of shingle is often used in cold climates, because it can provide twice the amount of insulation that an asphalt roof does. Wood shingle material will last about 25 years, so you won’t have to worry about replacing it for quite some time.
Wood shake roofs are also a great material to use in cold climates. Because wood shakes are even thicker than wood, they will be able to resist stronger winds, rain and hailstones better than another roof material. Wood shake roofs last up to about 35 to 40 years if maintained properly.
Choosing the right type of shingle and material is crucial to any homeowner. Not only do your shingles protect your home from water, snow and ice, but they also add to curb appeal — an important factor in determining your home’s value.
This style of shingle is a jack-of-all-trades in the roofing industry. These shingles are also typically made of asphalt and come in a great variety of colors and shapes. The Architectural Roof Shingle would be the perfect choice for virtually any type of roof. This style of shingle is more aesthetically pleasing than a basic 3-tab roof shingle.
Hopefully this article gave you heads up that a roof is more than just a roof. Your roof provides shelter, adds aesthetic appeal and helps regulate temperature in your home. One major factor in putting on a roof is the choice of shingles to be used. Whether it’s time to put a new roof on your existing home or you’re having a home built, we have experts standing by to help you make the best choice of roofing shingle for your home. Give us a