How to Remove Mold From Your Roof

That dark, blotchy growth on your roof looks like just a stain, but it might be mold. Mold on a roof is more than an eyesore. Left untreated, it can eat away at your roofing material, trap moisture, and shorten the life of your roof.

The right way to deal with this fungal invader depends on the size of the mold and the type of shingles you have. Fortunately, roof mold is treatable. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from identifying mold to cleaning it up for good.

Key Takeaways

Mold on a roof can look like dark streaks, black spots, or fuzzy growth, and it can cause real damage to your shingles and roof structure if you ignore it.
Not all roof mold situations are the same. The proper way to remove it will depend on the size of the problem, your roofing material, and how long the mold’s been growing.
Small mold patches may be something a careful homeowner can take care of, but larger mold issues are best left to a professional mold remediation service.
The right cleaning products and techniques matter. Using the wrong ones can damage your roof.
After removing the mold from your roof, take steps to prevent it from returning.

Understanding What’s Growing on Your Roof

Before you grab a ladder and a bottle of mold remover, it helps to know exactly what you’re dealing with. After all, not every dark spot or discoloration on your roof is mold. Algae and mildew are also common roof invaders, and each one looks a little different.

Algae typically shows up as dark green, blue-green, or black streaks running down your shingles. It thrives in humid conditions and is very common in rainy climates.

Mildew is usually flat and powdery, and it tends to be white or gray in color.

Mold on a roof often appears as fuzzy or slimy patches that can be black, green, or even orange. It tends to grow in clusters rather than streaks.

All three can damage your roof over time, but mold is generally the most serious of these uninvited guests—and the hardest to kick out.

DIY vs. Professional Roof Mold Removal

So, you’ve spotted some mold on your roof. Now comes the big question: Do you handle the mold removal yourself or call a pro? The answer depends on the situation.

DIY roof mold removal can be an option if the affected area is small, you feel comfortable working on a roof, and you have the right cleaning products and protective gear.

But there are plenty of situations where calling a professional mold remediation service is the smarter move. If the mold covers a large area, has been growing for a while, or has spread to areas you can’t easily see, a pro is the way to go. That’s also true if you don’t feel confident or safe working on your roof.

A professional will bring the right equipment and know-how to tackle your roof mold without damaging your shingles in the process. When in doubt, it’s always better to call someone who does this for a living.

Removing the Mold on Your Roof Step by Step

Ready to tackle your roof mold? Whether you’re going the DIY route or calling in a professional, it helps to understand what the process looks like.

DIY Roof Mold Removal

If you’ve decided the job is manageable and you feel safe doing it yourself, here’s how to remove mold from your roof shingles the right way.

Ensure safe conditions: Wear non-slip shoes, old clothes, rubber gloves, and eye protection. Avoid wet conditions and be sure to let someone know you’ll be on the roof.
Protect your landscaping: Cleaning solutions can harm your lawn, garden beds, and nearby plants. Before you start, cover plants with plastic sheeting if possible.
Apply your cleaning solution: Mix water and laundry-strength liquid chlorine bleach in a 1:1 ratio. Apply the solution to the moldy area using a garden sprayer and let it sit. Don’t use a pressure washer—the powerful spray can cause lasting damage to your shingles.
Rinse carefully: After your mold-killing solution has had time to work, rinse the area gently with a low-pressure garden hose.
Repeat as needed: Stubborn mold patches may require a second round of cleaning (or professional intervention). Avoid scrubbing the mold too aggressively and damaging your shingles.

What a Professional Mold Removal Specialist Will Do

The biggest benefit of hiring a pro is that they know how to remove mold from a roof safely and effectively. After all, they do it every day. Here’s what a professional mold remediation process generally looks like.

Assessment: The pros will inspect your roof to determine the full extent of the mold growth. That includes areas that might not be visible from the ground.
Containment and protection: The mold removal team will take steps to protect your landscaping, siding, and gutters from cleaning solution runoff before any work begins.
Treatment: Professional-grade treatments go deeper than store-bought solutions. They target mold at the source rather than just treating the surface.
Inspection and documentation: Once the work’s done, the professionals will inspect the area to confirm the mold has been fully eliminated. They can also document the work for insurance purposes.

Tips to Prevent Future Mold Growth

Getting rid of mold is a win, but keeping it from coming back is just as important. The good news is, a little routine maintenance goes a long way. Some simple steps to help keep mold on your roof at bay:

Treat your roof periodically: Apply a diluted bleach-and-water solution every six to eight months to help stop mold, algae, and mildew from taking hold. Think of it like a routine tune-up for your roof.
Trim back trees and overhanging branches: Shade is one of mold’s best friends. Cutting branches back will let more sunlight hit your roof and help it dry out faster after rain.
Clear off roof debris: Leaves, twigs, and other debris trap moisture against your shingles. By keeping your roof clear, you’ll give mold fewer places to take hold.
Clean your gutters: Clogged gutters cause water to back up and pool against your roofline, creating the damp conditions mold loves.

How SERVPRO Can Help

Nobody wants to deal with mold on their roof. Luckily, you don’t have to go it alone. SERVPRO has more than 50 years of experience in mold remediation and restoration. With locations throughout the United States and Canada, there’s likely a SERVPRO near you ready to help.

From assessing the extent of mold growth to treating it safely and helping to prevent it from coming back, SERVPRO professionals will handle the entire process. So you don’t have to.

Don’t wait for a small mold problem to grow into a big one. Find your local SERVPRO today.

FAQs

What does roof mold removal cost?

The cost of professional roof mold removal varies depending on the size of the problem and how easy (or not) it is to access the affected area. Attic and roof-related mold remediation typically runs between $1,000 to $4,000, though larger or long-standing problems can cost as much as $7,000.

What’s the best roof mold remover?

For DIY cleaning, a diluted bleach-and-water solution is one of the most widely recommended options to clean mold off a roof. Oxygen bleach is a gentler alternative that’s less likely to harm surrounding plants. Commercial roof cleaning products labeled for mold and algae are also available at most home improvement stores.

Can mold on a roof spread into a home?

Yes, it can. Mold that takes hold on your roof can work its way into your attic and eventually into the rest of your home if it goes untreated. Tackling a roof mold issue early is the best way to keep it from becoming a much larger problem indoors.

Is roof mold covered by homeowners’ insurance?

It depends. In most cases, homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover mold removal if the mold is caused by neglect. However, if the mold was caused by a covered event, like a storm, your policy may help cover the removal costs. Check with your insurance agent to figure out what your specific policy covers.

How to Remove Mold from Your Roof