How Algae, Mold And Moss Can Affect Your Property

Did you know that algae, mold, moss and mildew can cause your roof, framing and literally anything it attaches and grows on to rot, weaken and break down?

 It’s true! This is why it’s so important to have your home or building inspected, to ensure none of these fungi are forming on your property or hiding in areas within your property.

HARMFUL TO YOUR BUILDING AND YOUR HEALTH

Having mold, mildew, moss, or algae growing on your building is more than just an unsightly nuisance that will bring down the value of your property. Any one of them can cause damage and deterioration to the substrate and lead to health problems for people living or working in the building.

Let’s dive into looking at each of these pests.

Moss: is a non-vascular plant that is able to colonize on hard, impervious surfaces such as roofs, gutters, walls and grounds. It tends to build up into little mounds and it spreads quickly, which speeds up the deterioration of the roof, the paint, brick or concrete. It will block water flow and cause more moisture retention, rot and damage. It presents as green and fluffy.

Algae are defined as nucleus-bearing organisms that lack the specialized multicellular reproductive structures of plants. They lack true roots, stems and leaves. They grow flush to the substrate like roofs and primarily rely on sunlight for sustenance. They also absorb nutrients from the moisture in the air and rainwater which degrades and destroys the surface they sit on. It begins to appear as black streaks.

Mold:  Molds have been on the Earth for millions of years, and there is always mold around. Mold can get into your home through open doors, windows, vents, and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can be brought indoors on clothing, shoes, bags, and even pets. Mold will grow where there is moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been a flood. Mold grows on paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery. Mold appears as fuzzy black, brown, or green spots or even a slimy film. Once mold starts to grow it will spread/colonize quickly and will cause structural damage. Easily recognizable by its dark black color and its strong musty smell, black mold is toxic and can cause serious respiratory illnesses in occupants of the home or building.

Mildew: Mildew is a mass of white threadlike hyphae and fruiting structures produced by various fungi. It is commonly associated with damp cloth, fibers and leather goods. Mildew-causing fungi use these substances as sources of food for growth and reproduction. The term mildew is often used generically to refer to mold growth, usually with a flat growth habit. It presents as white or gray.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT ROOF ROT

Mold, mildew, moss and algae spores are always in the air and on surfaces, but won’t start growing on your building until the right living environment is found. The best way to spot and treat mold, mildew, moss and algae problems before they become out of control is through regular inspections. We recommend biannual checks, however if you are in a valley against a hill or if your building is in an area that has tall trees or buildings close to, or taller than your building so that they block sunlight, we recommend quarterly checks.

There are also some preventive measures homeowners and commercial property owners can do to safeguard their roofing systems from fungi. Here are some quick tips:

• Trim/ thin any trees touching or close to your home / building that is blocking most light from entering your property.

• Keep your gutters clean and functional so moisture properly drains through them, preventing moss, mold and mildew.

• Improve your ventilation inside and out. For your roof/ceiling, ridge vents provide the best aeration, and keeping trees well pruned will also help.