If you have spotted stains on the surface of your roof, it may be caused by lichen. Lichens are tiny organisms that grow on many surfaces, including roofs. They are a mix of algae and fungi living together in what’s known as a symbiotic relationship.
Lichen can make your roof look old and dirty, and it typically appears as green, gray, or orange in color. While lichens don’t usually harm your roof right away, they can cause problems over time. They might trap moisture against the surface of your roof, causing the roofing materials to deteriorate quicker and lead to damage.
At RST Roofing and Renovations we aim to provide homeowners with solutions for their roof related problems. In this blog post, we will cover the topic of lichens including why they grow, how to remove them, and how to keep them from coming back.
What Causes Lichen To Grow?
Lichen will easily grow on a roof, particularly in shady and damp areas. They thrive on roofs that remain wet for extended periods of time, often due to leaves or branches lying on the roof that prevent water from fully drying. Lichen also prefer rough surfaces, and as roofs age, they accumulate dirt and become rougher, providing an ideal environment for this type of growth to occur.
If you live in an area with plenty of shade, you may want to trim down your tree branches in order to allow the sun to reach your roof. You should also be wary if you live in a place with frequent humidity, as lichen easily grows in this type of weather. The type of roofing material you have matters too. For instance, wood shingles are more prone to developing lichen growth compared to materials such as metal.
Can’t You Just Paint Over Lichen?
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that painting over lichen on their roof is a good solution, but this approach can lead to more problems.
If you paint over lichen, it will continue to grow beneath the paint, causing it to bubble and peel. The lichen will also continue to trap moisture under the paint, leading to damage and rot on your roof. It’s also not as easy as it sounds, since paint doesn’t naturally adhere well to lichen, it will easily crack and flake off.
Painting over lichen can also hide underlying roof damage, making it harder to notice issues that need fixing. If you plan to paint your roof, it’s essential to remove the lichens first. Clean the roof thoroughly and let it dry completely before painting. Some special roof paints and coatings contain ingredients that prevent lichen growth, which can be useful to use after roof cleaning.
How Do You Remove Lichen From A Roof?
After noticing lichen on the roof of your building, you’ll most likely want to remove it in order to maintain the appearance of your home. Below are some steps you can take to remove lichen from your roof yourself, but remember that the best results occur with professional help.
- Star by wetting the lichen, as it makes it softer and easier to remove. You can use a garden hose for this.
- Apply a lichen-killing solution. You can buy special roof cleaners at hardware stores. Some people use a mix of water and bleach, but be careful as this can harm plants below. Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes.
- Use a soft brush to scrub the lichens gently. Don’t use a wire brush or pressure washer as it will otherwise damage the roof.
- After scrubbing, rinse the area well with clean water. You might need to repeat this process for tough spots.
Always remember to make safety your number one priority, and ensure you have a ladder that is safe and non-slip shoes. If you’re not comfortable on the roof, it’s best to hire a professional.
Is Removing Lichen A DIY Project?
Removing lichens from your roof can be a DIY job, but it depends on a few things. You should always assess the slope of your roof prior to starting any DIY roofing project. If it’s steep, you should not put yourself at risk.
You should also consider your experience and skills. Cleaning a roof takes strength and balance, and if you’re not sure you can do it safely, don’t try. The size of the lichen problem matters too, whereas a small patch might be easier to handle than a large amount of lichen that’s overgrown on the roof.
Even if you decide to DIY, it’s smart to talk to a roofing expert first. They can give you tips and check if your roof is in good shape. Remember, your safety is the most important thing.
Some Of The Best-Rated Roof Cleaners To Remove Lichen From Your Roof
1. Wet & Forget Moss, Mold, Mildew, and Algae Stain Remover
Wet & Forget Moss, Mold, Mildew, and Algae Stain Remover is a well-known roof cleaning product that is specifically designed to kill lichen on roof shingles and other roofing types without scrubbing them. This product uses a non-toxic, biodegradable formula that quickly removes lichen growth.
2. Spray & Forget Revolutionary Roof Cleaner
Spray and Forget Revolutionary Roof Cleaner is another popular roof cleaning product for removing lichen from the roof’s surface. Just spray it directly onto your roof, regardless of the roofing materials, and the formula will kill the lichen.
3. Concrobium Mold Control
The Concrobium Mold Control roof cleaner is a natural choice for clearing lichens and other growth from the roof. After cleaning, it leaves a protective barrier to keep your roof looking clear and prevents future lichen and moss from growing.
How Do You Prevent Lichen From Growing On Your Roof?
Preventing lichen from growing on your roof is easier than removing it after its already starting growing.
- Trim trees that hang over your roof. This lets more sunlight reach the roof and helps it dry faster.
- Clean your gutters regularly. Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling on the surface of your roof. This creates damp spots where lichens are more likely to grow.
- Use protective materials. You can install copper or zinc strips along the peak of your roof that release ions when it rains, stopping lichen growth.
- Some people spray their roofs with a lichen-preventing solution once a year. You can purchase these online or from a hardware store.
- Make sure your roof has good ventilation, as this helps keep it dry and makes it less friendly for lichens.
- While replacing your roof, choose materials that resist lichens. Some shingles have special coatings that stop lichen growth.
- Regular roof inspections can catch lichen growth early. Fix any damaged shingles right away since these areas are more likely to grow lichen.
By taking these steps, you can keep your roof lichen-free for longer.
Call RST Roofing And Renovations For Quality Roofing Services In Atlanta, Georgia
If your roof is overrun with lichen or other issues have developed, you need a trustworthy roofing professional to provide you with solutions. At RST Roofing and Renovations, we always aim to serve you with top-quality roof cleaning services. Not only are our roofers experienced with shingle roofs, but they’re also experts at working with other styles and roofing materials.
We offer top-rated roof replacement, repair, and installation services because we know the roof plays an important role in your home’s overall function and appearance. To learn more about our services, feel free to call us at (404) 548-8901.
