How to Remove Mold from Your Roof in Arnold, Imperial, Oakville, Fenton, and St. Louis

If you have noticed black mold-like stains and streaks on your residential or commercial property roof, it is important to begin taking steps to have the blue-green algae removed. While it is believed that the appearance of mold is most common on light-colored asphalt shingles, it can grow on all shingle colors and nearby siding based on the surrounding environmental conditions. Mold needs warmth, humidity, and moisture to thrive and unfortunately Missouri and Illinois have humid subtropical and continental conditions that make perfect breeding grounds. 

Along with limiting the property’s curb appeal, if not removed in a timely manner, mold can potentially impact your roof’s lifespan, reduce your home’s efficiency, and lead to costly repairs in the future. Mold can also cause respiratory conditions and other health issues from the spores entering your home through the air ducts and air conditioning system or tracked inside from walkway buildup. To get started, here is how you can DIY the removal of mold on your roof and how hiring a professional roofing contractor can help you tackle and prevent future mold problems.

How to Remove Mold from Your Roof

If you are already considering replacing your home’s roof or increasing the value of your home, it is recommended that you opt for darker shingles to disguise the look of mold stains and streaks or shingles with copper granules that prevent mold growth.

However, if you simply notice a few affected areas on the shingles and siding, then cleaning the mold yourself with a simple, at-home solution should be your first step. There are two DIY solutions that you can use to kill mold, remove any discoloration, improve exterior aesthetics, and protect against additional damage. The most common solution is creating a 50:50 chlorine bleach and hot water solution, while tougher jobs may require the use of trisodium phosphate with a 1 cup TSP to 1 gallon of water ratio.

Using a ladder, climb up and inspect the roof to identify where the mold, mildew, algae, lichen, or moss build-up is prevalent. Then pour your chosen solution mix into a garden sprayer and carefully spray the affected shingles from the bottom to the top of your roof. Then, leave the solution on the roof’s surface for 15 -20 minutes and rinse thoroughly with water. For algae, you will need to gently scrub the area and do a second bleach-water treatment.

For both options, be sure to wear proper safety equipment to protect yourself from harmful exposure. This includes safety goggles, a full-face respirator mask, and waterproof gear (such as a raincoat and gloves) to prevent exposure to your eyes, lungs, and skin.

It is also important to remember to not use a pressure washer to prevent shingle damage and to water surrounding landscape to prevent bleach toxicity in your plant life. Store bought pressure washers often only have a single, high-power setting that is meant to be used for extreme removal of dirt, grime, and other environmental elements, which can result in shingles being damaged or lifted off the roof. If you feel a pressure washer is necessary, speak with a roofing contractor who has a pressure washer or another method that is right for the job.

How to Prevent from Returning

If you have noticed that the mold is becoming a continuous issue, there are some long-term prevention methods you can consider with the help of a roofing professional. 

As noted, adding shingles with copper granules is one option and a similar choice is adding a 6-inch strip of zinc or copper underneath new shingles that are closest to the roof’s peak, leaving a couple inches of the roof’s lower edge weather-exposed for the best results. Both options have natural antimicrobial properties that help to naturally stave off mold production. So, making these improvements during a standard roof repair will help kill algae and moss growth during heavy rains that wash down the metal molecules.  

Another option is to waterproof your roof to prevent the collection of moisture and various growths. This can be done by a trusted roofing contractor in just a few hours, who will apply an acrylic asphalt sealant to your existing roof to add a protective layer to the shingles and keep your roof safe from water damage. This is best done after the roof has been cleaned with one of the DIY solutions above.

With this, be sure to have your roof inspected 1-2 times per year to prevent expensive and harmful damage to your roof due to mold. A trusted roofing contractor can help you answer important questions, like:

• Are there any signs that the roof’s upper layers are pulling away or delaminating?
• Are there any signs of rips, detached seams, or tears?
• Is the roof free of pooling water?
• Is the roof draining properly and are there any issues with the drains or scuppers?
• Can any water stains or streaking be seen on the interior ceilings, inside exterior walls or windows, or decking?

These questions can help you identify the extent of your roof’s mold problem and what steps you need to take next. After all, maintaining the integrity of your home’s roof is vital to the health and comfort of your family, as well as the preservation of your belongings and furniture. Even small areas of mold growth can cause long-term issues to your health and home, while also reducing your home’s curb appeal.

Need help cleaning the mold off your roof? Have questions about the best materials to prevent mold for your roof replacement? Shelby Roofing & Exteriors is a trusted and reliable company that provides exceptional roof cleaning, repair, and installation services for residential and commercial properties. Contact us to discuss your roofing needs, whether in the St. Louis metropolitan area, Illinois, or surrounding areas at (636) 942-2300 for a free, comprehensive estimate or visit us on Facebook.

Types of Gutters and Gutter Guards for homes in Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, Fenton, and St. Louis

What type of gutters and gutter guards are best for my home or business? Like many homeowners or business owners, this is a common question when considering the needs of your next roofing project.  After all there is more to consider than you might first realize, including what style compliments your home’s features and what types are best to meet your building’s environmental needs.

Rain gutters and guards sit along the base of a roof to channel water out and away from the building’s foundation. They are essential for reducing the occurrence of erosion, damage to the surrounding landscaping and siding, and basement flooding. While it may seem like any type of gutter and gutter guards will do the job, there are several considerations and advantages to think about when it comes to replacing old and rusted gutters or for initial installation.

To help you understand the different types and styles of gutters and gutter guards that are best for the roof of your home or business, particularly throughout the Missouri and Illinois areas, here’s what you need to know to make the best decision.

Types of Gutters

The main styles of gutters are K-Style, Half-Round, and Box gutters that are each available in Aluminum, Vinyl, Copper, Galvanized Steel, and other material varieties. The type of gutter you choose may be based on style, weather, price, and the age of your home or office space.

K- Style Rain Gutters

If your home was built in the last five-decades, this is likely the type of rain gutters your home currently has. This may be a great option when installing new ones, particularly if you live in an area that experiences greater flooding. Their name comes from the shape they resemble when seen from the side and due to their flat back shape, they can simply be nailed onto the fascia board without the need for brackets. Unlike the plain look of other gutter types, the K-style gutter comes with a decorative front side that can add additional curb appeal. Surprisingly, this appeal does not come at an additional cost, with K-style gutters being the cheapest option available while also offering strong performance and durability.

While these gutters can carry more water compared to half-round gutters, the inner angles of the gutters make it more difficult to clean out debris. Since this can be a year-round hassle throughout their 20+ year lifespan, depending on the foliage around your home or business, it can be a good idea to leave this potentially dangerous task to a professional contractor that offers gutter protection and leaf relief protection.

Half-Round Gutters

This style of gutter is very popular for homeowners, particularly for those that own older or historic homes that are looking for a more traditional, rustic look. While slightly more expensive than K-style gutters, averaging between $9.25 to $16.90 per linear foot, with proper maintenance they can last up to 25 years. Their half-tubed shape helps flush water effectively off a home’s roof and foundation and its metal material makes them less likely to rust or corrode. However, they can be prone to leaf and debris clogs that can be alleviated with the installation of leaf guards. Unlike the K-style’s flat back, the half-round gutter’s sides do not sit level against the fascia boards and will require brackets to hold their place.

Box Gutters

A popular option for commercial buildings and industrial complexes is these oversized gutters that are specifically designed to drain excessive amounts of water from bigger roofs. Unlike traditional K-style and Half-round gutters, box gutters have a high back section that discreetly sits under the shingles of the roof. Due to this, it is best for these to be installed with the development of new buildings but can be done on older buildings when re-shingling the roof. Their mainly commercial use means that box gutters are more expensive than standard gutters, today ranging from $15 to $30 per linear foot, but have a lifespan of 20 to 50 years depending on if they are made of aluminum or copper.

Types of Gutter Guards

Just as gutters are meant to protect your home from water damage, gutter guards can be beneficial and convenient for reducing the likelihood of sagging gutters, structural damage, mold growth, and rot. There are five primary types of gutter guards, including screen reverse curve, brush, mesh, and foam. Like the gutters themselves, each type of gutter guard has its own unique qualities that should be considered for your roofing needs. 

Reverse Curve Gutter Guards

Also known as surface tension gutter guards, reverse curve gutter guards are one of the best options when looking to effectively move rainwater and reduce the debris that collects in the gutters. It is important to keep in mind that these have the potential to lift roof shingles, so regular inspection and maintenance is essential, and they tend to have a short lifespan. Due to their location on the gutters, the curb appeal of these gutter guards is not as high, and it is important to keep an eye out for collected debris and bees or wasps nesting in the gutters.

Brush Gutter Guards

Relatively easy to install, brush gutter guards are made of bristles that fit nicely inside the gutters. Due to their upright positioning, they can keep leaves and other debris on the top while water may easily flow through the gutters. The downside is that not all types of debris, such as pine needles, may get caught within the bristles and can clog easily. However, this is a great option during the winter months, as they help snow from compacting into the gutters and improve melting runoff. To clean the guards effectively, it may be best to hire a professional contractor once or twice per year that can remove the gutter guards completely.

Mesh or Screen Gutter Guards

Another great option, mesh-screen gutter guards keep debris and shingle granule runoff from collecting in the gutters, due to being made with superfine metal mesh material. They fit tightly along the top of the gutter and are easy to remove to clean out collecting debris. These gutter guards should be professionally installed to ensure a secure fit and eliminate potential gaps or bending along the gutters. With proper cleaning and maintenance once or twice a year, these gutter guards can last on your home’s roof and help reduce the occurrence of erosion and rust.

Foam Gutter Guards

Like brush gutter guards, foam gutter guards are easy to install and fit inside your gutters to prevent debris from piling up inside the gutters. While inexpensive, like brush gutter guards, they are more prone to gathering small debris on top of the guards and they must be removed completely to be properly cleaned. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent potential gutter damage, as it is common for seedlings to get caught inside the foam guards and grow tree saplings. These guards may not work as effectively in the winter since they can disrupt water flow and only last for up to three years.

To get started on replacing your home’s gutters and gutter guards to prepare for the fall and winter seasons, you will want a trustworthy, experienced, and qualified company to help. Shelby Roofing & Exteriors has been a trusted roofing contractor for 40 years and proudly serves the St. Louis metropolitan area, including Illinois. We offer gutter replacements, repairs, and installations in a wide variety of colors, styles, and sizes with affordability and the protection of your home in mind. For a free estimate and to answer any questions you may have about your next roofing project, contact us today for peace of mind.

Benefits of Having a Professional Roof Inspection to Assess Storm Damage in st. louis

Storm damage: It’s a homeowner’s worst nightmare. A major storm has passed through your area and upon initial inspection you see that your roof has been impacted. Perhaps your siding was damaged by hail, heavy rains have left pooling water, or sections of your roof were stripped of their shingles by a tornado. Even a few missing shingles or damaged fascia can seem like minor problems initially, but even small problems can deteriorate the important underlayment of your roof, result in major leaks, inefficient energy usage, and give the opportunity for pests and wildlife to enter your attic. 

No matter what type of storm damage you find, it is important to hire a trusted roofing professional that has the tools and knowledge necessary to fix any damage. Here are some of the benefits of having a professional roof inspection to assess storm damage to your home so you can keep your family safe and protected in future severe weather conditions.

Prompt and Complete Insurance Handling

When periods of severe weather come your way, it is important that you can work promptly with your insurance company to approve roofing repairs and costs and stay safe. Once the storm has passed, you will want to immediately call a roofing contractor for a free roofing repair assessment to examine the damage, determine the best course of action, and receive a cost estimate. They will work with you to take pictures and complete a comprehensive summary report of the assessed damage, which will be required for the claim. The contractor will then get in touch with your insurance company to receive approval for the necessary replacement or repairs to be done quickly and in its entirety. Having a trusted contractor that is willing to work with your insurance company will save you time and energy, while also reducing the stress associated with storm damage repairs.

Expertise to Assess storm Damage

Anyone can do a visible inspection of a roof, but not everyone has the training and experience to know what large and small things to look for that indicates potential damage. Detecting water damage is one of these instances that can be difficult to identify, as some water problems do not present as major issues until later. Other commonly overlooked damage is smaller structural damage, such as damaged shingles and ice dams that can impact the interior and exterior of your home, or even debris that can pose a risk for future wind damage. When the contractor is inspecting the shingles, they should assess any broken or fallen shingles and the current strength of the remaining shingles to ensure they will not break apart during future storms.

Assessment of Unseen storm Damage

While it can be easy to see major damage, like missing shingles, some storm damage may not necessarily be seen by the untrained eye. This can include weak areas in the structure that can lead to unexpected roof leaks, mold and mildew, and potential interior damage. They will also check for masses of moss and lichen that can cause underlying roof decay, along with cracked caulk or rust spots on flashing, and cracked or worn rubber boots around vent pipes. You can even have the contractor look at your chimney area to check for a missing or damaged chimney cap, a blocked chimney flue, or damaged chimney liner that can result in leaking, air drafts, debris buildup, and unwelcomed animal nesting in the chimney area.  Having a professional roof inspection will ensure that all damage is found before filing your insurance claim and your home is kept safe and sound.

Small Issues Won’t Be Overlooked

Like water damage and damaged shingles, there are other places where small issues can grow to large ones over time that are important to be able to spot and address quickly and efficiently. A professional roof inspection should include determining the stability of your roof based on the strength of the supports around the roof to determine if they have changed positions or buckled. They should also check the insulation surrounding the roof’s surface to see if it has been damaged or exposed to the elements. If potential issues with the insulation are found, your contractor will want to monitor the area to determine if the roof is still well covered or if repairs will be needed. Not having the insulation checked could lead to additional damage alongside increased energy costs due to poor energy efficiency.

Prevent Future Problems and Expenses

Storm damage can potentially cause a lot of problems and great costs out of your pocket in the future if a professional roof inspection isn’t completed soon after the storm passes. Hiring a professional roofing contractor means that you can prevent major structural issues in the weeks and months to come, especially during the hard winter months. You could also save thousands of dollars in unnecessary expenses by having a trusted professional spot current or potential damages and make recommendations for needed repairs.

When your home is impacted by storm damage, you want to ensure that the problem is resolved quickly and efficiently. That is why it is important to have a professional roofing contractor that will not only take care of the repairs but will also work with your insurance company to take the stress out of being hit by a storm. Shelby Roofing & Exteriors not only does this, but we also have a 24-hour emergency response team that is ready to help you at any time in Arnold, Imperial, Oakville, Fenton, and the surrounding St. Louis areas. To receive a free assessment of storm damage to your home, give Shelby Roofing & Exteriors a call today at 636-942-2300.