How to remove moulds from your roof in Ghana

The idea of owning a home can be so exciting that one may forget entirely the reality of roof maintenance. Roof cleaning among other maintenance exercises helps you to always discover in time and determine how to remove moulds from your roof in Ghana. 

What are roof mould and moss?

Moulds and moss are the unsightly black or green growths on your roof. While black and green are the most popular colours used to identify mould and moss, there are many other colours including orange, grey and brown, depending on how old or how long it has been there and what stage of its life it is in. Grey and orange mould are classified as harmful mould and must be approached with caution or call a professional to deal with removal.

These growths form due to the presence of excess moisture in a building’s roof and sometimes in other areas such as inner walls, bathroom sinks and the ceiling. Excess moisture is usually present as a result of leaking pipes, leaking roofs and dampness in walls and ground floors. For new properties, mould may begin to form when the water used during construction is not yet completely dried out.

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Should I remove mould from roof?

Yes, you should remove mould from your roof. Although mould is generally thought to be unharmful to people to a large extent it makes some people feel sick. It is unsightly, ruins the design and beauty of the property and causes damages, possibly permanent, to shingles which will eventually cost money to replace.

Removing mould and moss growth from the roof of your home, allows you to keep the beauty and quality of the property intact whilst helping you hold on to any existing warranty you may have on the roofing materials, to full term. 

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How do I get rid of mould and moss from my roof?

Getting rid of mould and moss from your roof can be as easy as cleaning the bathroom or it can require the hand and experience of expert roof cleaners which will cost you money. If you have decided to undertake this exercise by yourself, take note of product labels so as to choose safe products, ensure you have enough clean water, a ladder to get up to the roof, a water hose, a water sprinkler bottle and be safe while you follow the steps below.

•  First, if you have plants and flowers on your compound or around your house, make sure to protect them by spraying them with water. 

This will help prevent the bleach solution from ruining your plants.

• Once your plants are protected, clear the roof of any debris with a broom or brush. 

Afterwards, mix 1 part clean water with 3 parts chlorine bleach and apply to the targeted area by spraying the solution on it.

• Allow the solution to sit and soak up the mould/moss for a maximum of 15 minutes, a minimum of 5 minutes and then rinse off with clean water, using a hose. 

Some homeowners leave the solution to sit for a maximum of four days before rinsing it off. Take note not to use pressure washers if you have asphalt shingles as they can remove surface granules and cause damages expensive to repair or replace, in the process.

• Last but not least, be sure that the last of the chlorine bleach is rinsed off completely, by using enough water. 

If after rinsing the solution, you find that small amounts of mould/moss are still present, allow the roof to dry and repeat the process. Always remember to spray your plants with water again, after rinsing off the bleach solution. If you prefer to leave the solution to sit for days, spray the plants with water right after you have applied the chlorine to the roof and again after you wash the roof days later. 

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Even though others may opt for copper sulphate as an alternative to help remove mould and moss from roofs, its highly corrosive nature and ability to harm the human skin, induce nausea and unconsciousness to the exposed party, make it rather unworthy to risk. All copper sulphate labels are required to wear a poison warning display.

Other useful and gentler options for how to remove moulds from your roof in Ghana include oxygen bleach which is made from soda ash and hydrogen peroxide and some fungicides that are specially designed and formulated to fight mould, moss, mildew and other growths in and around your property.

Is it worth removing moss from my roof?

Absolutely yes! It is definitely important and worth it to remove mould and moss growth from the roof of your home and other properties. When left to sit and grow for too long, mould and moss will cause shingles to deteriorate and leave irreparable damage. They also release Volatile Organic Compounds into the air, which makes some people sick and in some long-term cases, may cause insomnia, memory loss, and sensitivity to light to exposed individuals.

How to stop moss from growing on my roof

Mould and moss form and grow as a result of excess moisture and in dark places, deprived of sunlight. Hence, to stop moss from growing on your roof, after you learn how to remove moulds from your roof in Ghana, the following should be taken into practical consideration:

• Fix roof leakages. 

Regularly examining the state of your roof will help identify weaknesses, holes, cracks and leaks that may enable water to be stored up in the roof, so fix these leakages before it’s too late.

• Trim tall trees and branches. 

Trees and branches that are left hanging over the house create cool and humid temperatures as they provide shade for your home. Cutting them off regularly allows the sun to shine onto the roof, and helps prevent mould and moss from forming.

• Clean roof. 

Keep debris off your roof by going up and cleaning the roof regularly with a broom or brush.

Roof mould removal cost

The cost of removing mould from your roof in Ghana is relative to your peculiar situation. If you live in an area where water is not accessible, buying clean water and having it transported to your location in the amount that you need to effectively carry out the exercise, can be quite costly.

Chlorine bleach may cost as much as 24.00 cedis while other effective solutions cost up to 26.00 dollars or more. If you do not have a ladder, water hose and other useful items such as those listed in this article, you may be renting a few and buying others.

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Roof mould removal products

Finding the right products to tackle your question of how to remove moulds from your roof in Ghana, is not as difficult and stressful as you think. To help you look in the absolute right direction for roof mould removal products, below are a few options;

• Chlorinated bleach. 

This is to be prepared with clean water and rinsed after leaving it to sit for a maximum of 15 minutes. You may also add soap to the mixture if you so prefer.

• 30 seconds spray & walk away. 

 This product does not require any further rinsing after the solution is sprayed on the affected surface. Watch here for how to remove moulds from your roof in Ghana.

• Spray & forget roof cleaner.

 Requiring no rinsing after use, this product is great for use on asphalt shingles, clay/tile shingles and wood shingles. When mixed with water, the solution can cover up to 2000 square feet.

We hope the details in this article answer your questions if you’re looking for how to remove moulds from your roof in Ghana or deal with persistent mould and moss growth on your home or commercial property. For expert service and further inquiries about roofing products, installations and roofing technology among others, contact Domod Roofing. 

Among the many roofing companies in Ghana today, Domod Roofing has maintained a lead by providing the best products, the most professional workforce and responsive after-sales service that customers can rely on.