What’s the Difference Between Mold and Mildew on Your Roof?
In the grand scheme of home repairs, you might not think the difference between mold and mildew matters. After all, both are considered harmful, and you may want to eliminate both with equal urgency. However, understanding the difference between the two will help you assess the potential damage to you and your home, prepare a proper solution for cleaning and fortify your roof against it in the future.
What Is Mold?
There are many types of mold, but certain types specifically grow indoors, which can lead to structural and personal property damage as well as health hazards. Mold flourishes from excess moisture caused by water leaks in your home’s roof or siding. As the water weakens the material, mold will penetrate through the surface and spread within porous material, such as ceiling tiles, wood, carpet and insulation, allowing it to develop inside your home. It also flourishes in spaces with high moisture and poor ventilation, such as attics or laundry rooms.
Mold is a severe health hazard. Depending on the length of exposure and if the home’s occupants have preexisting conditions, mold can cause various health issues, from flu-like symptoms and itchy eyes to wheezing and the development of asthma.
Long-term mold exposure has also been shown to inflict psychological side effects on certain people in addition to physical ones. Those who have been subjected to prolonged mold exposure can experience exhaustion, anxiety, depression and memory deficits. The research on this is limited due to the psychological reaction to mold being almost identical to the normal immune response caused by exposure to a virus or bacteria. One thing’s for sure, though: mold is not good for people or their homes, and the longer they breathe it in, the worse it effects them.
What Is Mildew?
Mildew is a mold that’s less harmful than other variations but still worthy of concern. It also grows from excess precipitation, but mildew grows on flat surfaces while mold digs into the home. Instead of inside of wood or insulation materials, you’ll find it on your roof or shower wall. Mildew has a powdery texture that is either grey or white in color, in contrast to mold's fuzzy and colorful appearance. As it ages, mildew will turn yellow and then dark brown, signifying its seriousness.
Generally speaking, mildew is not as much of a threat to your home as mold because it doesn’t burrow and create long-lasting structural problems (although it can distort the color of your roof if left untreated). That said, it’s also not something you should put off dealing with either. Mildew can cause similar adverse health effects, including cold-like symptoms.
A significant part of the danger with mold is that it grows inside materials, so you can’t readily find it. In contrast, mildew only forms on the outside of flat surfaces, which makes it easier to spot.
How To Eliminate Mold and Mildew From Your Roof
Cleaning algae and mildew growth off your roof is potentially a DIY project, but mold often benefits from professional remediation and assistance. You should always avoid climbing up on your roof, as it’s possible you could damage your shingles or even fall off and injure yourself. Attempting to clean mold can also result in you breathing in a large volume of spores or dangerous vapors from the cleaning chemicals.
The team at Chet’s Roofing & Construction Inc. is always ready to help Seattle-area homeowners who are worried about mold or mildew on their roofs. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’re concerned about discoloring or splotchy spots appearing on your roof.
Get in Touch with Our Roofing Cleaning Professionals in Seattle
Our team at Chet’s Roofing & Construction Inc. will clean and maintain your roof, eliminating the possibility of mold and mildew and preventing you from suffering any unnecessary roof-cleaning injuries. Schedule service or request more information by calling us at (877) 611-1514.
