CALL BRISBANE ROOFING SOLUTIONS

We service Brisbane, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast & Gold Coast

Roof Algae, Lichen and Mould

Algae, mould and lichen are common and unwanted features on many roofs particular throughout Queensland due to the large amounts of humidity. It can often be hard to distinguish between these three and what you need to do in order to remove it from your roof. In this article James Kelly, owner of Brisbane Roofing Solutions, provides further information on algae, mould and lichen and what it means for your home.

Algae

Algae is typically green/brown in colour and creates a thin slimy layer on surfaces. Algae thrive in aquatic atmospheres, however, the algae that grows on your roof grows in a colony which means it doesn’t need to be submerged in water to survive, and once it settles, it grows quickly and spreads spores through the air.

Mould

Mould is typically a coating or discolouration caused by various fungi that develop in a damp atmosphere. Mould is not always easy to recognise. It often looks like ‘fuzz’ or appears to be a stain, smudge or discolouration. The most common moulds are black, green or white.

Lichen

Lichens are a complex life form that is a symbiotic partnership of two separate organisms, a fungus and an alga. It is a slow-growing plant that typically forms a low crusty, leaflike, or branching growth

How to tell if your roof is at risk of attracting algae/mould/lichen?

All roofs are at risk of attracting algae, mould and lichen however, there are certain factors which can increase your risk. These include;

  • Surrounding trees or dense bush, particularly if these overhang your roof.
  • You live in a tropical climate. Algae, mould and lichen spawn in humid and damp conditions.
  • There are local sources of dust, windblown dirt or pollution
  • Lichen in particular is attracted to dark roofs with harder surfaces such as terracotta tiles
  • If your roof is predominately shaded throughout the day this means dew condensation builds up and is not dried up by the sun

What can you do to prevent the growth of algae/mould/lichen?

The best method of prevention is regular maintenance. Cleaning the roof every 2-4 years is an effective way to ensure algae/mould/lichen are not able to build up and spread. A fungicidal wash can also be applied to help remove any existing growths as well as slow future growths that may occur.

Cutting back overhanging trees to ensure maximum sunlight is able to reach the roof and try up any excess moisture build up. In addition to this be sure to clear the roof and gutters of any leaf/debris build up as these also foster growth or algae, mould and lichen.

Additionally, choosing darker colours may raise the exterior roof temperature which promotes faster drying as well as slightly masking some of the aesthetic impacts of spores growing on your roof.

Why should you care about growths on your roof?

While people like to say that dirty roofs lower a property’s value and may make it hard to sell, the “dirt” on a roof actually shortens its life span and can even present a health hazard.

While not all mould (fungi) and algae pose a health danger, some are harmful, especially for older people, younger children and people who suffer from asthma and respiratory problems. The spores on your roof can get inside your home because they end up on the driveway and paths and are easily tracked inside.

If you have a heat reflective coating on your roof algae will also hinder its ability to cool the roof.

Finally, for an aesthetic stand-point, algae/mould/lichen are just not nice to look at! In particular if you are selling your property it may stand to significantly lower the selling price of your home!

If your home is suffering from a roof covered in algae, lichen or moss be sure to contact the experts at Brisbane Roofing Solutions to discuss what options are possible to remove it from your roof!

Outstanding service all around, I can't recommend these folks enough if you need anything done to your roof.

Their communication was top notch, every worker was friendly, helpful and prompt, and all for a very reasonable price a roof restoration. I wish they would branch out into other trades, we'd use them again in a heartbeat!
Response from the owner:Thank You. We very much appreciate your business and taking the time to,leave a review. Cheers Jim and team😊
Brisbane Roofing did a small job for us in replacing on old whirlybird, they communicated well with us regarding timings etc and were very reasonably priced. Would definitely recommend and use again if we needed to.
Response from the owner:Thank You Leanne we appreciate your business and taking the time to leave a review. Regards Jim and team👍
The team couldn't have been better. Great communication, reasonable prices and timing to do the job. Turned up on time and ready, completed quickly and cleaned up afterwards, exactly how it should be.
Many thanks, have already recommended to friends needing roofing work.
Response from the owner:Thank You. We appreciate your business and taking the time to,leave a review. Regards Jim and team👍
✅Highly recommend these guys
They’ve done a fantastic job on my roof 👌👌👌
Response from the owner:Thanks Mori. We appreciate your business and taking the time to leave a review. Cheers Jim and Team👍
Jim, Sharon, and the team at Brisbane Roofing Solutions provided exceptional service. They worked closely with us to achieve the exact outcome we desired, and once the job was done, they left the area spotless with no overspray whatsoever. Their communication was excellent, they were organized and punctual, and they delivered high-quality work. It's been eight months since our roof was painted, and it still looks brand new. It's refreshing to see companies like theirs thriving today. I wholeheartedly recommend Brisbane Roofing Solutions
Response from the owner:Thanks Christine we very much appreciate your business and taking the time to leave a review. Cheers Jim and Team👍
So happy with our restoration and the issues that have been fixed. The process has been very easy for us and I love looking at our new colour every time I pull into the driveway. Thanks team!
Response from the owner:Thank You Kurt we appreciate your business and taking the time to leave a review. Regards Jim and team👍
The team offered very prompt & friendly service from the initial contact until completing the job. They did an amazing job on restoring our roof & we would highly recommend them.
Response from the owner:Thank You Sandra we appreciate your business and taking the time to leave a review. Regards Jim and team👍
Our roof restoration looks great!!! Great value for money, great communicators and everything done in a timely, professional manner. Will definitely use these guys again!
Response from the owner:Thank You Chenoa! We appreciate your business and taking the time to leave a review. Regards Jim and Team😊
Repeat client of Brisbane Roofing Solutions. The roof repairs and restoration, was completed by the team during a very hot week and I couldn't be more pleased with the results (and relieved given the wild storms!)
Thank you to James and his team for their great work - excellent result. Highly recommend this company. Anna D
Response from the owner:Thank You Anna we very much appreciate your repeat business and taking the time to leave a review. Cheers Jim and Team👍
Brisbane Roofing Solutions did an amazing job renovating our roof for the second time - the first time was over 10 years ago, and most of the repairs they made then were still perfectly intact. We had some issues with one part of the roof, but not only did Jim stand by his reputation, he paid to get the issue replaced! Not many businesses would be prepared to do that, great to see the integrity and dedication to reputation exhibited by this great Aussie Small Business. Not only do I highly recommend Brisbane Roofing Solutions, but you would be crazy to look anywhere else! Thanks, Jim & Sharron!
Response from the owner:Thanks Stephen we very much appreciate your repeat business and taking the time to leave a review. Regards Jim and team👍