Commercial flat roofs need a proper drainage system to ensure that they are kept clear of issues that may arise. One of these issues is mold or algae growth. This is especially true during certain times of the year when it’s hot and humid. The development of algae on your roof will only look ugly, but mold, on the other hand, left to grow, may eat through your roof and cause extensive damage.
So, what does cause mold and algae to grow on your commercial roof, and how can you get rid of it?
Water pooling on your roof is what drives both mold and algae to form. Mold spores are always traveling in the air, just waiting for the perfect spot to grow. When they find a wet and humid area, they stay there because they thrive in those conditions.
While the answer to what causes mold and other fungi to grow is simple: get rid of it isn’t so simple. If you’re interested in learning more about why it grows, how it grows and how you can get rid of it, keep reading. We have some answers for you.
Why Does Mold Grow on Flat Roofs?
As we briefly mentioned above, mold and algae love humid conditions, especially if they grow undetected. If commercial roofs do not have a chance to dry completely, the fungus will continue to grow until it’s cleaned off. If you notice you’ve had a lot of wet or humid weather in the summer, you may want to have someone check your roof. If you see that you have mold growing on your commercial roof, it may indicate that you have a problem with your drainage system.
How Your Flat Commercial Roof May Contribute to Mold Growth
Flat roofs have low spots, negative slops, and even with the best drainage systems still have trouble draining enough to prevent standing water. Standing water puts added stress on your roof and combined with the harmful impact mold can have on your roof, it will cause extensive damage to your roof, and you’ll likely have to replace it sooner than planned.
- Roof Slope
Flat roofs pretty much have no slope. They do have a bit of a pitch to help the water run towards the drainage system. If there was not enough of a pitch created upon installation, it will lead to pooling water.
- Tapered Insulation Systems
These are often used on commercial flat roofs to help direct water to the drainage system. When they are installed correctly, they prevent the growth of mold and other forms of fungus. Duro-Last roofing professionals are trained on how to ensure these systems are put on correctly the first time.
- Flat Roof Materials
While commercial roofs are made to be water-resistant, they cannot stand up well against pooling water for long periods. Duro-last roof systems are sprayed with fungicides to resist mold and mildew and prevent them from growing into the roof membrane.
Signs of Mold Growing on a Commercial Roof
If you are unaware, you have mold growing on your roof and have not had inspections lately, you may not even be aware you have mold on your roof. If this is the case, here are a few things you can look for.
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- Water stains on your ceiling
- A musty smell
- Crumbling drywall or peeling paint
- A dark spot that gets bigger
- Drafts
How to Tell the Difference Between Mold and Algae
Algae is much more common than mold, and on a flat roof, it looks like green or black slime that has spread on the surface. In contrast, mold is spread out in all different areas until they connect.
How to Get Rid of Mold
You can use various chemical sprays to kill the mold on your roof. This may deal with the mold issue, but it’s not going to prevent it from re-growing if you don’t address the reason for the mold.
Commercial Roof Maintenance and Services
You can only prevent the mold from returning by calling a skilled roofing expert or roofing contractor such as MacDermott Roofing. We are #1 in the industry and have been installing, repairing and maintaining commercial roofs throughout the Detroit Metro area for more than 45 years.
As an Elite Master Contractor and leading expert of the Duro-Last Roofing System, our service, product knowledge and technical skill is second to none. We deliver the highest quality work and product that will save you money and last decades. Questions? Call and speak to a roofing specialist today, Free.