Replies

1. 
   wbullivant_ | Feb 06, 1999 09:59am | #1

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   Don -
   Several years ago I successfully used bleach for treating brown stains on my GAF Timberline shingle roof in northwest Florida. The stains were probably similar to yours as they also were primarily on the north side. The technique I used was to put full strength bleach (laundry type @ 80 cents per gal) into a garden sprayer. I worked from the ridge of my roof and sprayed downward. Some areas took several applications but virtually all of it disappeared. The stains have not yet returned and there has been no apparent damage to the roof. Be careful of any plants in range as it will defoliate them in a hurry. Good luck!

1. 
   James_DuHamel | Feb 14, 1999 10:09am | #2

   *Hello Don and WB, The stains that you see are airborne mold spores. They are quite common, and if you look carefully at the areas just below the vent pipes sticking up out of your roof, you will notice that these areas are clean and mold free. The culprit is the zinc in the galvanized flashing and vent pipes. There is a product called "Shingle Shield" that is made from zinc, and it mounts under the edges of your ridge shingles. It is about 2" wide, and 10' long strips. You can buy these at any roofing supplier. Bleach will kill off the existing mold spores, and like WB said, may take an application or two. I have found that the houses in my area (Southeast Texas) are very succeptible to this problem if there are lots of trees in the yard. They do not necessarily have to be overhanging the house, just close to the house. I personally have no trees in my yard, and I have never had the mold problem.

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   Don_Russell | Feb 16, 1999 02:06am | #3

   *James and WB: I really appreciate your help! I'll give the bleach and zinc a try this weekend and let you know how I make out (I'm assuming that the bleach will have an immediate effect, even if several coats are applied...am I thinking correctly??)Again, thanks very much for your help.

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   CharlieH_ | Mar 13, 1999 11:36pm | #4

   *I’ve used a product distributed by ABC Supply Co. called Shingle Shield Shingle Cleaner. And it sounds like it’s perfect for the problem you have. I believe that using bleach on a shingled roof is not such a good practice. For one thing, it’s going to be all around your house disturbing your neighbors’ sense of smell. It would bleach the sides of your house, thus making another washing project. The Shingle Shield is odor free and removes mold, mildew, fungus, and stains. It doesn’t smell strong or bad to me. It also saves you from washing your whole house. It costs more, about $20 per gallon, but it saves a lot of time. The gallon covers 2000 square feet and with a garden sprayer it takes no time at all. No scrubbing. Just rinse it right off.The color of your roof after using it is once again vibrant.

2. 
   Don_Russell | Mar 18, 1999 03:12am | #5

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   I would appreciate any guidance for removing stains from my 9 year old, light coloured asphalt roof. When I bought the house 5 years ago, there were no stains; however, about 3 years ago I noticed some small stains that have now grown to appx 45% of my roof (none, however, on the south side -- mold??) I tried using bleach, but it didn't work (or I didn't apply correctly). Any thoughs and please forgive me if this is not the correct forum for such a question...

   Don

3. 
   Guest_ | Mar 18, 1999 03:12am | #6

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   Dont start from the ridge down though...always start from the bottom up..like wasing a car. Otherwise youll get streaking.