How to Clean Mold Off a Roof

Published: Dec 1, 2006
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
3 minute read

There are a number of commercial products available that will get rid of mold, but if you don't mind working at heights, getting mold off roof shingles is really something you can do yourself.

Things You Will Need

  • Push broom
  • Chlorine bleach or copper sulfate crystals
  • TSP
  • Pump sprayer
  • Ladders or portable scaffolding
  • Hose and fresh water

Chlorine Bleach Solution

  1. Spray all the plants growing near your house with water, and this will help protect them from any damage caused by the chlorine bleach solution.

  2. Mix 1 part bleach to 3 parts water and apply to the mildew-covered area with a hand pump sprayer. Adding some tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) will help clean the roof at the same time.

  3. Let the solution sit for 15 minutes, then rinse it off with a hose. Check to see if any mildew remains on the roof. If so, it will feel slimy when you run your hand over the surface). If mildew is still present, allow the roof to dry and repeat the process.

  4. Always rinse the roof after applying the chlorine bleach solution. If you leave the bleach solution on the roof, it could damage the shingles.

Copper Sulfate Solution (Alternative)

  1. Spray all the plants growing near your house with water, as this will help protect them from any damage caused by the copper sulfate solution.

  2. Prepare a mixture of copper sulfate and water, using a ratio of 12 ounces (dry measure) of copper sulfate to 1 gallon of warm water.

  3. Apply the solution to the mildew-covered area and wait for the mildew to turn brown.

  4. Sweep the mildew off the roof using a push broom.

  5. Rinse the roof with a hose and clean water.

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Preventing Mildew From Forming

  1. Removing overhanging tree branches and allowing sunshine and air movement over your roof. This can eliminate the mildew-friendly environment and stop it from growing.

  2. Installing zinc strips under a row of shingles near the ridge of the roof will prevent mildew from forming. The mild chemical reaction caused by rainwater coming in contact with the zinc inhibits the growth of mold and mildew.

  3. Applying asphalt roofing shingles containing a copper additive in their surface granules is an option. The copper granules in combination with rainwater have a mild chemical reaction that prevents mold and mildew.

  4. Spray-on commercial products that you apply and leave on are also available. Annual application reportedly blocks the growth of mildew.

The Drip Cap

  • How to Clean Mold Off a Roof.
  • Spray all the plants growing near your house with water, and this will help protect them from any damage caused by the chlorine bleach solution.
  • Apply the solution to the mildew-covered area and wait for the mildew to turn brown.
  • Rinse the roof with a hose and clean water.
  • Applying asphalt roofing shingles containing a copper additive in their surface granules is an option.
  • The copper granules in combination with rainwater have a mild chemical reaction that prevents mold and mildew.
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