How to Clean Mold on the Roof

Mold on a roof can be an eyesore and a potential health hazard. Checking the roof for mold buildup should be a semi-annual task, once in the spring and at the end of the fall. Armed with an extension ladder, a water hose, garden sprayer and outdoor bleach, you can clean any mold found on the roof in an afternoon.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plastic tarps
• Extension ladder
• Garden sprayer
• Outdoor bleach
• Garden hose with spray nozzle
• Respirator
• Protective eyeglasses
• Gloves

1. Cover any plants or bushes near the house on the side you'll be working on. Covering the plants and bushes on all sides of the house at once could lead to the sun burning plants that are uncovered last.

2. Set up the extension ladder to gain access to the roof. For smaller roofs, placing the ladder in the middle of the roof may suffice. For larger roofs, you many need to move the ladder as you go or even get on the roof.

3. Combine outdoor bleach and water in a garden sprayer per the directions on the bottle of bleach, according to the amount of liquid the garden sprayer will hold.

4. Spray the roof thoroughly with the bleach mixture. Wear a respirator, safety glasses and gloves. Pay special attention to areas where mold is present.

5. Use the hose and spray down the roof to remove bleach residue. Stubborn areas may require a second treatment, but one good coating of bleach is usually enough.

6. Remove the tarps from the bushes and plants so as not to burn them.

7. Repeat the process on the other sides of the house until finished.

Tips & Warnings

• Even though outdoor bleach is fabricated to allow for use on plants, it's best to protect them from contact. Make sure to wear proper eye and skin protection as well as a good respirator when dealing with outdoor bleach.