Why Your Tile Roof is Gathering Mildew

Mildew is one of the most unwelcome sights ever for any homeowner, and for good reason: the growth of mildew on your home’s exterior surfaces isn’t just visually unappealing – it’s structurally harmful. That being said, if it looks like your tile roof is gathering mildew, there are plenty of things you can do to save it and to prevent future growth. It all starts with understanding why mildew is growing on your home in the first place – and, it follows, what you can do to work against it now and prevent it in the future. If it looks like your tile roof is gathering mildew, read on to find out why – and what you can do to help make sure it doesn’t happen a second time.

Mildew: Spot the Warning Signs

Though not always as distinctive as mold or black algae, mildew is just as much of a concern. If you see a filmy, powder-like substance on it, then there’s a major chance your tile roof is gathering mildew. This quick-spreading pest is usually easily identifiable by its black, green, or pinkish-red coloring.

What’s Causing the Growth

Mold, mildew, and black algae thrive in warm, humid environments. Since “warm” and “humid” are two key Florida characteristics, it’s no wonder that this is a common problem that homeowners face in the Sunshine State. Due to their endless exposure to the elements, Florida roofs are usually both warm and moist: two key characteristics that these damaging growths love.

Mildew is particularly fond of warm and humid spaces, but its growth generally doesn’t just point to standard humidity: it’s a major sign that an underlying factor is wrong with your roof. If your tile roof is gathering mildew, there’s probably something wrong with its drainage. As water pools following rainy days, your roof becomes a more and more tempting breeding ground for mildew. If trees or other plants hang over your roof, their water leakage could be exacerbating the problem.

What You Can Do About It

Seeing that your tile roof is gathering mildew is a major hassle – but, if you act quickly and proactively, there are plenty of things you can do to preserve your roof’s structure. As soon as you spot mildew growth, have your roof inspected. This is a crucial step to take in determining what needs to be done in order to keep your roof healthy.

Generally speaking, it’s highly recommended to get your roof professionally cleaned, then re-sealed. Tile roof sealing is a critical step you can take to prevent mold and mildew growth, as it will help repel water and prevent moisture from being locked into your tile roof.

Though you can’t go back in time to prevent your roof’s mildew growth in the first place, tile roof sealing is a fantastic way to prevent it from happening again. If you’ve noticed that your tile roof is gathering mildew, be proactive about getting it removed – and understand its causes, and the preventative steps you can take, in order to make sure it doesn’t happen again. To learn more about how to take excellent care of your tile roof, check out our infographic.