Does this roof need to be replaced or just cleaned with bleach?

Question

Greetings.

If this post isn't allowed, I can delete it.

I was wondering if this roof is salvageable. I have no access to previous owner and permits don't show any roof work or anything for decades, so can't determine its age.

There are no leaks, no missing shingles. There is black mold but should be fixed easily with bleach.

Is this wishful thinking, or is the roof obviously gone.

Cheers

Jim K. · Answer

There's an access panel somewhere in a closet.

Michael Noto · Answer

If this is a flip or a BRRRR I would definitely work it into your budget and replace it. A buyer on a flip will think it is strange that a house is completely redone and the roof is shot and for a BRRRR the more you can get done in the rehab phase the longer runway you will have on the major capex once you convert to a rental.

Kenneth Garrett · Answer

@Tim Ivory

This roof has lived its life.  Shingles look brittle, curling, split and the granules  have washed away, it’s worn out. You could wash it, but any good inspection will recommend replacement.  Even FHA will call this out to be replaced.  I assume this is a flip. If a flip instead of replacing it you could offer say $3000 towards a new roof, it might save you a few bucks.  Is the mold in the attic? If so, It could be from water damage, but check the roof ventilation.  Lack of roof ventilation can cause the roof sheathing to delaminate and show signs of mold.

Gary Siver · Answer

@Tim Ivory It’s hard to say with the photos because they are a little blurry but to me they look like architectural shingles.  If they are arc shingles then they aren’t decades old. Whatever you do don’t bleach it, if you want it cleaned to see what it looks like have a professional company come do a soft wash on it and then get a roofing company to come put something in writing how many years are left. It won’t cost much and if you end up needing a roof they would probably take that if the price.

Theresa Harris · Answer

It looks like it needs to be replaced as the shingles are worn.

Account Closed · Answer

@Tim Ivory

Mould is treated with ammonia products generally, not bleach. Can’t zoom in on pics in the app but I’m thinking those are 3 tab shingles. Doesn’t look like major curling, I would likely address whatever is bothering you and monitor it. That said, can’t zoom in on pics, how bad is the mould? I’ve never actually heard of a mouldy roof. Too darn cold here for that crap.

Tim Ivory · Answer

Just wanted to update this.

The roof is confirmed to be 15 years old.

I got some guys giving me satellite estimates to re shingle and its settling around 11K.

Will let you guys know how it turns out.

Victor S. · Answer

the shingles on the back of the house appear to be wavy and lifted up. is it just a bad picture or they do really look like this? either way, you'll have to have a roofer come out.

Gary Siver · Answer

@Tim Ivory I looked at the new photos. Those are architectural shingles. Doubtful that it is over 20 years old. Get it cleaned and inspected and I bet you have life left in it.  Keep us posted. Good luck.

Glidden Rivera · Answer

@Tim Ivory

Your dealing with algae which collects due to the canopy of trees overhead. Typically, you would install copper strips joist below the ridge.

The copper is activated by rain water.

Copper's Effect

It kills algae by binding to it, which damages the algae cells, causing them to leak and die. Copper sulfate is highly soluble in water, and copper is a natural, essential mineral. Too much copper is toxic to plants because it prevents photosynthesis.

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/copper-control-algae-97682.html

That said you should get the roof inspected.

You may get lucky, the roof may be in great shape other than the algae on it ( note there are shingle solvents designed to wash off roofs: don’t bleach ( bleach is ineffective against mold) or power wash.)

Once cleaned, install the copper as a preventative measure.

Other wise I agree with many of the comments, you might have to bite the bullet on the roof, a roof is a big deal to perspective buyers.

Does this roof need to be replaced or just cleaned with bleach?

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