Sure, the growth of moss on your roof may give it a natural and charming aesthetic, but it’s definitely not good for the condition of your roof. Moss grows in areas that are damp and shaded by absorbing moisture. As you can imagine, this could end up wrecking havoc on your roof if moss were to grow on it.
Why Moss is Bad For Your Roof
When moss begins to grow on your roof, you’ll know that you already have a problem with the amount of moisture on your roof since moss needs moisture to grow. However, the following are some of the problems that moss will directly cause to your roof:
- Moss will begin to establish roots in your roof that will also begin to damage your roof by lifting up shingles.
- Because moss is absorbing moisture in the air, it is exposing your roof to moisture. This moisture can result in the growth of bacteria and mold and can even lead to rot, which in turn can cause holes to form in your roof. Once you have holes in your roof, your home becomes more vulnerable to water damage.
- Moss causes your roof to become very slick, making it dangerous to walk on the roof. You shouldn’t be doing this anyway without experience, but it will make it more dangerous and difficult for roofing contractors to work on or inspect your roof.
How to Remove Moss From Your Roof
If you notice moss growing on your roof, you’ll need to have it removed right away. The following are a few effective methods for removing moss:
- One way to remove moss is by spraying it down with a garden hose and simply scraping it away. You may want to have a professional do this for you, as they can use a pressure washer without damaging your roof.
- Another way is to use bleach. But the problem with bleach is that it could discolor your roof. Not to mention that you’ll need to wear a mask and goggles, which isn’t ideal if you’re on your roof as it diminishes your ability to see.
- A third way is to use a moss control powder made from zinc sulfate, which will kill the moss without damaging your roof.
For the most part, you should let an experienced roofing company like Park Heights Roofing perform professional moss removal from your roof.
Preventing Moss Growth
The following are a few ways to prevent moss from growing on your roof in the first place:
- Tree branches that are reaching too close to your roof should be trimmed.
- Have your roof cleaned on a regular basis to remove debris.
- Clean your gutters of leaves regularly.
- Nail zinc strips along your ridge caps to inhibit moss growth.
Moss growth can cause costly damage to your roof. If you spot moss growth on your roof, be sure to contact us at Park Heights Roofing. We will safely and effectively remove all traces of moss from your roof.