Why Moss Grows on Roofs and How to Prevent it

The Dangers of Moss Growth on your Roof

Moss might look quaint and even picturesque on an old stone wall or in a shady garden, but when it starts to grow on your roof, it’s not such a charming sight. That green fuzz isn’t just an eyesore; it’s also potentially harmful for the longevity of your roof. A professional roofer would tell you that moss growth can cause serious damage if left untreated. But what is it about moss that makes it so destructive?

Moss Growth

You see, moss spores float through the air and find a nice damp place to land and grow. If your roof is shaded and tends to stay moist in certain areas, these are perfect conditions for moss development. Once established, moss roots can begin to lift up shingles, creating pockets which allow water seepage into your home’s structure.

Mold Growth

The trapped moisture then can then lead to wood rot or even mold growth within the house. But that’s not all; there’s another insidious way that moss damages roofs over time: by holding in moisture against the surface of the roof which hastens erosion.

Structural Damage

This erosion is particularly damaging to asphalt shingles because they contain limestone filler which moss loves to feast on, leading to premature degradation of the shingles’ protective qualities. All these harmful effects are bound the effect the wood that the outer roof shell sits on, which can lead to costly repercussions.

 

How to Prevent Moss Growth from Forming

Routine Roof Cleanings
When it comes to stopping the formation of moss on your roof, prevention is undeniably the best strategy. One significant step you can take towards this is ensuring routine roof cleanings.  This doesn’t just entail a casual sweep, but a thorough cleaning, free from any debris that might invite moss colonization. Remember that moss is partial to dampness and shade, hence a clean and dry roof surface can significantly reduce its chances of flourishing.

Applying an effective roof Moss Treatment

Applying an effective roof moss treatment can be pivotal in hindering moss growth. This treatment often involves biocide products that are inherently toxic to the moss thus curbing its proliferation. While one could opt for a DIY approach in applying these treatments, hiring a professional roofer can guarantee a more comprehensive execution ensuring no spot is overlooked.

Ensuring Proper Ventilation

Since moist conditions aid in the growth of moss, keeping your attic well-ventilated aids in maintaining dry conditions on your rooftop by reducing dampness which consequently inhibits moss development.

Regular Roof Inspections

Inspections detect early signs of problems including minor patches of moss before they escalate into larger issues causing extensive damage and unnecessary repair costs. So remember folks; prioritizing regular roof cleanings and treatments coupled with maintaining proper ventilation and conducting routine inspections are invaluable practices when it comes to prolonging the life span of our roofs while keeping them free from unsightly green patches!

Common Mistake: Resorting to Pressure Washing – while this may seem like a swift solution, it can also strip away the protective layers of your shingles and cause premature aging of your roof. Turn instead to less damaging methods such as soft washing or applying moss treatment products.

 

Conclusion

Moss retains moisture which can damage your roof over time, reducing roof longevity and potentially leading to costly repairs, or even replacement. The potential for structural damage is further amplified by the fact that moss roots can lift up shingles, creating an entry point for water. Roof moss treatment must be approached with caution. That said, prevention is always better than cure. Simple steps such as trimming tree branches to reduce the shade on your roof can help inhibit moss growth. Similarly, improving ventilation and ensuring regular roof cleanings will go a long way in maintaining the health of your roofing system. Now we come down to one final piece of advice – never underestimate the value of professional help.

 

 

HOW SUNCREST ROOFING CAN HELP

All cleanings done BY HAND + Moss Treatment used
Hand cleanings ensure a safe non shingle deteriorating process. We don’t use any harsh pressure washing, instead we use handheld brushes. We apply a Moss Treatment once the roof is cleaned full of debris to ensure that Moss will have a hard time ever coming back again.

Tree Trimming Services provided if necessary.If a tree litters your roof with constant debris year-round, we could gladly assist with that to ensure a heathy roof.

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