Moss is a widespread plant found almost anywhere there is soil and moisture. Moss does not have visible roots, as they absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves. They can be found growing on trees, rocks, in the crevices of buildings, and even on other mosses. Moss reproduces by spores, which are released when the plant is broken or crushed.
Moss on your roof is often a sign of trouble. When moss begins to grow on roof shingles, it can be the first sign that the roof is in need of repair. Moss can cause roof shingles to deteriorate and eventually leak, causing mold and holes. If you have moss on your roof, it is important to have it removed and the roof repaired as soon as possible, as spores become concentrated between the shingles on the roof and develop into thick, spongy moss.
How to Tell if You Have a Mold Problem on Your Roof
Mold can grow anywhere there is moisture and warmth, making it a common problem on roofs. If you see signs of mold growth, your first step should be to contact a mold professional. There are a few easy ways to tell if you have a mold problem on your roof. If you see black patches or spots on the roof or if the roof is leaking, then you should call a professional.
Furthermore, mold can wash off of your roof in the rain and find its way inside your home. If you have a large amount of mold rotting on the roof, mold can easily penetrate roofing materials. Bigger black molds accelerate the decay of wooden structures and erode asphalt shingles. In addition, it can spread into adjacent buildings very easily. If a mold condition lingers, the damage procured from it may become irreversible. It is especially important to note, that once mold is in the home, it may cause severe, sometimes undetectable, health problems.
Moss Can Create Holes in Your Roof
Moss can cause holes in roofing materials, and over time, these small openings can grow into large ones. In order to prevent this acceleration from happening, it is important to regularly clean the roof surface and inspect for moss. If moss is found, then a treatment plan must be put in place.
Ways to Prevent Moss Growth
Moss is a great indicator of improper water drainage. Overgrown gutters become clogged with moss and other vegetation, leading to a slow flow of water and an accumulation of debris. This can lead to roof damage, foundation erosion, and even property loss. Regular cleaning of gutters prevents this problem from developing in the first place. Keeping your roof clean has immense benefits when it comes to the longevity of your home. No matter what the climate, roofs are constantly exposed to all the challenges of mother nature, and have to endure a lot of abuse.
Another benefit to roof moss removal and general roof washing, is that it can prevent pests from entering your dwelling, providing you with comfort, as well as keeping you from paying unexpected costs. This can also include taking extra efforts to prevent future insect infestations and repairs.
Which is the Easiest Way to Remove Moss: Wet or Dry?
Moss that is wet will be harder to scrape off than moss that is dry, so dead moss tends to be easier to clear away.
Things to Know Before Removing Moss Yourself
Attempting to eliminate moss from your roof with standard house cleaning products might lead to more damage than benefits. Many house cleaning products contain chemicals that can damage your roof, including the lead flashing, which may result in staining both the lead and other parts of your roof. Rather than trying to clean your lead flashing with house cleaning products, it may be best to contract professional roof cleaners who have specialized coatings that work with other roofing materials.
Frequently, people step on their roof while they are carrying out repairs or cleaning. However, roofs cannot carry the weight of an individual all the time and could result in broken shingles or tiles, or in some cases cause personal injury.
By hiring a professional roofer, you may remain safe and sound on the ground and leave the work to a trained roofer who has the appropriate equipment. This will ensure that you are able to avoid expensive medical bills and any disabilities that could be triggered by accidents.
In conclusion, moss can be a nuisance on a roof and it is important to remove it regularly. There are several ways to remove moss, but the best way depends on the condition of the roof and the severity of the moss growth. If you are not comfortable removing moss from your roof, or if there is a significant amount of moss, you should hire a professional.
At 4A Roofing, we offer quality workmanship backed by a five-year watertight warranty. We have experience with just about any issue you can have, with any and all styles of roofs! Whether you’re in need of a repair or a full replacement of your roof, we’d be happy to take a look and see what the best option is for you and your home. Give us a call today at 360-558-1572 for an estimate for your roofing needs.