Can Moss Benefit Your Roof
Although moss may generally be seen as a hazard on roofs, there are such things as green roofs which are popular in communities that focus on being eco-friendly. Thats because moss can cut down on heating costs due to its natural insulation ability, as well as provide a natural habitat for local wildlife, such as birds and insects.Its not quite as simple as just allowing moss to grow on your roof, though, and hoping it will just become a green roof. Left unchecked, this type of free moss growth will likely cause the problems stated earlier in this article. So if you are considering creating a green roof, you should ensure it’s properly designed and includes a root barrier which prevents damage to the surface of your roof.
Why Is Moss Bad For Shingles
You may feel that a bit of moss gives your roof some charm, just as ivy growing up the side of your house might. While moss may be beautiful, it is a detriment to your roof. Heres why:
Most plants gather water from their roots, but mosses gather water from their leaves. Therefore, they do not mind that shingles, unlike soil, are a dry and relatively nutrient-free environment. They will grow roots directly into the shingles, which can destroy the shingles and create the opportunity for leaks.
When it rains, moss will soak up water and retain it, creating consistently wet conditions on your roof. Moss growth will also interfere with proper drainage of water off the roof as water needs to trickle through or around the moss instead of running straight down to the gutters. The resulting constant exposure to water can degrade shingles.
Over time, moss can also work its way under shingles, lifting them up. This uplift creates opportunities for water to penetrate lower layers of the roof and, potentially, your home.
While minor moss infections may not cause many issues, it is likely to become severe over time. Once you spot moss growth on your roof, you should take steps to resolve it. If you have a severe infection, you may have no choice but to remove the shingles that have been damaged by it. A professional roofer can help you assess what kind of intervention your roof needs.
How To Remove Moss From An Asphalt Roof
Q: We have a green roof that is not meant to be green. Moss is collecting on one side of the asphalt roof. The roof is otherwise in good shape. What I have learned so far is that the roof should not be power-washed. How should one remove the growth, and who does this type of work? I am not interested in getting on the roof myself.
Falls Church
A: The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association distinguishes between moss, a plant with leaves that can grow into thick clumps, and mold and mildew, which are common names for types of algae that simply discolor the surface. Algae creates ugly black or brown streaks but doesnt damage a roof. Moss which is what shows in the pictures you sent is more worrisome because it can damage asphalt shingles. A thick growth of moss works like a sponge, keeping the roofing damp for long periods, and it can lift edges of shingles, making them vulnerable to blowing off in a windstorm.
To clean either algae or moss, the association recommends putting on protective gear and protecting plants, spraying with a 50-50 mix of household bleach and water, allowing that to sit for at least 15 to 20 minutes and then rinsing with low-pressure water. The bleach will kill the algae or moss, but rinsing wont necessarily leave the roof sparkling clean. Algae will disappear and wash away with subsequent rains, the association advises. Moss will loosen over time and may be removed with a leaf blower.
Chantilly
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What If The Moss Grows Back
If the moss does return, do not rely on harsh chemical treatments or dry spells to kill it. Chemical treatments may harm shingles as well as moss, creating a more significant problem. Dead moss must still be removed by hand, or it will impede the flow of water off the roof and create issues. It may cause standing water. It may also clog gutters or allow for leaks.
Faq: Moss On Your Roof
Unfortunately, allowing moss to grow on your house is not the same thing as having a green roof. If you notice it on your roof, then its best to get rid of it right away. While a small amount may be harmless, if its left untreated, it can spread and grow, causing more significant structural damage down the line.
In this section, were going to answer some of the questions our team is asked most frequently about moss on a roof. If youve been wondering, Why does moss grow on roof shingles?, then youve come to the right place. Lets take a look:
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Cant I Just Pressure Wash The Moss Off Of My Roof
Pressure washing can remove moss from the surface of your roof but there are drawbacks:
Treat And Protect Against Roof Moss
The best time to treat roof moss is when it’s actively growing. Moss grows very little in summer, but it kicks into high gear during fall rains, moderate winters and early spring months. Treating right before peak fall rains is perfect timing for roof moss treatments. You’ll get the best results if moss is damp, but no rain is forecast for a few days.
If possible, remove excess moss with a rake or broom first. The upper layers of thick moss protect the bottom layer against moss killers. For pitched roofs that you can safely walk, sprinkle dry formulas along the roof ridge. Rains will wash the product down and cover the lower areas for you. For flat roofs or roofs that aren’t safe to walk on, use a liquid formula and a pump-style sprayer to cover all the roof surfaces easily.
As moss dies, rains will wash dead moss away. You can speed the process with a broom or rake, too. To be proactive in moss control, treat your roof right before the rainy season each year. Always keep roofs and gutter free from leaves and other debris that can hold moisture in and promote moss growth.
Keeping roofs free from moss helps avoid costly home repairs.
By taking action to kill existing roof moss and prevent its return, you can protect your family and your investment in your home. CORRY’S Moss B Ware and Lilly Miller Moss Out! products help you take control of roof moss, enhance your home’s appeal and put an end to roof moss damage and costly repairs.
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Understand Roof Moss And Damage
Cracks and crevices between roof shingles provide ideal spots for moss to grow and spread. These simple plants flourish wherever moisture collects, particularly on north-facing or tree-shaded roofs. Moss doesn’t need much light or nutrition, but moisture is crucial. In humid areas prone to foggy mornings and moderate winters, a slight dusting of moss can escalate to a serious roof problem.
Left unchecked, roof moss grows into a thick, resilient layer. Established moss acts like a sponge, soaking in moisture from below and above, and keeping your roof constantly moist. Moss creeps under shingle edges as it spreads, prying shingles loose and letting damaging moisture reach the layers below. Damage progresses from shingles to rotten underlayments and damaged framework. Health-threatening mold can develop and travel down walls to affect living areas as well.
Untreated moss gains a foothold in crevices and cracks as it spreads.
How Do I Remove Moss From My Roof
There are numerous ways you can remove moss from your roof, depending on how significant the spread is already. If its only in the early stages, small patches of moss that havent rooted themselves into your roof space significantly can often be washed away with a hose pipe. Moderate pressure from most garden hoses should be enough to uproot juvenile moss, which wont have worked its way into your roof tiles just yet. However, the tiniest segment of root can soon become moss again, so its vital to remove every trace from your roof when cleaning it. No matter how significant the problem, you should avoid using a pressure washer, as this can cause damage to your roof tiles.
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Why Shouldnt I Add A New Roof Over Moss
When you need a new roof, it may be tempting to add a second layer of shingles over your existing shingles. Doubling up your shingles can save time and expense on your roof replacement as your roofer doesnt need to remove and dispose of the old shingles. This strategy is convenient for homeowners because the replacement wont take as long or make as much of a mess. However, there are some circumstances where merely adding a new layer of shingles isnt a good idea.
For example, when you have significant moss growth on your roof, simply covering it up with new shingles isnt wise. Several potential problems may occur if your roofer simply adds a new roof over your existing, moss-covered roof. These potential problems include:
How To Treat A Moss
If you notice moss growing on your roof, you need to remove it or treat it. You can get rid of moss by hand scraping and using a water hose but this can be tedious. While it may seem like power washing would be more effective, this can cause even more damage to the roof.
If theres lots of growth, it may be best to . Popular suggestions like bleaching the moss can do more harm than good. While bleach will kill the moss, it will damage other vegetation and also discolor your roof. Another option is to use a moss control powder made from zinc sulfate. This wont damage the roof and many roofing companies offer this treatment.
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Treating Problems With Moss On Your Roof
Remove the moss using your garden hose and by scraping it by hand. You should avoid using your pressure washer since it can further damage your roof. Unless you are a professional, avoid using your pressure washer for removing the moss.
- Bleach Your Moss Bleach is going to kill the moss. However, its very corrosive. Its also going to damage the vegetation and cause your roof to be discolored. If you decide to go the bleach root, make sure youre wearing the right protective gear, like a googles and mask and dilute the bleach. Its possible that youre going to have to scrape your moss off too.
- Use Powder for Moss Control This is a great way that you can remove the moss from your roof. Made of zinc sulfate, this powder wont damage your roofs structure. However, it can potentially harm vegetation or wildlife. Be cautious when youre in an area that has aquatic wildlife. This is a option that a lot of roofing companies offer when treating roofs covered in moss.
Contact Lanier Roofing For Expert Advice
Now that you know how dangerous moss can be for your roof, you may be ready to get your roof cleaned. If you contact the Greenville, SC roofing contractors at Lanier Roofing, well help you to get your roof in tip-top shape. Contact us to schedule an inspection and get a free estimate. We offer excellent workmanship and service.
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How To Remove Moss From Roof
It is best to hire professionals to do the moss removal for you as it can be dangerous without the proper safety equipment. Anway, to remove moss from roof, heres what you should do:
1. Scrub the moss
Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the moss away. Work it from high angle to low without lifting the shingles. Do not use too much force to avoid damaging the shingles.
Avoid using metal brushes as it will scrape the shingles off, causing roof damage. The same goes with power washers. The strong pressure will dig its way into the shingles. This is very harmful to your roof.
2. Spray the moss with cleaning solution
There are commercial cleaning solutions that can help you to remove the moss. However, you may need to lay down a protective sheet along the wall and near the area. Most of these chemicals may cause discoloration on the walls and kill plants.
Read the instructions carefully on how to use it. Some need to be mixed with water while others can be applied directly just like that. Know your product to get the expected results.
Heres a video that shows this two basic step to clean the moss off the roof:
Alternately, you can use detergent for roof moss removal. Bleach is another agent that you can consider. Mix equal parts of bleach and water and spray it on your roof. Make sure the entire surface area of the roof is covered with the bleach mixture.
How Do I Apply Moss Remover
Firstly, you should only apply roof cleaning or sealing products on a clear, but cool day with little wind. This is because excessive heat can cause the solution to evaporate too quickly to have an effect, and wind can blow it off your roof tiles. You should also take care to protect any plant life nearby from the chemicals using plastic sheeting, and hose them down afterwards to ensure no damage.
To apply the moss remover, work backwards on your roof applying a gentle coat using your garden sprayer. This is not only the most efficient way to work, but youll also be keeping yourself safe by never stepping onto a wet, slippery tile. Once this initial coat has been applied, simply wait for it to dry and then gently brush away any remaining debris.
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Can Moss Damage My Roof
Moss is one of those unique elements that can be seen both negatively or positively. Most people appreciate the old charm look it can give to a walkway or a tree. You might feel like youre somewhere in a fairy tale rather than your local neighborhood.
However, theres a real ugly side to moss that cannot be neglected. So, it is worth serious concern if you find moss has collected on your roof. You might wonder if this is a good thing or bad?
Why Have A Professional Remove Roof Moss
Moss can be difficult to remove and it spreads quickly. In fact, these layers may thicken during the rainy season. These are all risks to people who do not have the right training and experience in moss removal. You also need to have the right set of chemicals to do the job well.
Plenty of DIY blogs out there tout solutions that may actually do more harm than good. Certain ingredients, like bleach and vinegar, can corrode and degrease your roof tiles, which means theyll lose the asphalt coating protecting them. Mixing your own cleaning agents at home can also be dangerous.
Additionally, while a pressure washer can help, most commercial options simply arent suitable against stubborn moss.
A slip or one wrong spray could cause damage to your home. Take into account the danger of being on the roof with a high-pressure machine and it spells out a recipe for disaster.
The professionals have all the right tools and know-how to do the job safely. Professionals can guarantee higher-quality cleaning while ensuring that their cleaning solutions are non-toxic, effective, and ecologically friendly.
On top of that, professional roof cleaners can take more effective, preventative measures like:
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Why Is Moss Bad For Roofing
Moss and algae tend to grow in damp, shaded areas and can cause damage to your roof both directly and indirectly. If you allow large patches of moss to grow on your roof, these patches hold water against the surface of the roof, which can cause the roofing materials to rot. In addition, the water trapped by the moss pools in gaps between your roofs tiles, and as that water freezes and thaws it can pull the tiles apart, causing even more damage! However, removing your moss can be just as dangerous and cause just as much damage.
If youre thinking about getting someone in to clean your roof for you, or youre going to give it a go yourself this weekend, think about the following points before climbing that ladder
So Is Moss Bad For Your Roof
Yes. 100% all moss, even if it’s a small patch or the width of a lawn, it can create irreparable damage to your roof if left untreated. This type of destruction can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in roof replacement. But don’t fret, you may not need to get an entire new roof just yet.
Get a free assessment to see if your roof simply needs a good cleaning. If you’re lucky, you might’ve detected your moss growth early and have time to tackle the issue before it worsens.
Before you hit the point of no return, consider Clean Break Home Services, we offer moss removal and roof cleaning in Vancouver, along with other professional cleaning services for your home’s exterior.
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