A roof covered with moss and billowing chimney smoke sounds like a picturesque view. But as a homeowner, you’d know that rooftop moss growth is a headache. It grows in blankets and thrives in moist and shaded areas.
Moss is severely detrimental to your roof’s structural integrity. Knowing the ways to clear and prevent moss can increase the lifespan of your roof and save you money in the long run.
Why Does Moss Grow on Your Roof?
Moss can grow on any surface as long as it’s damp and dark. Moss spores in the air can land on your roof and initiate the growth of a moss blanket. Shade from the trees and moisture from the humidity can promote its growth. Moss especially thrives in the north-facing sections of the roof as they are often left shaded.
Wind can cause leaves, twigs, and debris to fall onto your roof and provide nutrients and sugars to moss. As a result, it flourishes and spreads evenly throughout the roof.
What Are the Detrimental Effects of Moss?
Moss Displaces Roof Shingles
Moss doesn’t sprout out of anything; it grows with roots. As it develops, its roots extend further and grow deeper. These roots are also called rhizomes. The rhizomes displace the roof’s shingles, causing missing, cracked, or loose shingles.
Moss Brings Moisture with It
Moss grows in damp environments. This means that if moss is spreading rapidly, your roof is retaining moisture and is susceptible to rotting and other issues that hinder its structure.
Moss Promotes Mold Growth
Moss growth is often coupled with mold. Mold and mildew rapidly spread to your walls and other areas of your home. It’s challenging to trace mold as it’s often invisible and odorless. It only shows its damage once the problem becomes severe.
How Do You Prevent Moss?
Preventing moss in the first place will save you the hassle of dealing with stubborn moss growth. You can prevent moss by:
- Trimming tree branches to prevent them from falling on your roof and feeding moss.
- Regularly cleaning your roof to get rid of sticks, debris, dust, water, etc.
- Freeing your gutters of leaves to prevent flooding and creating a damp environment.
- Nailing zinc strips along the peak of the roof. This way, when it rains, zinc flows down the roof and prevents moss growth.
How Do You Remove Moss?
Moss can be killed or physically removed. If you use harsh movements to clear moss, your shingles may get destroyed. Therefore, you should remove it using the following methods:
Remove it With Water
This is the simplest way. Use your garden hose and gently scrape away moss. Keep an eye out for mushy spots; they may need to be reinforced or cemented to prevent leaking. Be careful not to fall. If you can’t reach the ends, we suggest consulting a professional.
Use Bleach
Moss can be removed with bleach. It’s a tricky process as the bleach can damage and discolor your roof. It’s also corrosive so it can damage your skin. Therefore, wear gloves, goggles, and a mask when you’re doing this. If you don’t have the necessary safety equipment on hand, don’t opt for this method. Instead, call a professional.
Hire a Professional
This is easily the most viable option. We won’t advise you to climb your roof and create an unsafe working environment for yourself. If you’re in Modesto, CA, contact Birds Window and Gutter Cleaning. Our experts have the correct safety equipment to reach your roof and get rid of moss. Our services also include window, gutter and solar panel cleaning, and residential pressure washing.