This article is featured within the Moss Removal section of Lincoln Moss Removal and was [lmt-post-modified-info].
Overview
Moss on your roof is not only unattractive, but it can also cause major damage. That’s why it is important to get it removed before it gets too severe.
Left unchecked, moss grows into a thick mat that soaks up water and keeps your roof constantly moist. This causes the shingles to degrade over time.
Damage to Roof Tiles
Moss is a common problem on roof tiles in cool, damp climates. It spreads via spores like many other plants, making it especially prevalent on north-facing roof areas that don’t receive much sunlight.
As the moss grows, it can increase the porosity of roof tiles, which can lead to rainwater permeating through them and causing damage. This can cause rot, mold and other problems, leading to a decrease in the lifespan of your roof tiles.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent moss from growing on your roof in the first place. Trimming overhanging branches and removing leaves, seed pods, and other debris from your gutters will keep moss at bay.
You can also attach strips of zinc ($41, The Home Depot) to the peak and ridge caps on your roof. These zinc strips act as a moss repellent, blocking the sun’s UV rays and inhibiting moss from forming.
A moss-free roof can save you money on repairs and replacements. It also makes your home more attractive to buyers if it has a clean and fresh look.
There are a variety of cleaning solutions that can be used to remove moss from roof tiles. Some cleaners are specifically formulated for moss removal, while others can be mixed and applied just like any other type of cleaning product.
The best approach to moss removal is to use a gentle cleaning solution that won’t harm your roof or other materials on it. One common option is a mixture of vinegar and detergent.
Another option is bleach, but a high concentration of this chemical may cause severe damage to your shingles. A plant-friendly solution, such as one cup of oxygen bleach and a gallon of water, is preferable.
If you’re looking for a more thorough, professional roof moss removal service, it’s a good idea to hire a roofing contractor. They can inspect your roof and decide the most effective method of removing moss from your roof, as well as ensure that your roof is safe to work on.
Using a pressure washer to blast away moss isn’t recommended as it can damage the asphalt shingle adhesive and strip the granules off of the shingles, leaving your roof more vulnerable to leaks and other issues. It’s also a dangerous activity to perform, as it’s easy to fall off the roof and damage your home or injuries yourself.
Dampness
Damp is an issue that can affect any property, and roofs are no exception. Condensation through rain water or rising damp that happens when moisture from the ground seeps up through porous building materials like brick, sandstone or mortar can cause this problem.
Once moss has formed on your roof it becomes a thick mat that soaks up moisture and retains it. This excess moisture then works its way into the interior of the house and starts a cycle of damage that can eventually destroy your roof.
It can be hard to get rid of moss on your own, so it’s a good idea to hire a professional if you want the job done right. Removing moss from your roof can help protect the structure of your home and improve your resale value.
The first step in removing moss is to remove any loose shingles or tiles. It’s important to start at the bottom and work your way up, spraying all the moss-covered sections with water as you go (work from the top down to avoid lifting shingles and breaking them).
Make sure to brush away the moss with care as you do so. This is also a good time to inspect the roof for damage.
If you spot any shingles that are cracked, or tiles with any bare spots, you should consider replacing them as soon as possible. A damaged roof can be costly and can impact your resale value.
Removing the moss on your roof can prevent further damage and reduce your long-term costs. It can also protect your roof from winter cracks, which can cause the tiles to chip or break.
Moss can grow on any roof, but it is more common in shaded areas exposed to frequent, damp, cool weather. This is mainly due to the fact that it needs a moist, shady environment to thrive.
To prevent moss from growing on your roof, trim back branches that overhang it and clean up gutters regularly. This will allow you to remove the excess water from your roof and keep it from soaking up moisture in the first place.
Smells
Moss on your roof doesn’t just smell bad; it also leads to moisture problems. Moisture exacerbates a number of other issues that can affect the integrity of your roof and cause significant damage to your home.
Moss can also affect your home’s air quality by releasing carbon dioxide and other toxins into the atmosphere. This can be harmful to your family and other residents in the building.
It can also make your roof look dingy and unattractive, as it causes black streaks on your roof’s surface. Moreover, it can reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning system by absorbing sunlight and preventing the heat from reflecting back out of your home.
Algae is another problem that can develop on your roof if it’s not properly maintained. It usually grows on wood shingles or asphalt shingles that don’t receive a lot of sun. It also likes to grow in areas that get humid conditions, such as gutters and downspouts.
The best way to prevent roof algae from forming is to ensure that your home has a good drainage system and that you have an annual inspection performed by a professional. If you aren’t sure whether your roofing system is in good shape, call the roofing experts at Kearns Brothers for a free inspection!
When you think about it, your roof is an essential part of the home’s structure and it needs to be in great condition. If you don’t want it to be an eyesore and cause other issues, you should consider having it cleaned and inspected regularly.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to remove moss from your roof and to make it a less unpleasant sight to behold. First, you can hose off the area and scrub it with a soft brush or garden hose.
If the moss is particularly thick and/or has become a nuisance, you may consider using a chemical solution. These chemicals kill the moss by drying it out and removing any moisture that is present. They must be applied in a timely manner to avoid the moss from growing back.
Water Damage
Moss can cause a lot of water damage on your roof. This is because it holds a lot of water and can easily leak through the cracks and crevices on your roof. If left untreated, the water can seep into your home and lead to major structural issues.
You should remove moss as soon as you notice it on your roof. This will help prevent future problems and save you money in the long run.
Keep gutters clean at all times and make sure your downspouts direct rain away from the house. Keeping the gutters free of leaves, branches, and seedpods can help prevent moss from growing on your roof.
Keeping your gutters clear can also help prevent water from accumulating on your roof, which will allow it to drain properly. If your gutters are overflowing and clogged, water can sit on the roof for hours without flowing away.
When it rains, the water can get trapped on your roof and eventually leak into the interior of your home. This can lead to mold, mildew, and rot inside your home.
Another way that moss can damage your roof is by expanding underneath and between your shingles. This means that the moss can lift your shingles up, creating openings for water to seep through.
This can cause rotting and even lead to the need for a complete roof replacement. In addition, it can reduce the curb appeal of your home and increase the costs of maintenance on your roof.
One way to kill the moss on your roof is by applying a chemical cleaner. You can purchase ready-made sprays that hook up to your hose. Alternatively, you can mix and apply your own cleaning solution.
It is best to wait for a cloudy day before you use the cleanser, since too much sun can evaporate it too quickly. Once it is applied, it will take about 20-45 minutes to soak in and kill the moss.
Once the chemicals have had time to do their work, you can scrub off the moss with a soft-bristle brush. Don’t scrape or bang the roof, because that can scratch the shingles.