Have you noticed a green discoloration on your roof? Does it seem like you might be growing plants on your shingles? You may be dealing with moss on your roof. Luckily, we’re here to help you understand this problem and find a reliable solution for roof moss removal.
In this post, we will discuss where roof moss originates, why it’s a problem, and what you can do about it. Let’s get started with removing moss from your roof.
Where Does Roof Moss Come From?
Like mold and mildew, moss spores travel in the air and make a home in damp, dark areas. Unfortunately, your roof can become victim to moss growth when given the ideal circumstances. Typically, you will see moss growing in areas with little sun exposure and with potential for standing water. This can include any gaps around the roofing materials, as well as darkened areas of your roof that don’t see much sunlight due to tree coverage and other factors.
Once moss spores have made a home on your roof, they can quickly proliferate, and moss will spread across your roof. You may first see this as patchy green areas. But, as it grows, it will branch out across your entire roof, especially the dimmer, wetter areas. This can have devastating consequences, which is why removing moss from your roof is essential.
The Problem with Moss on Your Roof
While a little moss may not seem like an issue, it can quickly cause many costly and destructive problems for your roof. Though it starts as a thin, wet layer on your shingles, roof moss can quickly progress. It grows and grows, reaching underneath your roofing materials and separating the layers. This allows moisture and standing water to penetrate the water-resistant barriers on your roof. Unfortunately, that leads to much bigger problems.
Once water starts accumulating, it can quickly degrade any roofing material, including shingles, asphalt, clay, concrete, wood, and metal. Water damage leads to rot, rust, mold growth, and other serious complications. The destruction of your roofing materials can lead to water leaks inside of your home as well. Then, you may see damp spots on your ceiling and walls, interior mold growth, and structural disrepair.
Overall, moss on your roof can bring a vast array of complications. That’s why you should act quickly when you start to notice moss growing on your roof.
What Do You Do Now?
So, you see moss growing on your roof. What’s the next step? You should immediately be considering roof moss removal tactics. Whether you elicit the help of a roofing professional or attempt to tackle it on your own, it’s imperative that you work quickly before the moss spreads and leads to greater problems.
In general, it’s always better to call in an expert roofer when you are considering removing moss from your roof. This brings many advantages, including:
- Professional training & skill
- Specialized equipment & tactics
- Licensure & insurance coverage
- Safety precautions
- Guaranteed services
With a skilled roofer at your side, you can be confident that the job is done correctly. This lets you rest assured that the moss on your roof will not be back anytime soon.
However, we understand that not everyone can hire a professional roofer. Because of that, we have included some tips for removing moss from your roof. We’ll explore those next.
Roof Moss Removal Strategies
Roof moss removal should generally be completed by a trained professional. This ensures the safety of everyone involved and the efficacy of the process. However, if you choose to tackle the problem on your own, remember these tips:
1. Ensure your ladder is placed near the affected area, on solid ground. Stabilize the ladder, and have someone nearby to ensure the ladder stays steady. In addition, do not climb a ladder if you are not able to safely do so.
2. Hose the mossy area. You will want to hose from the top at a downward angle to effectively wash the moss away. DO NOT use a pressure washer, as this can damage shingles and other roofing materials.
3. Use a brush to loosen the moss. If the hose is ineffective, you can use a scrub brush to gently loosen the moss. Then, spray it down to remove it completely.
4. Apply moss removal agents and cleaners as needed. Make sure you use proper personal protective equipment to avoid contact with any chemicals. Follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer when using products.
5. Install zinc or copper sheet metal strips to prevent future moss growth. You can place two- to four-inch strips of sheet metal below the top ridge of your roof. Zinc and copper are both toxic to moss and can prevent future growth.
6. Reassess your roof. After removing moss from your roof, you should continually assess for additional signs of moss on your roof. This allows you to catch future problems early before they progress. If you’re dealing with repeat moss growth, always call in a professional to receive a comprehensive removal and prevention service.
We always recommend calling in a trained professional for roof moss removal. This process can be hazardous for someone without the adequate training and equipment. For the most trustworthy and safest moss removal, call a trusted roofer, like the team at Discount Roof.
Overview - Removing Moss from Your Roof
If you’ve noticed moss growing on your roof, don’t delay. You’ll want to act quickly to begin removing the moss on your roof. If left untreated, this moss will quickly spread, allowing water to leak into your roofing materials and into your home. This can lead to rotting and mold growth, both of which have devastating consequences.
Because roof work can be dangerous, it is always best to call in the professionals when removing moss from your roof. However, if you feel that you can complete the roof moss removal on your own, follow our simple tips. Stabilize your ladder, hose down the area and scrub as needed, use moss removal cleaners where necessary, and consider prevention with zinc or copper metal strips.
Now, you are prepared to protect your roof and stand up to pesky roof moss.
Need Helping Removing Moss from Your Roof? Discount Roof is Here.
Moss on your roof? Don’t sweat it. Discount Roof is prepared to help. We respond quickly and deliver long-lasting results every time. Oh, and we keep our prices affordable for every roof repair! Call our roofers today for assistance with removing moss from your roof.