Now that the damp months are over, it is time to step outside and get a closer look at your house and yard. Looking up, you’ll probably see a nice layer of moss on your roof that you may think gives your house a rustic, fairy tale look.
You may be correct if we speak about the cosmetic appeal—however, moss belongs in an enchanted forest, not on your roof. Furthermore, a layer of moss on your roof can cause considerable damage on the roof, and you’ll have to hire professional help to deal with this problem.
No matter the romantic feel it adds to a house, moss on the roof is a strong reason for concern. If you get lazy and leave it to overgrow, then you should prepare to face the consequences. When we talk about consequences, we indeed mean that moss will eat through your roofing material, and you’ll have to spend serious resources on repairs.
How Moss Destroys Roofs?
Moss is a plant that does not have true roots but has tightly packed stems and leaves. Due to its growth patterns, moss grows in clumps, acting as a sponge, and it can absorb large amounts of moisture. This results in constantly wet patches on your roof.
It does not matter if your roof is made from metal, wood, asphalt, slate, plastic, or any composite material; moss is a real threat. One of the risks is the moisture that can gather in the moss clumps and threaten the roof’s structural integrity.
Another risk is the insect life that usually lives in moss clumps. These insects are often attractive to birds, and your roof can become a feeding ground to flocks of birds that can cause further damage. Also, if any moss clumps break off, they can clog your gutters and drain system, which can cause further damage and costly repairs.
How to Clean Moss from Your Roof?
When looking to clean your roofs from moss clumps, the obvious solution would be moss killer. However, this is not a good option, as moss killer contains chemicals that could interact with your roofing material, or contaminate the soil in your yard.
Physical removal of the moss deposits is the best solution when dealing with considerable moss growth. Power washing may work for pavements, but it is not a solution for roofs as the water pressure can cause damage to the roof.
To remove the moss, gently brush it with a soft brush in a downward movement to prevent loosening the roof shingles. It should loosen the moss clumps, and you can wash them off with water without damaging your roof.
If you don’t have the time or necessary equipment, we suggest you hire a professional roof cleaning crew that can deal with your problem efficiently and professionally. Also, think about installing copper or zinc ridges on your roof to prevent further moss growth. Additionally, make it a habit to clean and maintain your roof at least once a year to prevent lasting damage and unnecessary expenses.
