Why Moss is Bad for a Roof and What to do About It
A lot of people wonder if moss growing on the roof of their home is a problem. If you have moss on your home’s roof, you should have it taken care of. Moss has the ability to damage your roof’s integrity greatly. This simple plant doesn’t produce any flowers and it grows in a blanket. You often will see it growing on trees in Clearwater. But you don’t want it growing on your roof.
Moss will commonly thrive in any type of environment that is shaded and damp. The moss will absorb the damp environment’s moisture and establish roots on the roof. This causes the roof to start degrading. The roots then can lift up the shingles on the roof. The constant moisture can result in mold and bacteria growth. This can eventually mean that you are having holes inside your roof so that your home is leaking. It also will make it dangerous to walk on a roof that is covered in moss since it will make the roof really slippery when it’s wet. You should monitor your roof for growth of moss and then treat it as needed. If you’re living in an area that live in a wooded area or that’s frequently wet, moss growth prevention is also important.
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, it’s very corrosive. It’s also going to damage the vegetation and cause your roof to be discolored. If you decide to go the bleach root, make sure you’re wearing the right protective gear, like a googles and mask and dilute the bleach. It’s possible that you’re 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 won’t damage your roof’s structure. However, it can potentially harm vegetation or wildlife. Be cautious when you’re in an area that has aquatic wildlife. This is a option that a lot of roofing companies offer when treating roofs covered in moss.
Prevent Moss
- Trimming tree branches around the area of your roof so that you are preventing further growth of moss.
- Keep the roof free from debris such as sticks and leaves
- Keep gutters clear and empty of leaves and other debris
- Zinc strips are among the safest ways that you can prevent future moss growth. Nail the strips along your ridge caps that are along your roof’s peaks. When you have rain, zinc’s released to your roof and will powerfully inhibit the growth of moss. They usually will last for a year and they’re going to work best when they’re put in in an environment free of moss.
Keep in mind that having moss on your home’s roof can lead to damage as time goes by and you should treat it as quickly as possible. It’s going to be a lot easier to deal with the new growth as opposed to moss that’s been growing there for a decade.