7 Easy Ways To Get Rid Of Moss On Your Roof.
If your roof looks like it’s slowly being converted into a green roof, that’s a sign of moss on your roof. Not just moss but algae, mildew and other vegetation too might be calling your roof their home.
But, how do you get rid of this unwanted growth on your roof?
The easy ways to get rid of moss on your roof are by using chemicals or getting assistance from a roofing contractor. However, to prevent it from happening, you can keep your roof clean, avoid clogged gutters, trim trees around the house and maintain your roof.
In this article, we will look at why moss grows on the roof, how to prevent it as well as how to get cure it. If your roof has moss on it or if it’s prone to vegetation growth this article is for you.
Why Does Moss Grow On Roof?
Moss grows in many places and our roofs just happen to be one of those. The reason why moss prefers to grow on rooftops is mainly a combination of two things; Moisture and Organic debris such as fallen leaves, twigs, and nuts on the roof. Moreover, the lack of sunlight is a boon for the growth of moss.
The more the amount of water and debris accumulated on your rooftop, the greater the chances of moss growth. If your roof is well-shaded by trees, it likely prevents evaporation of the moisture and creates a suitable atmosphere for moss growth.
Many-a-times some roofs support the growth of moss that goes unseen for a long period. Moss, algae, and lichen prefer to grow under the shingles of your roof as this is where the moisture is trapped.
Moss, algae, and lichen grow on your roofs because your roof offers everything these single cellular plants need to thrive.
Is Moss Bad for Your Roof?
Yes! Moss is extremely bad as it damages the roof. For some types of low-sloped roofs, it can be an immediate problem. As moss can grow on these roofs just in a couple of weeks. In other types of roofs, it takes months for moss to grow to a detectable height.
If left unattended, moss can grow a few inches tall and embed itself under the shingles of your roof, or in small cracks, and loosen the granular surface. This traps the excess moisture against the roof which in turn renders all the roofing products useless. This trapped moisture will then lead to the slow but gradual decaying of your roof.
So, if you have moss on your roof, your house may look like it’s straight out of a Disney movie. But these tiny plants can cause serious damage to your roof.
How To Combat Moss Growing On Roofs?
There are always two ways to combat moss on your roof; Prevention, and Cure.
Prevention
If your roof is prone to moss growth, it’s best to apply preventive measures beforehand.
Trim The Nearby Trees
The first thing that supports moss growth is shade. So, if you have trees lining up around your house it’s best to trim them periodically. Make sure there are no overhanging branches.
Now, this method could cost you a bit, but it’s a good fix as it would allow sunlight to hit your roof and discourage moss growth.
DIY Hacks
You could get a bit creative and a lot more budget-friendly by using baking soda, baking powder, salt, soap, and vinegar to curb the growth of moss on your roof. An equal mixture of household bleach with water is an effective fix too. DIY methods may save you some bucks, but they need to be done regularly to prevent moss on roofs.
Plus, these hacks need to be performed when the sky is comparatively clear and there would be no rain for at least a week, for these methods to take effect.
Roof Maintenance
This preventive method needs no separate introduction, scheduling regular roof maintenance will save you a lot of effort. It will not just keep the moss on the roof in check but inspect your roof for any other damage as well.
Clean Your Gutter Regularly
Clean your gutter at least a few times a year. You may want to do it at the start of every season. If dried leaves, twigs, and other debris get stuck in your gutters it may clog the drainage. The collected water along with the accumulated ground is favorable for the growth of algae, moss, and other vegetation.
Algae-Resistant Shingles
Algae-resistant shingles are available in the market these days. Their name indicates their purpose. There are zinc and copper granules on these shingles that repeal the growth of algae.
If you can’t afford to replace all your asphalt shingles with these, you can replace only your worn-out shingles. Algae-resistant shingles are a permanent solution to moss, algae, and other vegetation growth on the roof.
Keep Your Roof Debris Free
As we have established above algae grows on damp roofs. If there is debris on the roof, it would retain water better and facilitate moss growth on the roof.
Just keeping the roof clean solves a majority of the roofing problems including algae and moss growth.
Cure
If you were late to prevent the moss growth you can always get rid of the vegetation by the following cures.
Chemical Treatments
Chemicals can be used to prevent as well as to get rid of moss on the roof. Chlorine for instance can be used to prevent as well as get moss off the roof.
Make sure to research the chemicals you spray over your roof before using them. Follow the instructions and make sure you have the necessary equipment and safety gear to perform the task.
Roofing Professionals
Although DIY cures may be a little cheap they are sometimes not worth the risk. Especially if you are not confident to get on the roof or you lack do not have the equipment and safety gear needed.
It’s always advisable to hire a roofing contractor to get rid of that moss for you. The professionals will make sure your roof is as good as yours and do the work in an efficient and precise manner.
Conclusion
We hope this article has offered you the information you seek about how to keep your roof moss free. If you need answers to any more questions related to moss on your roof, feel free to drop your question in the comment section. We will get back to you.
Also, if you need professional help to get rid of the moss that’s been growing on your roof, call us Anytime!
Leak-Stop is a one-stop destination to meet your roofing-related requirements. We offer roof repair, replacement, maintenance and inspection services all over GVRD (Greater Vancouver Regional District).
We offer a free inspection to first-time clients. Connect with us TODAY at 1 866 777 0084 for immediate assistance!