Shingle roof replacement cost is around $8,000 to $12,000 on average. This is a huge expense that most homeowners are not prepared for.
If you have moss growing on roof, you should take action. It is never a good idea to let things grow on your roof without resolving the issue.
Roofs can withstand a great deal of wear and tear over the years. But they are vulnerable to some kind of damage and may require repairs if left unmaintained.
Keep reading to find out what to do if you see moss growing on roof.
Is it Bad to Have Moss on a Roof?
It is a bad thing to have moss growing on roof. This is something that you should address instead of letting it get out of hand.
Moss can take over and quickly grow to a much larger extent. It may not look serious at first, but before you know it moss could be covering the entire roof.
Any roof with shingles is already vulnerable to moss growth. These are breeding grounds for moss and provide the perfect home for it to flourish.
Here are some examples of damage from the moss that you may be able to see.
Moisture and Weight
Is moss on roof harmful? The reality is that this can be very harmful to your roof since it is so wet.
Moss is moist by nature and tends to keep extra moisture. If the weather is wet and rainy, the moss will be absorbing all this water.
Having moisture on the roof at all times can start to cause rot. Repairing roof damage from rot is substantial and could even require a roof replacement.
But that isn’t the only issue to be concerned about. Moss is also very heavy as it collects water and grows.
This can add a huge amount of weight to your roof that it is not able to hold up. If this’s left untreated, the weight could cause your roof to cave in.
Pests and Growth
Another problem that moss brings to the table is pests. Certain bugs and rodents may come onto the roof to make their home in the moss.
There are also plenty of pests that thrive off of eating moss. This can lead to property damage as well as these pests making their way into your home.
If left as it is, moss will continue to grow very dependably. It will spread out over your roof and even push underneath the shingles.
This will quickly turn into a more severe issue as it damages the roof. The structural integrity will be depleted and extensive repairs will be necessary.
Danger and Curb Appeal
There are many dangers that moss brings when it grows on your roof. One of these dangers is that it makes the roof very slick.
This could cause you to slip and fall if you are going onto your roof. This also makes it dangerous for any roof repair company that you hire to come to inspect your roof.
The curb appeal of your home will also be significantly damaged. Homebuyers will immediately notice the moss and be turned off of that option.
It is very unsightly, but it also shows a lack of maintenance. No homebuyer is going to invest in a home that could cost them a roof repair later on.
This could even bring down the value of your entire neighbourhood. This is why it is so important for all homes to stay maintained and in good condition.
HOA Standards and Leaks
Depending on where you live, your HOA may be particularly picky about moss. If that is the case, you could receive a fine for allowing moss to grow.
You may receive a few warnings before you receive a hefty fine. If action isn’t taken, these fines could add up as well as repair costs.
Another thing that could happen is leaks developing in your roof. This is a very serious problem that can lead to interior and exterior damage.
The moisture from the moss can start to leak into your home and damage the structure. This could also happen in an attic, where you may not notice it until it has caused a great deal of damage.
How to Remove Moss
Removing moss from roofs is necessary to fix this problem. Is moss growing on roof? There are a few solutions you can try on your own.
There are some cleaning solutions available that can be bought to kill the moss. Or there are some combinations that you can make at home, such as a bleach solution.
This can kill the moss when you spray it on the growth. These DIY options are great if you only have a few small patches of moss growth.
This is still very manageable and something you could tackle safely by yourself. Keep in mind that it is always a good idea to have another person help you if you will be on the roof.
But it is always better to hire a roofing company instead. They will have all of the equipment that is necessary to do the job much better than you could.
They will be able to do inspections to check for moss before it ever gets out of hand.
Moss Prevention Solutions
Now that you know more about moss on roof and the dangers it poses, how do you prevent it? Moss prevention solutions help you to avoid ever having this problem.
Sometimes this is inevitable, and there isn’t much you can do to prevent it. But you can keep a watchful eye and reduce the chances of your roof becoming overrun with moss.
Algae Resistant Shingles
There are shingles mixed with granules of copper and zinc particles. These materials helped to keep moss and algae from growing on a shingle roof.
This is one of the best preventative steps you can take for your roof. It may seem costly at first, but it can save you money in the future.
Trim Trees
There are several reasons why you should trim nearby trees. All experts agree that trees should be trimmed back from the home to prevent roof damage.
Branches run the risk of falling and damaging the roof’s exterior. But tree branches also provide shade which is the perfect environment for moss on your roof.
It grows best in wet and shady environments, allowing it to grow and spread. If you trim back trees from your home, you are exposing the roof to sunlight.
This will allow the roof to dry so that it isn’t holding onto any moisture. This will help to prevent the growth of moss, to begin with.
Any moss that does take form on your roof will quickly dry up and die.
Remove Debris
Part of residential roof maintenance includes keeping debris off of your roof. If you notice things like branches or leaves, these should be removed quickly.
Anything that is sitting on your roof could start to collect moisture. If this moisture is not able to run off or dry, moss could start to grow.
Leaving debris on your roof is also asking for a variety of other roof problems. If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning it up yourself, you could always hire a roofing company.
Clean Gutters
Every homeowner should have a gutter cleaning schedule they follow. Gutters need to be cleaned out a few times every year to prevent roof issues.
Debris flows into the gutters and can start to clog them up. This can result in the water being unable to leave, resulting in it overflowing onto your roof.
All of this moisture encourages moss to grow and thrive. This moisture could also do a variety of other things to your roof that you do not want.
Many roofing companies offer gutter cleaning and can do this on a schedule. This ensures that your gutters will always be cleaned before they become an issue.
Moss Growing on Roof: Dangers and Prevention
Have you noticed moss growing on roof? This is a serious problem that should be addressed as soon as possible.
Moss is a growth that can quickly spread over your entire roof. It holds water and can add a great deal of weight that your roof may not be able to hold up.
Do you need a roofing company to help repair your roof after moss growth? Contact us today at Allied Exteriors to request a quote.