Should You Be Worried About Moss Growing on Your Roof?
More than 80% of homes built in America have an asphalt shingle roof. This means that the majority of Americans face similar hazards when it comes to their roof. One common issue is moss growing on your roof.
Have you ever wondered why the moss grows? Is it something you need to care about? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about that moss growing on your roof, why you should care, and how to get rid of it.
Why Does Moss Grow on Your Roof?
Moss will thrive anywhere that is damp and shady. You’ll find it growing on fences, trees, rocks, and even your roof. Do you have a large tree shading a portion of your roof?
Start by looking in this area for moss growing on your shingles. The moss spores get blown up to your roof in the wind. Then the tree shades your roof and prevents moisture from evaporating as quickly as the rest of your roof.
Once established, the moss retains moisture like a sponge and then uses this moisture to spread and grow. Eventually, it can be several inches thick on your shingles.
Is Moss on Your Roof Bad?
The short answer is yes, moss growing on your roof is bad. If left to freely grow and spread, it will degrade the quality of your roofing materials and eventually compromise its structural integrity. You’ll then find yourself hiring a roofing contractor to replace your entire roof.
As moss grows, it’ll lift shingles and allow moisture to leak through. Then when it rains, it absorbs a high amount of moisture and holds onto it. This moisture encourages the wood to rot, which will attract bugs and rodents.
If it’s warm, the high amount of moisture will be the perfect environment for bacteria and mold to grow. These will create a health hazard for anyone living in the home.
Remove Moss Growing on Your Roof
The best way to remove moss from your roof is with a cleaner. You need to be careful because you don’t want to damage the shingles underneath. Avoid using a pressure washer or scraping your roof as this will remove the grit from your shingles.
Instead, start by getting the moss wet with a hose. Then spray a 50/50 mixture of water and chlorine bleach on the moss. Let this sit for at least 30 minutes.
Rinse the area with your hose. Don’t expect the moss to come off immediately. Over the next few days, it’ll dry out and blow away in the wind.
Other Options
If you’re serious about killing the moss on your roof, you can buy a pre-mixed solution at your local hardware store. You can also speed up the process of removing moss from your roof by using a soft-bristled brush.
Only brush in a downward motion towards your gutters. Brushing in an upward position can lift the shingles and cause more damage.
Maintain Your Roof
If you see moss growing on your roof, you need to act immediately. Letting the moss continue to grow will allow it to spread and cause more damage to your roof. Acting quickly to remove the moss prevents it from damaging your roof and prolonging its useful life.
Check out the lifestyle section of our blog for more tips and advice on living your best life and maintaining your home.
