For shingled roofs, moss can be the enemy when it comes to protecting it from damage. Not only does it impact the look of the roof, moss is a plant that can seriously damage the integrity of the entire roofing system. Keeping your roof free of moss growth can help minimize damage and extend the lifespan of the roof, protecting your investment.
Why Moss is Detrimental to Roofs
There are many types of algae, fungi and molds that are attracted to the crevices on roofs, but none are as detrimental to the structure as moss. Moss absorbs water and thrives in areas that are cooler and moist. When moss spores find their footing in between shingles, they begin to sprout roots and create a spreading carpet of soft moss. While it may not look threatening, if left in place, it can have serious consequences for the roofing system.
When moss takes hold and grows on a roof, any rain or moisture that is available is absorbed by the plant. Moss holds this moisture at its roots, often down under shingles on the roof. Over time this trapped moisture can seep into the roof’s underlayment and eventually the sheathing. The top layer of moss acts like a barrier to keep the moisture trapped to feed the roots, which also allows rot to occur under shingles. Eventually this can cause damage to the underlayment, sheathing and frame, creating leaks and other structural damage.
Cleaning Away Moss
Cleaning away moss before it has a chance to damage the underlying structure of the roof is the best solution. However, removing moss must also be done carefully to reduce the risk of damaging the shingles during the process.
At Roof to Deck Restoration, we can safely and effectively remove moss and algae from your roofing system to protect it from damage and keep it looking like new. We use an environmentally-safe solution that kills moss and algae, then we gently wash away the remains to restore and protect your roof. Contact us at 651-699-3504 today to schedule your roof cleaning to extend the life of your roofing system.