Moss is a natural element in nature that grows on trees, shrubs, and other plants. It thrives in moist and shady environments, and if it gets into your gutters, it will overflow onto the roof of your house, where it will soak into the wood, rot and eventually damage your home’s structure.
Moss on the Roof
As moss grows, it binds itself to the shingles and creates a thick mat that holds moisture. This causes water to accumulate and slowly work its way into the seams of the shingles, damaging the shingles’ granules. This process can destroy the shingle’s protective layer in just a few months.
The best way to prevent moss is by making sure your roof is in good condition and maintained properly. You can do this by trimming back trees that shade your roof, removing dead leaves and other debris from the area, and cleaning out your rain gutters regularly either DIY or by hiring a professional gutter cleaning service like Gutter Cleaning Fairfax.
During the winter, your gutters will need to be cleaned out as well to remove snow and ice that can freeze in cracks and spaces, causing the gutters to break or expand. It is a good idea to make these inspections twice a year or more often depending on the amount of debris that builds up in your gutters.
When cleaning your gutters, inspect the interior of each of the sections. This can reveal gaps between straight connectors, loosened hangers and small cracks that may need to be repaired.
A professional roofer can inspect your roof, identify any underlying issues and suggest the best way to fix it. This can save you money in the long run by preventing costly roof repair or replacement.
How to Remove Moss Without Damage on Your Roof
Removing moss from your roof can be done physically, chemically or with a combination of both. When choosing between these methods, opt for the least-toxic option.
The use of chemicals can be harmful to the environment and cause damage to nearby plant life, so you should only use these products if they’re labeled as safe. You should also protect your plants by using plastic sheeting to cover them when moss removal is underway.
Liquid Solutions
Removing moss with a spray-on liquid solution can be a quick and easy way to do the job, but it’s important to keep in mind that these products are very powerful. They can be flammable and can leave behind fumes that can affect the air quality of your home.
For best results, you should only spray the moss at a low angle to prevent it from catching fire. You should also only apply the solution to a cloudy day as the chemicals will not evaporate as quickly.
You should also not use pressure washers or high-powered blowers to remove moss. These tools can cause shingles to rip, chip or lift in place, causing permanent damage to the shingle’s surface.
If you’re looking for a less toxic solution, you can try mixing chlorine bleach with water and then spraying it on the roof. Be sure to rinse the surface thoroughly afterward.
