What Causes Moss To Grow On A Roof?
Posted on: 8 April 2016
In certain areas of the country and on certain properties, moss growth can be a problem on rooftops. Knowing what to do in the event that moss begins to grow and knowing how to fix the problem can help you take care of your home. This FAQ will address the issue of moss growth and what you can do to protect your home.
What causes moss to grow on a roof?
Moss prefers to grow in wet, cool areas with a lot of shade. It can be a particular problem in mild climates with cool, damp winters, and in shady places with a lot of vegetation, like wooded areas.
Why is moss growth a problem on a rooftop?
Moss can trap in moisture on a rooftop for a long time. While this may not be a problem at first, over time it can cause water damage and deterioration of the parts of the roof.
What can you do to get rid of the moss?
To get rid of the moss, you'll need to get a long-handled, stiff bristled broom, and you'll need a bucket containing oxygen bleach and warm water. Do not stand on your roof during this process. Stand on a ladder near the edge of the roof, and use the broom to scrub the shingles and remove the moss. Do not push up against the bottoms of the shingles so that they lift up off the roof--this could cause them to become damaged. Brush down on the shingles to pull the moss toward you. Dip the head of the broom into the water every few minutes to refresh the bristles. When you're finished, spray the roof with a strong jet of water from a hose.
What can you do to prevent the moss from returning?
You can prevent the moss from returning by nailing zinc strips to the top ridge of the roof beneath one of the top layers of shingles. When rain water flows over the zinc, it will distribute a natural fungicide over the roof to prevent moss from returning. You can also remove overhanging branches from nearby trees. Overhanging branches can throw the roof into shade and drip rain water onto the shingles, thus promoting the growth of moss.
One of the best ways to prevent moss from returning is to install a metal roof. Moss often will not stick to metal, which makes metal roofs much less susceptible to damage. While you may not be ready to replace your roof right now, you can consider replacing your shingles with metal roofing in the future when your old roof is no longer serviceable. For more information, contact a professional roofer like JD Metals in your area. He or she can help you install zinc strips on your current roof, or give you a quote for a new metal roof.
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