What Is Moss?

Moss spreads all around the world and are found in wet environments. They are also common in urban areas with a wet climate and often establish on driveways, sidewalks, brick walls and other man-made structures. Mosses require water to reproduce which is why they struggle to survive in drier climates.

What does It Cause?

Moss itself is harmless. It does not produce any dangerous spores or fumes, it contains no poisons or irritants and it lacks the mass to physically damage any structures, including roof shingles. The danger  lies in its ability to retain moisture.  The number one problem caused by roof moss is rot because the roof remains moist, roof flashing’s can start to erode, causing roof leaks. When it covers the roof, however, it can trap the moisture, preventing it from properly evaporating.

Ignoring the moss on your roof for years at a time, may significantly shorten the lifespan of your roof. The moisture actually softens the material, leaving it with a much higher vulnerability to elements like rain and wind.

Other Problems:

Excessive moisture can contribute to another, more serious problem: mold. Mold is much more hazardous, and it grows on moist surfaces. If a mold colony grows on your roof, the fungus can cause permanent damage. You can only free your roof of excess moisture by eliminating moisture-trapping organisms like moss.

Treating Moss:

If you find moss growing on your roof, the best way of killing it with equal parts bleach and water. Spray the bleach over the moss and scrub it with a scrubbing brush. If it’s really stubborn, spray it with the bleach and wait about 15 minutes before scrubbing. The lapse in time will allow the bleach to break down the organisms. Use extreme caution when working on the roof, or call a professional roofing service to remove the moss on your behalf.

It can be a real pain to remove, but roofing companies make great strides in new roof treatments that repel the plant life from ever-growing on your roof, and if they’re using tried and true methods as well as unique technology, you’ll be satisfied with their efforts.