Moss growth is commonly seen on rooftops as wind currents carry its spores, and roof surfaces in humid areas are a predisposition for its unstoppable spreading. Such surfaces are ideal for moss formations since they’re soaked during rainfall and provide constant water runoff.
Roofs with space between roof tiles and those facing north are especially susceptible to growing moss since the species prefers darker, more shady, humid environments. The same goes for corners with restricted airflow and slow water evaporation.
And while the best option is to prevent moss from growing in the first place, it’s challenging when it comes to rooftops, as prevention means moisture reduction. That’s why we’ll talk about roof demossing and its benefits for you and your property.
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Why is moss removal necessary for your roof surface?
It’s time to go into detail about the importance of timely roof moss removal. We’ll discuss the five main benefits it will bring to you and your property in detail below.
It prevents damage to the roof structure and prolongs its life.
The roof is the cover of your building and the protective layer that needs to remain strong. Unfortunately, if it gets damaged, you might find yourself in need of urgent repairs or even an entire replacement, which can turn out to be a very costly affair.
When moss starts to form on a roof surface, it spreads and adapts into any fissures, small cracks or open space between the roof shingles or tiles. Once inside such areas, it begins to conserve moisture which is detrimental to your roof throughout all seasons, especially in winter.
That’s because, in winter, we can observe subzero temperatures, which cause the water to freeze. Once the water preserved in the moss freezes, it begins to expand. Frozen moss can cause damage to your roofing structure, similar to a case where a pipe freezes and bursts.
That being said, it’s only logical to try and remove moss as soon as you see the first signs of growth. This way, you can avoid broken tiles and preserve your roof for as long as possible.
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It prevents roof leakage and rainwater from coming inside the house.
Of course, one of your roof’s main jobs is to protect your house from rainfall and keep the inside space dry and enjoyable. However, when moss grows on the surface, it creates a risk of obstructing the drainage system and causing leaks.
If you’re wondering why that is, let us explain. Imagine a pitched roof where the path for the water to run off is clear. Now imagine a roof covered with tiny sponges. When the rain falls, sponges absorb the moisture and keep it there for a long time.
And that’s what moss is like – a tiny sponge. You can imagine how detrimental constant exposure to moisture can be for a roof – it can damage roof tiles, shingles, wood beams and rafters, compromise the structural integrity and create safety hazards for the inhabitants.
Instead of waiting for the worst to happen and spending significant money on roof repairs, we advise you to act on time and schedule an appointment with a professional moss removal service company.
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It brings back the good looks and adds curb appeal to your property.
The moss growing on your rooftop creates a shabby and neglected appearance, suggesting a lack of care and attention for your property which might not necessarily be the case. In addition to vegetation growth, decay and degradation can also be observed and negatively affect the property image.
If you remove the moss formations, you clear the surface of unsightly growths and make it look neat and well-maintained. What’s more, you prevent moisture damage and slow down any degradation processes that might occur on a structural level, which also helps you preserve the good look for longer.
Roof cleaning can significantly improve the looks of your moss-covered roof and the overall property appearance. The service will not make your roofing structure only more robust but also aesthetically pleasing. This will help impress visitors or customers and sell or rent your property if you have such intentions.
It reduces the risk of damage caused by clogged gutters.
Gutters are an essential part of your building as their goal is to protect it by creating a reliable drainage system during rainy days and carrying the rainwater away from the house and into the soil. Gutters significantly reduce the risk of structural damage due to permanent dampness and water penetration.
Keeping your gutters clean and the water path unobstructed is crucial for every building. Interestingly, moss is among the most common causes of pipes and gutters clogging, along with leaves, bird nests and snow. It can either directly grow inside or fall from the roof surface and get stuck in the gutters.
Timely moss formation removal from your rooftop reduces associated risks such as staining, water damage, overflow, wood decay and leaking. In addition, it prevents pests and insects from breeding inside the clogged gutters.
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It protects you from other dangers and saves you time and money.
A frequently asked question is if roof moss is potentially harmful to you and your family’s health. While the vegetation is entirely safe, it might create favorable conditions for mold formation. Mold is a fungal growth that can harm humans by producing allergens, irritants and toxins.
The best way to prevent mold from growing is to remove any moss formations as soon as you notice them. Demossing your roof can also save you time and a significant amount of money in the long run in various ways.
Let’s mention a few of them:
- It reduces dampness and increases energy efficiency saving you money on associated utility bills.
- It ensures proper rainwater drainage and saves time and money associated with water damage repairs.
- It improves the overall appearance of your property and, thus, its value for a sale or a sublet.
- It reduces deterioration rates and prolongs the roof’s lifespan, which saves you money from early roof replacement.
- Timely demossing can save you time and money on moss removal services, as the covered area and the necessary work hours will be less in the early stages of moss development.
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Should you remove moss from a roof, and when is the right time to do it?
Yes, you should remove the moss from your roof and do it as soon as you notice small patches of growth. That’s because moss can be detrimental to your roof tiles and structure, clog gutters and cause leaks, attract pests and cause mold formation.
There’s no “right time” for removing moss per se since various factors may influence it. As a general rule of thumb, call a professional service company at your earliest convenience because moss growth isn’t affected by the weather, meaning it doesn’t die off in the hot summer or the cold winter.
However, moss can freeze during winter and cause significant roof damage, so inspecting it before the cold arrives is good. On the other hand, removing it before spring will prevent the moss from becoming a breeding ground for pests and bugs and the birds from making nests and clogging the gutters.
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What is the best way to roof moss removal?
While removing the green moss from your roof by yourself is an option, we strongly recommend refraining from such activities if you don’t have previous experience, the right equipment and a helping hand for two reasons.
The first reason is that climbing on rooftop surfaces is dangerous, and you’re at a greater risk of physical injuries. The height is not the only factor, as accumulated moisture inside moss can make the surface more slippery and thus increase the chances of falling even more.
The second reason is that you may leave remaining moss unintentionally or cause roof damage. For example, power washing can break tiles and cause leaking inside the house, and harsh roof moss-killer chemicals are generally harmful to the residents’ health and the roofing material.
That’s why the best way to remove moss from a roof is to find a professional company and schedule a service appointment. This way, you guarantee that the job will be done properly, you won’t risk your health, and your roof will remain strong for longer.