The Impact of Tree Shade on Roof Cleanliness: Tips for Shaded Homes

Nobody knows the importance of taking care of your roof more than the experts at West Coast Moss Removal – the local leading provider of roof maintenance, roof cleaning, and preventative measures. While we are constantly battling moss growth and algae growth in our wet and temperate Pacific Northwest environment, we also enjoy an excellent growing season that can provide many benefits to your home, yard, and roof. Having trees around your home will increase available shade in the summertime, provide added insulation, and – of course – beautify your landscape. Of course, nothing is perfect and tree shade does come with its own set of roof maintenance challenges. Lucky for you the experts at West Coast Moss Removal are here to help.

How does shade affect roof cleaning?

While added shade is a much desired asset for most home owners, limited sunlight does add a level of challenge to maintaining your roof. Sunlight naturally dries out damp surfaces, and by limiting sunlight you may actually promote moss growth and algae growth. As we have discussed before, both moss and algae can shorten your roof lifespan by trapping moisture and slowly breaking down the integrity of your shingles.

If you have trees growing over your home you also run the risk of increased debris accumulation. You may be wondering should I trim trees overhanging my roof? The short answer is yes. Trees will naturally shed leaves, needles, and branches which will accumulate on roofs. All of this tree debris will further trap moisture and potentially clog up your gutters and drains. While a shaded roof adds a level of comfort and beauty to your home, it also requires a heightened level of roof maintenance to ensure it continues to function at its highest capability.

Maintaining a Clean Roof in Shade

One of the easiest and most efficient ways to maintain a clean roof in shade is with proactive trimming. By allowing for some sunlight penetration and air circulation under your canopy, you will better stave off moss and algae growth. Tree trimming, however, is no easy task and is best left to a professional arborist to protect your home and safety. The more shaded your roof, the more regularly you should plan on cleaning it of debris. Again, working at heights can be a real risk and we recommend hiring a professional to handle this task for you. Finally, promoting roof ventilation will help dry out moisture and reduce moss and algae growth. Consult the experts at West Coast Moss Removal to assess your ventilation system and suggest any potential improvements.

While shade is an undeniably wonderful thing to incorporate into your property and landscaping, it is a fine balance between maintaining a healthy roof and reaping the benefits of a healthy forest canopy. Preventative maintenance is best and, like many home improvement projects, this will likely save you money in the long run. If you have a shaded roof or are hoping to gain one by planting some trees, we urge you to call the experts at West Coast Moss Removal for a free consultation and to discuss personalized cleaning and maintenance plans!