Should I Remove Moss From My Roof?
Removing moss from your roof is a topic that is widely debated. Does it do more damage to leave the moss growing on your tiles or does removing it harm your roof even more?
The jury seems to be still out on this one. Many people believe that removing the moss can actually do more damage than leaving it alone. They believe the moss helps protect the roof from weathering and other elements, so if you remove it, you could be exposing your tiles to damage.
The truth is quite the opposite. Moss damages your roof. Removing it helps your roof last longer.
Moss and algae tend to grow in damp, shaded areas and can cause damage to your roof both directly and indirectly. If you allow large patches of moss to grow on your roof, these patches can hold water against the surface, which can cause the roofing materials to rot.
The water trapped by the moss pools in gaps between your roof’s tiles, and as that water freezes and thaws it can pull the tiles apart, causing even more damage! However, removing your moss can be just as dangerous and cause just as much damage.
So, if you’re going to give it a go yourself this weekend, think about the following points before climbing that ladder…
Thinking about standing on the roof to clean the moss off? You don’t need to. There are many ways to get the job done without having to stand on the roof. One way is to use a pressure washer. You can either buy or rent one. Be sure to use a low-pressure setting and aim the spray at the moss. You may also want to try using a mixture of vinegar and water. Spray this mixture onto the moss and let it sit for a few minutes. The vinegar will kill the moss and make it easy to remove.
If your roof appears dark and discoloured, it’s probably time for a good cleaning. Be aware of some things to try and avoid so you can get your roof looking new again.
Of the damaging elements, moss is one of the worst. Moss can seriously impact asphalt shingle performance by causing them to buckle and blow off, eventually resulting in leaks. While algae are mostly harmless to your roof, they can impact its aesthetic appeal. So, it’s important to know how to deal with it. Climbing on your roof frequently damages your roof and shortens its life by loosening the granules on your asphalt shingles.
It is probably best to leave roof cleaning to the professionals. There are right ways and wrong ways to care for your roof.
Some cleaning chemicals can cause adverse reactions to materials such as lead flashing. This can result in staining on both the lead itself as well as other parts of the roof. Professional roof cleaners will use specialist products that reduce the risk of this happening.
If you’re looking to keep your roof in top condition for as long as possible, you need to let professionals take care of it. Contact West Coast Moss Removal to remove the moss from your roof. Our experienced team knows what to look for and what to watch out for, so you can get the most life out of your roof. Fill out a brief confidential online form for a free quote.