Why Is There So Much Moss On My Roof

Metal roofs if pitched adequately rarely accumulate moss.

Why is there so much moss on my roof.

Moss doesn t always mean you re destined for a whole new roof nor does it mean your home has water or moisture damage. If you notice moss or algae on your roof don t panic. Moss is most problematic on composition roofs which are the most commonly installed roofs in this region. If you have moss on your roof it s likely because your roof is shaded by trees or other structures allowing moisture to linger and moss to grow.

Most of the time roofs shed water from the outside well enough that moss buildup isn t caused by weathering. The constant moisture can result in mold and bacteria growth. Dirt or particles on roofs can create places for moss to start growing so the primary preventative each year is to clean your roof. It is really important to remember roof algae is a living organism and needs food to stay alive.

Moss starts as a thin green layer on and between shingles but then it proceeds to lift those shingles up as it grows allowing water to seep underneath. Moisture and organic debris. Moss is a non vascular plant that absorbs water through its leaves instead of roots. If sections of your roof are under heavy tree cover these are prime spots for moss to thrive.

This causes the roof to start degrading. The presence or absence of much sunlight on a roof surface is often a determining factor in the amount of moss or lichens growth more sun less moss and lichens. This can be done by having it swept and blown once or twice a year when dry to remove leaves twigs and any dirt particles. Sunlight reheats the roof evaporating moisture.

After blowing apply baking soda at the ridgeline in late summer. The more water and the more debris the greater the chance of moss growth. The typical cause is twofold. Moss tends to form in areas where it is shielded from the sun.

Why is it important to keep your roof moss free. Another critical factor is the amount of shade your roof receives. I find moss growth starts within a few years of installing a new composition roof. Hello wood rot and leaks.

The moss will absorb the damp environment s moisture and establish roots on the roof. The best in this regard is metal. The roots then can lift up the shingles on the roof. Moss thrives in cool damp environments.

If your roof is not kept clean and well maintained roof moss and algae can shave years off the life of your roof.