Will Growing Plants On My Roof Damage The Roof

By angela ryczkowski moss growing on a roof may or may not be considered attractive or quaint but there is no doubt that extensive moss on a roof can seriously damage the roof by growing under and.

Will growing plants on my roof damage the roof.

Consider trimming tree branches to expose your roof to more direct sunlight. Clogged gutters can in themselves cause damage to roofing systems. How to prevent tree growth on a roof. The root system of plants shrubs and trees will quickly destroy a roof membrane and the insulation beneath.

Clogged gutters cause water to back up on the roof rather than running off and this standing water encourages plants. Limit shade and clear any debris that could lead to moisture on your roof. From your description you may have lichen growing on the surface of your roof. Plant and tree overgrowth will often generate problems when large limbs become suspended or hang over the roof area.

It doesn t trap as much water against the surface of the roof as moss but it can be acidic and has strands that can penetrate into the shingles. Again its a living plant on the roof surface. Well that doesn t really apply to roof cleaning since dirt debri are not the main cause of the black coloration of a roof. It s a combination of algae and fungus and usually has a light mint green color.

The best way to prevent moss from growing on your roof is to minimize its ideal growing environment. A significant and important part of maintaining your roof involves removing any plant overgrowth that can cause it harm. The vines do not adhere to the roof as ivy would but are held in place by gravity and friction. Therefore killing the plant is the goal in roof cleaning.

Roofs are also vulnerable and plants should never be allowed to grow to the height of the eaves. If you do some research on roof cleaning you will learn that it is in fact a plant on the roof surface. Roof treatment chemicals for algae lichens or moss may risk also damaging the shingles may corrode or discolor copper gutters or downspouts and if not rinsed off of flowers or shrubs or lawns it may damage these plants. As opposed to just rinsing some of it from the surface with water.

When roof drains scuppers and gutters are blocked by environmental debris and growing plants they cannot divert water away and ponding water and or leaks are likely. This is because they can start to enter the roof space and dislodge tiles crack timbers and the holes the plant makes can encourage vermin bats insects and all sorts of creatures to make their home in your roof. My roof is asphalt shingle and the pitch is 1 3. Inspecting your roof and identifying any problems with the plants or trees that surround your home can help minimize the risk of damage during a storm.

The best prevention strategy may be to combine all of these roof protection methods. Once cleaned consider installing gutter guards. In two places i have vines growing up walls and then spreading out on the roof. Does not remove dirt debri.