The presence of the green tinge atop the roof may look close to nature, but it isn’t what your roof requires. This rustic presence is definitely bad news for the roof. This is what moss on the roof is.
How Moss is Not Good for the Roof?
Yes, moss isn’t good for your roof. And in fact, moss is the most damaging factor to the roof. It not only brings a change in the look and feel of the roof but also damages the structural integrity of the roof. The moss growing on the roof is deemed a nemesis to it and degrades the roof’s structure. It gives the breeding ground for bacterial growth and mould to develop, which further leads to leaks and holes in the roof. Not just this, moss growth on the roof also means that you are not able to walk on the roof. It makes the roof slippery.
What Causes the Build-Up of Moss on the Roof?
If your home is an area that receives longer shade then it means that there would be frequently damp. Also, depending on rain and snowfall, it can lead to a rise in the dampness. Cool-weather as well as moist environment also encourages the growth of moss on the roof. The degree to which the sunlight is present or absent also determines the level of growth of algae and moss.
Why is it Important to Clean Moss from the Roof?
The basic property of moss is that it retains water. This means that the roof is subjected to more structural damage caused by the dampness. Your roof can also see the emergence of winter cracks. It can also disturb the bond between the tiles and the roof. The moss isn’t just damaging to the roof, but also the gutters as well. Higher moss growth leads to more disposal of mould and debris in the gutter, leading that to work inefficiently.
How to Clean the Moss from the Roof?
With so much of the damage possibilities caused by the moss, it is important that you should be looking for roof moss cleaning services that understand your unique requirements and provide specific cleaning assistance. Cleaning the moss from the roof isn’t a high performance and big task.
However, for large moss build-up (whether you have ignored it for a longer duration, or you are moving into a property that has moss built-up on the roof), rather than doing it on your own, it is better that you get it done from a professional. This cleaning process should be done on a seasonal basis or when the need arises. For little moss build-up you can carry out the cleaning on your own, but you should do it in consultation with a professional. Steps for moss cleaning from the roof:
- Brushing All the Loose Moss
The professionals will come dressed in the cleaning clothing outfit, complete with the cleaning tools and equipment. The first step that they take is brushing off the entire loose moss from the roof shingles. They place the ladder, from where they want to access and move to the roof. The next process is to hose off the intended space of the moss growth with plain water, towards a downward angle.
The brush used is a soft-bristle one with a long handle so as to cover the large area during sweeping. The scrubbing is done from the top to the down, in a gentle way. Covering a small, specific area, scrubbing is done whilst avoiding cracking or ripping off the shingles.
- Applying Cleaning Solution
This cleaning solution can be DIY or a market-available one as well. If the first step isn’t able to clean off the moss from the roof, then this cleaning solution is used. The cleaning solution can be from different types, depending on the moss build-up degree, purpose, and the preference of the cleaner. The ideal way to use the cleaner is on a cloudy day, as it will mean that it won’t evaporate quickly. The professional cleaners can also use plastic sheeting below the work area so as to not let the deck or shingles get damaged by the cleaning solution.
How to Prevent Future Moss Growth
- After cleaning the moss, it would do a world of good for you to implement the correct steps to prevent future moss growth:
- Make sure to regularly clean the roof of any leaves, sticks, and other such debris.
- If possible, try having your roof receive enough sunlight so there is no dampness.
- Trim the nearby tree branches so that won’t leave your roof shaded for a large part.
- The gutter should also be left free of leaves.
- Installing zinc or copper strips alongside the ridge caps also helps in limiting the moss growth.
When looking for roof moss cleaning services, ensure that they don’t use a pressure washer on the roof. This may lead to the removal of granules and causing damage to the shingles.
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