Many people are not aware that moss can affect the structural integrity of the roof and ultimately render your home unsafe. If left untreated, moss can virtually degrade any roofing material, whether it's wood, asphalt, metal, clay or concrete. This is where moss removal becomes essential. Victoria Window Cleaning is a locally-owned and operated business that has been offering residential and commercial cleaning services since 1967. All our technicians are fully insured, bonded and supervised. We specialize in pressure washing, post-construction clean-ups, gutter cleaning, moss removal and more. In this blog post, you will learn more about why moss is harmful to your roof.
What Is Moss?
Mosses are small flowerless plants that can grow on various artificial and natural surfaces, including rocks, sidewalks and structures such as buildings. They spread quickly and are very difficult to remove. They thrive on cool, damp and shady surfaces, but certain species have adapted to grow even in dry and sunny conditions. They tend to become a significant problem in cool and wet areas. They rely on the wind for dispersing their spores. Your roof will be more prone to moss growth, where taller structures or tree branches will shelter it. If unchecked, especially during rainy periods, it can grow up to a few inches.
Why Is Moss on the Roof Bad?
Moss can soak up huge amounts of water like a sponge. But unlike a sponge, it can't be rung out. This means that the moisture in it will seep through the roof, soak the underlayment and wet the wood sheathing below. The damage to the roof caused by moss can also lead to thin spots, holes and eventually leaks. Also, water gets trapped by the moss present in the gaps between your roof's tiles. When this water freezes and thaws, it pulls the tiles apart, resulting in further damage. Besides, a big mat of moss can be heavy. This can lead to hundreds of kilos of extra weight. Your roof isn't designed to support that much weight. All this will ultimately affect the roof's structural integrity and shorten its lifespan.
Tips for Moss Prevention
Certain tips can be followed for preventing moss, such as:
Having your trees pruned. Branches that hang over your roof can drip moisture and stimulate additional moss growth.
Keeping your gutters unclogged and cleaned. Moisture that is a result of ignoring clogged gutters can lead to moss growth.
Getting your roof inspected regularly. This will help stop moss growth before it gets extensive.
We Can Help
If you notice that your roof is covered by moss, don't attempt to remove it yourself. You should call a professional for help. There are many methods for removing moss. It ranges from spraying chemical solutions on your roof to pressure washing. The staff at Victoria Window Cleaning is trained in all the methods of moss removal. We can also remove moss from driveways and decks. Read our blog post - Pressure Washing Service by Professionals in Victoria, BC – for knowledge on how pressure washing can keep your roof clean. Call us to learn more about our services.