Why Is Moss a No-No on Roofs?

Moss seems to grow on pretty much anything. It is a beautiful sight to behold but can be troublesome in certain places. Moss growing on your roof is one of those ‘certain’ places. Over time the unsightly moss can cause serious damage to the roofing material of your home or business. This article is a guide to 5 ways moss can damage your roof.

Reduce the Lifespan of Your Shingles

Moss will grow on almost any surface with enough moisture and sunlight. As the moss grows and produces more spores, it will cover your roof shingles. When moss grows thickly on the surface of shingles, it becomes harder for sunlight to penetrate them, which means they will wear out faster than usual.

Moss growth can also cause stains on your roof shingles, which will discolor them over time. If you have an asphalt shingle roof and you notice moss growth on your roof, it is important to act quickly before the stains become permanent.

Increase the Risk of Leaks

Moss makes your roof more susceptible to leaks. Moss will grow between the shingles and downspouts, causing the shingles to crack and leak water into your home or business. This is especially if you live in an area with heavy rains or snowfall during the year.

Leaks can cause significant damage to floors, drywall and ceilings inside your house or building. They also allow mold spores to grow inside walls causing serious health problems for people allergic to mold spores, such as asthma attacks and allergies.

Added Weight

Moss spores are very small and lightweight but multiply quickly once they start growing on your roof shingles. The spores spread from one shingle to another through wind and rainwater runoff, creating a thick layer of moss on your entire roof within just a few weeks of installation! Once this happens, the added weight of the moss makes it much more difficult for wind-driven rainwater to flow off your roof as it normally should.

It Can Clog Gutters and Downspouts

Moss grows on the upper part of your gutters, responsible for draining water from the roof. If this area is clogged, it will cause water to back up into the gutter and your house. With this much water coming down at once, the gutter system has trouble handling the excess flow, and water may spill over onto your property or even into your basement!

It Can Make Your Roof More Slippery When Wet

Moss causes more problems when it rains. This is because the water that collects on top of the moss makes the surface slippery. If you step on moss while climbing onto your roof or walking across it, you could fall off the roof or into your attic. This could lead to serious injury or even death.

It Attracts Bugs and Rodents

Moss can also attract bugs and rodents. It is also a good habitat for bugs and rodents and can be a breeding ground for insects. If moss grows on your roof, it may serve as a food source for insects. These pests can seriously damage your home over time by chewing through wiring, causing structural damage and spreading disease.

Bottom Line

Moss is a natural plant, but that doesn’t mean letting it spread on your roof is OK. The fact is that your roof, or the roof of your neighbor’s house, may bear the brunt of moss and lichen attack. The plant can be dangerous as it expands and grows without direction or control. And in extreme cases, moss can end up compromising the integrity of your roof altogether.

Roofing preventative maintenance from a trained roof expert is the best way to keep your roof in good condition. Although residential moss removal may solve your current issues, it is important to remember that the same problem could occur again in the future if you go without preventative maintenance.