Is Moss Bad for Your Roof? Understanding the Impact

This blog post will answer the question, “is moss bad for your roof?”

Moss growth on rooftops is a common problem for homeowners, especially in damp, shady areas.

This article looks at whether moss actually damages roofs and what can be done to control it.

Is Moss Bad for Your Roof?

Credit: South Thames Roofing

Yes, moss is bad for your roof.

Moss retains moisture against shingles, which leads to deterioration and leaks over time.

The dampness caused by moss growth encourages rot, mould, and decay.

Moss should be removed to prevent severe damage to roof structures.

Key Points

• Moss holds moisture against shingles, causing rot and decay
• Dampness from moss can lead to leaks, mould growth, and roof damage
• Moss should be thoroughly removed to extend roof life

Our Opinion

In our professional opinion as roofing experts, moss poses a real threat to roof integrity and should be addressed quickly.

Even small amounts of moss can retain moisture and cause underlying deterioration.

We recommend vigilant moss removal and drying out of the roof to prevent costly repairs down the road.

Don’t wait until you have major leaks, as the damage may already be done.

Does Moss Damage Roofs?

Moss itself does not damage roof tiles or materials. However, moss can still cause problems if left to spread unchecked:

• Thick moss retains moisture against the surface, which can lead to rot and leaks over time.
• Moss blocks gutters and drain pipes, preventing proper water runoff.
• The added weight of moss can loosen shingles and tiles.
• Moss provides a foothold for larger plants to take root, damaging the roof further.

So while moss alone does not damage roofs, the secondary effects of moisture retention, added weight, and clogged drainage can compromise integrity. Preventing moss growth is therefore recommended to protect your roof.

What Problems Can Moss Cause?

Credit: EcoWatch

In addition to potentially damaging roofs over time, moss growth can lead to other nuisance issues:

• Moss looks unsightly and can reduce curb appeal.
• Spores released from moss can stain exterior walls and surfaces.
• Moss growth encourages other organic materials to accumulate, creating potential fire hazards.
• Thick moss absorbs rainwater instead of allowing runoff, which can lead to flooding issues.
• Moss may allow increased access for pests like mice or insects seeking shelter.

So while moss itself is harmless, overlooking a moss problem can lead to bigger headaches down the road. Staying on top of moss removal protects your roof’s function and your home’s aesthetics.

How to Prevent Moss Growth

Once moss takes hold, removing it can be challenging. Prevention is the best solution. Here are some tips to stop moss before it starts:

• Improve drainage and reduce moisture. Fix any leaky gutters, downspouts or flashing. Trim back overhanging trees.
• Increase sunlight exposure. Thin out shady trees and bushes to allow more sunlight to reach the roof.
• Apply moss-inhibiting treatments. Speciality roof coatings containing zinc or copper sulfate deter moss growth.
• Install zinc or copper strips. These moss-resistant metal strips can be installed along the edges.
• Clean the roof regularly. Remove any moss, debris or organic material before it accumulates.

Stopping moss from taking hold in the first place will save you from more difficult removal down the road. A little prevention goes a long way.

Removing Moss Safely

If moss has already established itself on your roof, removing it requires some care. Here are a few tips for safe, effective moss removal:

• Wear protective gear. Gloves, goggles and a mask will keep you safe during the removal process.
• Use a moss killer first. Applying a moss killer a few days prior will begin breaking down the moss, making removal easier.
• Gently scrape away debris. Use a plastic scraper or brush to lightly scrub the dead moss away.
• Rinse with a garden hose. A gentle stream of water will wash away moss remnants without damaging roof shingles.
• Apply a moss-resistant coating. Treat the roof with a moss-inhibiting product to prevent regrowth.

Patience and gentle abrasion are key for removing moss buildup. Avoid harsh scrubbing or pressure washing, which can damage shingles. With proper technique, you can restore your roof’s moss-free appearance.

When to Call a Professional

While DIY moss removal is possible for many homeowners, there are times when it’s best to call in a professional:

• Extensive moss growth. If moss has spread across large sections of your roof, removal may be too big a job to tackle yourself.
• Steep or high roofs. Safely accessing and working on tall or angled roofs requires special equipment and training.
• Lichen growth. Removing lichen along with moss requires stronger chemicals that are best applied by professionals.
• Roof damage. If moss removal has resulted in damaged or worn shingles, a roofer can assess and repair them.
• Prevention and maintenance. Hiring a roofer to treat and coat your roof can provide ongoing moss resistance.

Don’t risk injury or roof damage – if in doubt, contact a licensed roofing contractor. Their expertise can restore your roof safely and minimise future moss problems.

FAQ

Should you remove moss from the roof?

Yes, moss should be removed from roofs to prevent damage. Moss holds moisture against the roof, which can lead to rot, leaks, and mould growth. Removing moss helps extend the life of your roof.

Is moss on the roof really a problem?

Moss on roofs is a problem because it can retain moisture, which causes damage over time. Moss can lift and crack shingles, allow water infiltration, and lead to decay of the roof deck. Even if moss itself doesn’t cause damage, the moisture it retains can.

How do I get rid of moss on my roof naturally?

You can remove moss naturally using a stiff brush, hose, or pressure washer. Vinegar or hydrogen peroxide can also help kill and remove moss. Be sure to thoroughly scrub and rinse the roof to remove all moss debris.

Can moss on the roof cause dampness in the house?

Yes, moss on the roof can lead to dampness in the house. Moss holds moisture against the roof, which can seep through cracks or openings. This moisture can then make its way into the attic or living space, causing dampness issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, moss growth on roofs is generally detrimental and should be removed. Moss retains moisture against the roof surface, which can lead to rot, leaks, mould growth, and structural damage over time. Thorough moss removal is recommended to extend the life of your roof and prevent dampness issues in the home. Overall, moss is bad for your roof as it compromises the integrity and can cause thousands in damage if left unchecked.