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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

Managing Moss and Algae on Your Roof

Why is Moss Bad for Roofing?

Moss and algae tend to grow in damp, shaded areas and can cause damage to your roof both directly and indirectly.  If you allow large patches of moss to grow on your roof, these patches hold water against the surface of the roof, which can cause the roofing materials to rot.  In addition, the water trapped by the moss pools in gaps between your roof’s tiles, and as that water freezes and thaws it can pull the tiles apart, causing even more damage!  However, removing your moss can be just as dangerous and cause just as much damage.

Structural Issues

Roofs are not designed to hold the weight of a person or to be walked on.  Many roof cleaning companies will state that they need to actually send someone up on to the roof in order to remove the moss.  This can actually do more damage than it’s worth.  Broken tiles and the risk of injury are just a couple of reasons why you should never stand on your roof.  If you need to clear your gutters or retrieve something from your roof, always use a ladder and never over-reach.  You could end up doing more damage to yourself than good to your roof.

To combat the growth of moss and algae on an existing asphalt shingle roof in the short term, there are a few handy solutions available.  Moss and algae growth on asphalt shingles can be a common problem for homeowners, especially those living in damp and humid climates.  If left unchecked, moss and algae can cause considerable damage to your roof, leading to leaks and other costly repairs.  Having moss and algae inspected and removed from your roof by professional roofing contractors will help prevent damage and maintain the longevity of your roof overall.

Moss or Algae: What’s the difference?

Often mistaken as mold or mildew, the black discoloration and streaks visible on many roofs across the United States are algae.  The algae can form where moisture tends to dwell on roof surfaces.  Coastal or humid climates create the most conducive conditions for algae growth.  The algae discoloration typically begins as small spots then quickly transforms into streaks on the roof plane.  By the time the algae are visible, it has been present for several months or longer.

Moss, on the other hand, is a plant that collects water through its leaves, rather than its root system and requires a moist environment to survive.  In the rainy areas, moss is a common fixture.   We see it primarily on north facing slopes which receive less direct sunlight and stay damp longer than the other sides of a roof.

Overhanging tree branches provide additional shade and drop debris on the roof that further holds in moisture and acts as a food source for moss.  Unlike algae, moss can cause the leading edges of shingles to lift or curl, which increases the risk of shingle blow-off during wind events.

Prevention

The best way to deal with moss and algae on your roof is to prevent it from growing in the first place.  Regular roof maintenance, including cleaning gutters, trimming overhanging trees, and clearing away debris such as leaves, twigs, and branches is the best way to start.  Roofing contractors will often use a broom or leaf blower to clear the roof.  These practices will help prevent moisture buildup on your roof and reduce the likelihood of moss and algae growth.  In humid climates on roofs without algae protection, shingles can manifest black streaks in as little as three (3) years.

Why Not Just Clean the Roof?

What Maintenance Options Are There for Moss and Algae on Old Asphalt Roofs?

If you are not yet ready to reroof your home with new algae resistant roofing shingles, there are some remedies (with their own pros and cons) that can limit buildup of moss and algae on the roof.

• Chemical treatment: This treatment method involves applying a specialized cleaning solution to the affected areas of the roof.  The solution is designed to kill moss and algae and prevent it from growing back.

Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the roof with a garden hose or pressure washer set to general cleaning.  Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the solution.  Then, repeat as necessary.  Depending on the severity of the moss and algae growth, you may need to repeat this process a few times to completely remove it from your roof.

• Manual removal: Manual removal involves physically scraping moss and algae off the roof with a scraper or brush.  This method is labor-intensive and time-consuming but can be effective for removing small patches of moss and algae.  It is important to remember that excessive walking and movement atop shingles can also dislodge their granules and prematurely age them.

• Installing zinc or copper strips: Having these on the roof can also prevent moss and algae growth by also releasing metal ions that inhibit their growth. These are best installed when getting a new roof.

With a little bit of elbow grease and some common household items, you can remove moss and algae from your asphalt shingles and maintain your existing roof. However, it is helpful to keep in mind, especially if you live in a damp and humid climate, that some shingles are specifically designed for algae resistance and help prevent algae buildup on the roof.  Finally, always prioritize safety when working on a roof, and in most cases, it is highly recommended to simply call a professional roofing contractor.