THE DANGERS OF MOSS AND ALGAE ON YOUR ROOF – FAMILY ROOFING

Posted on by David Reid

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THE DANGERS OF MOSS AND ALGAE ON YOUR ROOF

Have you noticed streaks of brown, black, or green on your shingle or tile roof?  If so, you may have seen the signs of algae or moss developing.  Moss and algae can wreak havoc on your roof and leave you with more issues than you thought possible.

Is it Algae or Moss on Your Roof: What’s the Difference?

One of the first steps you can take in solving your moss or algae problem is identifying which type of growth it is.  Moss and algae are not the same.  Moss is a plant that tends to build up into little mounds on the roof.  If allowed to grow unchecked, it will accumulate into rounded tufts.  Moss on your roof is typically green throughout the wet times of the year but can turn greenish-brown during the drier seasons.

Algae is not a plant, but an organism spread by spores.  It can be brown, gray, blue, or green.  Algae will grow flush against the shingles and fixtures on your roof.  It appears on the shingles in streaks that head down the roof pitch vertically.

HOW DO MOSS AND ALGAE DEVELOP ON ROOFS?

Moss and algae both develop on roofs as a result of damp conditions.  If you have trees overhanging your roof, the shaded areas tend to stay moist longer.  Shade is great, but the cool and moist area that results from the evaporative effect in the shade during monsoon time encourages moss and algae growth.  Wind can carry the spores to other areas of the roof as well.

WHY ARE MOSS AND ALGAE BAD FOR YOUR ROOF?

Moss and algae damage your roof because they retain moisture on the roof.  When your roof is continuously damp, shingles or tiles may begin to deteriorate.  Over time, your roof may leak.

Moss can also grow under shingles or tiles, shifting them in different angles.  The moss growth can dam water and redirect it beneath the shingles or tiles, which leads to water working its way inside.

Moss and algae are not great for your home’s curb appeal if you plan to put it on the market soon.  Nobody wants to see a roof they think they need to replace soon after they buy the home.

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT MOSS AND ALGAE FROM GROWING ON YOUR ROOF?

How to Prevent Algae and Moss on Roof Shingles

Moss and algae growth can be prevented, regardless of your roofing system or climate.  Homeowners who take steps to prevent moss and algae growth can protect their home’s structure for years to come.

  • Trim Your Trees – Overhanging trees can block sunlight from hitting your roof, and can trap moisture from heavy rainfall.  This can create the perfect environment for moss and algae growth.  Trimming back branches that extend near or above your roof will allow more sunlight to hit your roof.

  • Remove Debris – Removing debris from shingles and gutters often, especially after a storm, is another way to prevent moss and algae from growing.  Debris like leaves, twigs, and pine needles trap water against the roof, creating the perfect environment for moss and algae to grow.  By keeping roofs and gutters clear of debris, you can prevent algae from growing on your shingles.

  • Get Your Roof Professionally Cleaned – Professional roofing companies will know the safest and most effective ways to clean your roof.  Improper cleaning can cause granule loss on shingles or other damage, resulting in roof leaks or worse. This is why DIY roof cleaning is not recommended.

  • Consider Copper-Infused Asphalt Shingles – If your shingles are damaged, consider a different type of replacement shingle.  Copper-infused shingles prevent algae and moss from growing.  Some companies use zinc in combination with copper to prevent these types of growths.  Installing copper-infused asphalt shingles on your home will ensure that you’ll never have to worry about moss or algae again.

CAN YOU REMOVE MOSS AND ALGAE FROM YOUR ROOF?

Moss and algae may be removed or killed with a water hose and appropriate chemicals.  Using a pressure washer is generally not recommended, since you may also ruin your roof or shorten its life span because of the pressure of the water.  You would be better off addressing the root cause of the growth.

You should call a roofing professional to learn more about the safety and appearance of your roof.  Professionals understand the dangers of moss and algae, can find the correct source of the problem, and deal with it with the proper tools.  Professionals often use chemicals to kill the growths and prevent out-of-control growth.