Keeping Your Seattle Home Free Of Moss Is Essential In The Damp Weather
While beautiful, green moss makes our forests beautiful, it’s not good for your roof. Most people are unaware of how destructive the plants can be to their roof. Since moss thrives in damp environments, areas of the roof that get the least amount of direct sunlight, like north-facing sections or areas shaded by tree limbs, make an ideal place for moss and algae to grow. Once moss establishes itself, it absorbs rainwater like a sponge and can spread across the entire roof and grow a few inches thick. If your roof is not kept clean and well-maintained, roof moss and algae can shave years off the life of your roof.
What Is Moss And Where Does It Come From?
Algae is the black staining that you see on roofs. Moss, the green fluffy stuff you see on the roof, feeds on the algae. And when you add tree debris, like needles and leaves, then these moisture issues can be compounded. Not only does moss and algae look bad, but they are also very destructive. Moss is a non-vascular plant that absorbs water through its leaves instead of roots. Its seeds, called spores, are tiny one-celled reproductive units that become air-borne and make their way onto roofs through wind, birds, squirrels, and other small animals.
Once the spores get on the roof, they gather in the spaces between shingles and grow into thick spongy moss. The tiny moss roots dig into your roof and the roof granule surfacing is compromised. This makes the roof vulnerable to ultraviolet light degradation. This damage shortens the life of your roof. And when moss creeps under the roofing material, it breaks the seal which makes your roof even more vulnerable to damage.
When the moss has crept underneath your shingles, tiles, and slates, wind can uproot them causing holes and damaged shingles. This uprooting can lead to leaks and your roof’s structural degeneration.
Treating Algae and Moss Growth
There are some common methods to treat areas that have algae and moss, but they aren’t very effective. One is to use a zinc strip. Zinc does kill moss, but typically only for a few feet down the roof and only for a limited time. You also have to nail through the roof to install the zinc strip, which further damages your roof. Another treatment is to use a zinc or chlorine-based detergent on the roof. These are corrosive chemicals that are bad for the environment and don’t prevent the algae and moss from regrowing. Pressure washing also damages or even destroys the roof.
So, we’ve developed the Guardian Solution. We start with a professional consultation and diagnosis. Then we use our gentle process to remove the big moss and debris from your roof, which exposes the algae. We then apply our environmentally safe algae loosening solution and gently rinse away the leftover debris leaving a clean and safe roof. Our process works for asphalt composite, concrete tile, and wood shake. And of course, it does make a big mess while the job is being done, but don’t fret, our professional technicians thoroughly clean up before they leave.
To protect a homeowner or business owner’s investment, the National Roofing Contractors association recommends that your roof be extensively inspected AT LEAST once a year- if conducted correctly an inspection and regular maintenance program will not only add years to the life of the roof, but it will detect minor problems before the damage is widespread and costly.
Guardian Roofing recommends that your roof be inspected at least once a year. Doing this, and investing in a regular maintenance program, can prolong the life of your roof, give you the peace of mind, and prevent damage to your home.
When your home is ready for a new roof, repairs, or maintenance, you need a reliable, dependable roof repair company. You count on you roofing contractor to keep your home safe and dry. Guardian Roofing is committed to providing top-quality service, professionalism and workmanship.
If you are looking for a roof repair contractor please call us today at 877-926-9966 or complete our online service request form »
