Is Moss Damaging To Roofs

A lot of care should be taken when removing moss because cleaning a roof could prove just as damaging to it than leaving the moss on it.

Is moss damaging to roofs.

The danger of moss lies in its ability to retain moisture. You should also consider that moss retains a great deal of moisture which may have a damaging effect to the roofs structure. In wet climates moss commonly grows into a mat a few inches thick. Roof treatment chemicals for algae lichens or moss may risk also damaging the shingles may corrode or discolor copper gutters or downspouts and if not rinsed off of flowers or shrubs or lawns it may damage these plants.

Furthermore moss likes to grow on cement and can agitate the bond between ridge apex tiles and your roof. Moss is different from algae lichen or mold fungi which are typically easier to clean and less damaging to a roof. It does not produce any dangerous spores or fumes it contains no poisons or irritants and it lacks the mass to physically damage any structures including roof shingles. As i mentioned before moss typically grows in the cracks between each shingle.

Left unattended moss can spread and cause all kinds of damage. Moss readily grows on roof shingles especially in the spaces between shingles where the spores collect. A small amount of moss is harmless but if it s left untreated it can cause significant damage and degrade the structural integrity of your roof. Once moss is removed there are less blockages and your gutters work more efficiently.

While moss is the most common form of growth on your roof homeowners should also be aware of the spread of algae and lichen as well as the buildup of organic matter such as fallen leaves twigs branches and nuts which will support the buildup of moss. However the greatest benefit of moss removal is on the gutters. If you remove moss from the roof then you will reduce the possibility of tiles suffering from winter cracks. Moss itself is harmless.