How to Protect your Roof from Moss

How to Protect your Roof from Moss

How to Protect your Roof from Moss?

Moss can be your roof’s worst enemy. Not only is moss on your roof an eyesore, but it can also have a significant impact on the structural integrity of your roof and its materials. Left unabated, moss can contribute to the breakdown of shingles and underlying materials making your roof prone to damage and leaks. With that in mind, it is incredibly important that you protect your roof from moss. But, what can you do? Here are some of our top tips for how to protect your roof from moss.

Roof Maintenance

The single most important step in protecting your roof from the damaging effects of moss is a regular roofing inspection and maintenance schedule. Roofing professionals recommend that you have an experienced roofer inspect your roof at least once a year. In fact, most roofers will conduct biannual inspections of their own roofs – usually around the fall and spring seasons. Regular inspections allow for roofing maintenance to be conducted as needed and on a convenient schedule rather than waiting for disaster to strike before making repairs. During your inspections, signs of moss growth can be easily identified so that action can be taken.

Yard Maintenance

This sounds weird, doesn’t it? After all, what does yard maintenance have to do with roof maintenance? As it turns out, they have quite a lot in common. Large trees with branches that hang over your roof contribute to debris building up on your roof. This debris can capture moisture while branches block the sun which makes for the perfect environment for moss to grow. Pruning large trees to prevent leaves and twigs from collecting and decaying on your roof can go a long way to preventing moss growth.

Gutter Maintenance

For very similar reasons, it is important to regularly clean your gutters. Debris caught in gutters prevents adequate water run-off from roofs which can once again contribute to the ideal environment for moss growth. Depending on your climate and the potential for debris on your roof, gutters should be cleaned at least once or twice a year. But take care! Unless you have the appropriate safety equipment, all roof work including gutter maintenance should be conducted by experienced professionals.

Managing Moss

Even with the best laid plans, moss may grow. There are a few approaches to dealing with moss. First, anti-moss strips can be utilized in cool, damp climates where moss is almost certain to grow. Zinc and copper strips can be installed on a roof to prevent the growth of moss. Alternatively, there are chemical mixtures that can be used to kill moss if it’s already there. In most cases, these solutions will need to be re-applied regularly to kill moss and prevent its damaging effects on your roof.