When there is moss growing on the roof, it can impact the life of the roof and the health of all those living in the house. Various roofing materials like asphalt shingles, wood shingles, and roll roofing are the perfect environment for the moss to thrive. When there is moss growth, you might have to consider replacing Roofing Mississauga. Moss is the green or the black slimy growth on the roof. This growth usually happens due to prolonged waterlogging. If you have ever been bothered by moss growth and wondering what you can do to prevent or slow down the growth, read on.
What causes moss growth?
Moss usually grows in the parts of the roof which are shaded and experience dampness. The more sunlight the roof gets, the lesser the chances of moss growth. However, suppose the roof has more moisture and is often exposed to low temperatures due to shade. In that case, it creates the ideal environment for algae and moss to grow. When they begin to thrive, they impact the coating of the shingles, which makes them more susceptible to frost damage.
How to prevent or slow down the growth of moss?
- Raking: raking the moss off from the roof is one of the fastest ways to get rid of it. Make use of a leaf rake, and make sure you are gentle while raking so that the roof’s surface is not damaged.
- Washing: Carry out power washing by using a power washer. Using a soft brush with water is also a great idea. However, this method can either break the shingles easily or loosen the protective mineral granules on the shingles’ surface. One needs to be careful while using the power washer.
- Opt for Algae Resistant Shingles: when you get your roofing done, opting for algae and moss-resistant shingles might seem like an expensive option. But it can help to bring down future costs by preventing any damaged food from moss. If trees surround your house, you must opt for this type of roofing.
- Use copper or metal strips: As moss can’t grow on metal, so you can install copper ridges on the roof. When the rainwater interacts with the metals, it releases minerals and salts, which are helpful in the killing of the algae.
- Sunlight: if there are tree branches or unkempt trees are surrounding your roof, you need to get them trimmed. The shade promotes the growth of algae and moss. Regular trimming and tending to the trees can provide the roof with sunlight which hinders the growth of algae and moss.
- Removing Existing Moss: The moss which is already growing on the roof can be killed off with the help of cleaning mixtures. Using bleach and water can help remove the moss which is growing on the roof. Mix bleach and water in equal amounts. Then pour this mixture on the area which has been infected by moss. Rinse it off after few minutes.