Moss On Roof Tiles: Is It a Problem?
The answer is yes, but not always. A variety of factors can influence moss growth, including the environment you live in and the materials used to construct your home. The most common types of moss that we see growing on roofs include;
- Fungus – This kind of moss proliferates and will often appear as small patches or clumps. They tend to thrive when there’s lots of moisture around them. If this happens, they may cause problems such as dampness inside walls and ceilings.
- Lichen – These kinds of mosses usually form thin layers over flat surfaces like rooftops. They also need good conditions to survive so they won’t normally grow too far away from their original location.
- Algae – Some algae species actually help keep our environment clean because they break down pollutants into harmless substances. However, some other varieties of algae can become invasive pests that spread rapidly through waterways and ponds. If your home has been built with slate or tile roofing material, the chances are high that moss could be present. Slate and tile roofs have an advantage over traditional shingle roofs because they don’t allow water to penetrate between the individual pieces of stone. As a result, these roofs stay dry for longer periods than those made out of asphalt shingles.
Why is Moss Bad for Shingles?
If moss starts to grow on your roof, it’ll likely begin to damage your siding. In fact, if left unchecked, moss can even lead to rot within wooden structures. When moss gets onto your house, it creates its own microclimate by trapping heat and humidity. This means that any rainwater that falls on top of the moss will soak right through to the ground below. Once this occurs, the soil becomes saturated and begins to erode. Eventually, the erosion causes cracks in the foundation of your property.
How Do I Know If My Home Has Moss Problems?
Several signs indicate whether or not your home needs moss removal services. One way to tell is to look at the exterior of your home. You should notice areas of discolouration near skylights & roof windows and doors. Another sign would be to check under eaves and along gutters. There might also be evidence of mould growth underneath tiles or shingles. Finally, take note of how much moss is covering your roof.
How to Remove Moss from Roof Tiles?
There are many ways you can tackle moss growing on your roof tiles. The most common roof cleaning method involves using an organic solvent such as vinegar mixed with warm water. This mixture should be applied directly onto the mossy area once every few weeks until the moss has been removed. You could also use a brush to scrape it off and use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to get the moss off your roof. You mustn’t use harsh chemicals to remove moss because they may damage your roofing materials.
You can also use moss remover or moss killer – a chemical solution. However, the downside is that it could pollute the environment. Nevertheless, if you choose to use chemicals to get rid of moss, ensure that you take adequate safety precautions. Use rubber gloves, protective goggles and a safety rope while climbing up your roof.
You can also use a pressure washer or a power washer to remove moss from your entire roof. Make sure that you wear protective clothing while doing this job. Also, ensure that you only spray the moss-covered surface. Don’t spray the surrounding area since it could cause harm to plants and trees nearby.
Finally, professional moss removers specialise in getting rid of moss from roofs and preventing future moss growth. Their methods involve applying specialised products which contain enzymes that dissolve moss without harming anything else.
The benefit of Moss Removal
The benefits of having moss removed include improved air quality, reduced energy costs and increased curb appeal. These factors all contribute towards making your home more attractive to potential buyers.
How to Prevent Moss from Growing on Roof Tiles?
There are many ways to keep moss at bay, including:
Regularly clean your roof with a high-pressure hosepipe nozzle to ensure no standing water where moss may grow. This method works best if used regularly throughout the year.
Using anti-mildew products such as borate-based solutions to help kill any existing moss before it has time to establish itself. These products work well against mildews, fungi and algae. Using a fungicide spray to treat areas where moss tends to flourish. Make sure that you follow all instructions carefully to avoid harming plants and animals nearby.
If you notice signs of moss growing on your roof, contact us immediately! We’ll provide you with expert advice about how to remove moss safely and effectively.
Conclusion
It’s easy to see why moss can pose problems for homeowners. Not only does it create unsightly patches on your home, but it can also ruin building materials. Fortunately, there are solutions available to prevent moss from spreading further. You could either remove the moss yourself or hire a professional roofing service to do the job for you. Either way, we’re here to assist you 24/7, so feel free to call us anytime.
View our previous blog post here: How Long Do Concrete Roof Tiles Last
