Everyone worries about a tree falling on their roof. But fuzzy green moss poses a big risk to your roof, too! Moss growth is one of the first things our roof maintenance team looks for when inspecting a roof. Let’s find out why moss is so bad for your roof  — and what you can do about it.

 

What is moss?

Because of the cool, moist climate in the Portland area, a lot of stuff can grow on your roof! Homeowners often mistake algae and mildew for moss — and vice versa.

Roof moss is a more damaging and troublesome concern. While mildew and mold tend to discolor your roof with streaks of black or brown, they’re less likely to cause actual structural damage. Moss on the other is green and grows in clumps.

 

What are signs of moss damage on my roof?

Be on the lookout for green “fuzzy” clumps appearing on your shingles or growing up between the shingles. If you see shingles that look like they’re expanding or starting to peel off, that’s another sign of possible moss growth, too.

 

Why is moss so bad for your roof?

Moss is like a sponge. For its size and mass, it can hold a lot of moisture. When it gets wet, it expands. This is what causes shingles to come loose or fall off as moss grows. Additionally, holding water directly against your roof will cause water damage to the substructure of your home and roof. 

A moss-free and dry roof is a happy roof!

Plus moss is also unsightly and can reduce your home’s curb appeal.

 

 

More causes of roof leaks

  • Trees and debris – While falling tree limbs may cause damage to the roof that causes a leak, debris that accumulates slowly over time is a major cause of roof leaks, too. Debris on your roof attracts moisture and pests which can lead to leaks.
  • Severe weather – Wind can blow off shingles and during cold weather moisture trapped in your roof can freeze and expand, causing leaks.
  • Lack of maintenance – If you’re not having your roof inspected and repaired regularly, your chances of a small problem leading to a big leak are greatly increased.
  • Skylights and chimneys – Improper installation and even small cracks/imperfections can cause leaks during rainy weather.
  • Overall roof age – No roof lasts forever. As your roof ages, it will become more prone to leaks and other issues.

Get your roof inspected today!

 

 

Do DIY roof moss removal methods work?

Just like any plant life, moss can be killed. Many DIY moss removal methods involve a diluted solution of bleach and water followed by power washing. Unfortunately, this method isn’t foolproof and doesn’t provide the benefits of professional moss removal treatments.

Power washing can actually cause damage to your shingles and may even force moss deep into your roof where it can do more damage! Plus, working on your roof is always dangerous, especially when it’s wet and slippery.

 

All Around Maintenance goes beyond moss removal

Moss removal is only the beginning. You have to keep the moss from growing back. Our moss removal team’s process provides four levels of protection:

  1. Our technicians start by removing moss and other debris by hand
  2. Then we thoroughly scrub away any remaining moss or plant life
  3. Next, we eliminate clogs from your gutters and downspouts
  4. Finally, we apply industrial-strength moss removal agents

The problem with just kill the moss is that it leaves the dead moss behind to rot and attract insects and other pests. By first removing the moss from your roof and then applying protective chemicals, we greatly reduce the risk of moss growing back.

While our moss removal agents are powerful

But we don’t stop there. Our moss removal service is 100% guaranteed. If you see any signs of moss growing back within 6 months, let us know. We’ll come back to your home and reapply our moss removal treatment for FREE.

 

Is roofing over an existing roof a good idea?

Many homeowners are interested in the idea of “re-roofing” as a way to reduce the cost of repairing/replacing their home’s roof. In this process, new shingles are laid down on top of the existing shingles, creating a new roof over your existing roof.

While appealing, this idea is not without its drawbacks:

  1. Any moss trapped in the underlayer of the roof can continue growing and causing damage.
  2. You can only complete this process once. You can’t put a third roof on top of the second roof.
  3. When the time comes for a brand new roof, you may find the money you saved will be spent repairing the structure of the roof and removing 2 layers of old shingles.
  4. When selling your home, a roof over an existing roof may make purchasers wary, reducing your overall property value.

If you are thinking about roofing over your existing roof, make sure there’s no moss on your roof! Eliminating moss before starting a roof-over-roof project can reduce your headaches (and costs) in the future.

 

Let’s talk!

The rainy season is never far away here in the Portland area. Call us at (503) 209-2023 to get more information about how we can help you protect your roof and your home.