What damage can moss do to my roof?

Moss can damage and shorten the lifespan of your roof if it's not removed. Moss growth on roofs is caused by the buildup of moisture and organic matter, such as leaves and twigs. This build-up blocks water drainage on your roof, trapping water which leads to moss growth. The trapped water will eventually cause rotting or leaking in the shingles, leading to lasting damage that could cost you a lot of money in repairs down the line. In addition, moss growth also provides an ideal environment for other pests to set up shop around your home. So be sure to keep an eye out for any signs of moss growth on your roof and take care of it promptly!

What is moss?

Moss is a type of small, green plant that’s often seen growing on roofs. It thrives in wet, shady areas and can often be found near gutters or other moist parts of the roof. Moss spreads by releasing spores, and its growth requires enough moisture for the spores to germinate and survive. When moss grows on your roof, it has a tendency to trap water or debris which can damage shingles and cause leaks over time. Additionally, moss can also create an environment that encourages mould growth and decay of wood. To prevent this, you should regularly clean your roof and take preventative measures with special treatment to discourage future growth. Additionally, regularly clearing debris from gutters and maintaining good roof ventilation will help discourage its growth

Moss can cause the following damage to your roof:

1. Moss can shorten the life of your roof

Your roof's longevity can be extended with the proper removal of moss, lichen and algae. Left unattended, these organisms will start to attach themselves to the tiles and create small cracks. With harsher winters this can become a bigger problem as the water trapped by the moss increases when it freezes, causing further damage such as broken tiles or even holes in them. Removing this vegetation is essential in order to avoid any more destruction. By doing this, you can help protect your roof from further harm.

2. Moss can fall and cause slip hazards

If your roof is over run with moss, chances are fallen clumps of moss are a common sight around your property. Moss will fall as it builds up, especially after bad weather, cleaning up moss that falls from your roof can be a tedious daily endeavour. Whether it's your driveway, patio or paths removing this moss can become a never-ending task. The only way to stop this is by eliminating any existing moss on the rooftop. Not only is this problem annoying and messy, it can also present a serious slip hazard, it is important to resolve this and have your roof cleaned as soon as possible.

3. Moss can block your gutters

Gutters are created to ensure that rainwater is safely transported away from the roof of your home, safeguarding it against any possible water damage, dampness and other potential damages. One of the key culprits for blocked downpipes is moss, so if you take care to prevent moss build-up on the roof in advance, then you won't have to worry about later blockages. Clearing away the moss initially will go a long way in preventing this issue. When gutters become blocked, the water will not be able to flow through as normal. This can cause rainwater to overflow and pool around the foundation of a building or home, leading to potential foundation damage. It can also result in damaged fascia and soffit boards which are essential in protecting the exterior of the building from weather elements. Additionally, if left unchecked, clogged gutters can lead to ice dams forming on rooftops during colder months due to water freezing inside the gutter system itself. Helping to keep your gutters free of moss is essential for maintaining their long-term health and preventing costly damages down the road.

4. Moss is unattractive

Considering professional roof cleaning is an investment that pays off when it comes to selling your house or simply keeping up its attractive appearance. Not only does a clean roof and gutters look more appealing, but you can also have confidence knowing that your property is in good shape and well taken care of. When it comes to real estate, first impressions count significantly. Buyers are conditioned to make snap decisions based on the external elements of a property before they even walk through the front door. Curb appeal is critical and can have a major effect on how quickly a house will sell for, as well as its eventual sale price.

To conclude

Cleaning the moss off of your roof is essential in order to protect your home from premature aging and potential damage. Moss can be very damaging to the roof materials because it holds moisture against the surface. This can lead to the growth of mould and mildew, which can further weaken the material and cause it to deteriorate over time. Additionally, moss can block water runoff from draining properly off of the roof, resulting in standing pools of water which can cause structural damage to your home. Regularly cleaning the moss off of your roof is an important part of maintaining its health and lifespan, so make sure you clean any buildup regularly!

Finally, having moss on your roof isn't just bad for your home, it can also be an eyesore. Cleaning the moss off of your roof will help keep it looking sharp and boost its resale value in case you ever decide to sell it. So don't let moss take over your roof - clean it regularly and keep your home looking great!

By London Roof Cleaning