Moss and Algae
Moss and algae are both a nuisance when they start to grow and spread all over your roof. They aren’t the only substances that can cause an expensive roof repair, however. Some of the biggest dangers to your home’s roof include trees, pests, and harsh weather conditions such as rain or snow.
This doesn’t mean that moss and algae are just to be ignored. Both of them need moisture in order to thrive, so if you spot any sign of them, you should consider getting your roof checked out. This is because your roof should not be retaining pools of water. Moss and algae growing suggests that there is enough water on the roof for them to thrive. This is not a good thing because pooled water can put pressure on your roof and eventually cause cracks and leaks and will require immediate roof repair.
It also suggests that your gutter system isn’t working effectively, because a gutter is supposed to drain water away from the house. While you’re checking your roof, you should take a look at the gutter too. It might be as simple as simply lifting out some leaves to remove a blockage.
What Causes Moss to Form on a Roof?
Moss doesn’t simply grow out of nowhere. It exists in the form of spores (like mold inside the home) and travels from place to place using either wind or animals as its mode of transport. If it lands in an area which has all of the things it needs, it soon grows and spreads. Therefore, you know that if you can actually see the green fuzzy patches of moss on your roof, it is an ideal environment.
The moss forms when there is excess moisture that doesn’t dry off after rain. This is a bad sign because it means there is a problem with your roof. It should be noted that moss prefers dark, damp areas, so you will find moss most often on the north facing side of your roof. This is because this is the area which gets the least sunlight. If you live in a sunny climate it is less likely that you will have to deal with the problems of moss.
However, always exercise caution and don’t just assume you won’t get it. Even in warmer areas there is still rainfall, and there are always shady areas of a roof no matter where you are.
How to Remove Moss
There are a wide range of moss-removal products available in home improvement stores across the country. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on these expensive mixtures. You can make a simple homemade cleaner that will remove moss quickly and cheaply.
All you have to do is mix good quality liquid chlorine bleach and water. Make sure the proportion is 50:50. Next, apply it to the roof (preferably with a sprayer for even coverage), leave for twenty minutes, and rinse off gently using low pressure water. Never wash a roof using a pressure washer. Use a standard hose or a bucket of water instead. That’s all there is to it!
The Integrity of Your Home
Moss and algae removal will help to keep your house in better condition. This is especially important during the colder seasons when the weather is more severe and your roof is really put to the test. Why not get up onto your roof now while it’s still warm and check to see if your roof needs cleaning, repair, or replacement before the cold weather sets in? Organizing and fixing things now (if necessary) will save you a lot of discomfort if you find yourself in a freezing house full of leaks come wintertime.
Why Should You Remove Moss?
Moss should be removed as soon as you spot it because it can cause shingles to curl. Curled shingles are more likely to be vulnerable to heavy winds. In more serious cases, moss can even cause the roof to leak by absorbing the water that should be drained off into the gutters. The heavy moss will then put pressure on the roof, and excess water can gain entry into your home.
The Importance of Roof Maintenance
Maintaining your roof is very important. It is the Rocky Balboa of your house, fighting off hazardous weathers and keeping the framework sturdy. Roof maintenance is beneficial for a number of reasons. Conducting occasional roof inspections help save you money, because you can address small issues immediately before they turn into bigger ones.
There are a variety of ways to maintain your roof. Clearing debris regularly, evaluating the overall effectiveness of your roof by assessing its age and quality of material, inspecting your attic for holes and cracks, and hiring a professional roof repair contractor to conduct regular maintenance will all work wonders.
Like anything in life, you get out what you put in. Neglecting your roof means it will be a poor investment that will not last as long as it should and will cause you extra money on regular repairs. Taking a small amount of time to look after it extends its life, avoids an expensive roof repair, and helps keep you and your family safe.
Professional Consultation
Taking care of your home is essential in order to preserve a good quality of life. Looking after your roof is just one of the things you should do regularly around your home. Home life isn’t pleasant when you have to place pots and pans in every room to catch water. If you want to live in a dry, cosy home, be consistent about checking out the condition of your roof.
Now that you’re on board with taking care of your home, you should note that there are still times when you should consult a professional roof repair contractor. Every housing material has a shelf life. Nothing lasts forever. If you’ve been living in your home for a while and the roof is still the same one as when you bought it, it’s time to start thinking about roof replacement.
Here at Beyond Exteriors we pride ourselves on the work we do. We only use the very best materials supplied by leaders in the industry with solid reputations. You will never find us using a cheap material just to increase our profit margins. For us, it’s about the quality of the finished product. We are qualified roof repair contractors with vast experience who provide both roof repair and roof replacement.