How do you keep your home looking the best on the block? On your list of home maintenance improvements and upkeep that you perform annually, are you thinking about your roof?
Your roof can last up to 50 years if you take care of it by doing things like regularly removing moss. Moss removal is essential to maintaining longevity and protecting the value of your home. Not only does moss look bad, but it can also cause serious damage to your roof.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about roof moss removal, roof cleaning, roof treatment, and advice for maintaining a clean roof!
What Is Moss?
Moss is a small, green plant that commonly grows in shady, moist areas. While moss is often considered undesirable in your home, it can actually be quite beautiful when used in landscaping. But when it comes to your roof, moss is nothing but trouble.
Moss begins growing on roofs when spores land on the shingles and take root. Once the moss establishes itself, it spreads quickly and can cover an entire roof in just a few years. As the moss grows, it holds onto moisture which leads to rot and decay of the shingles. In some cases, the weight of the moss can even cause the shingles to break and fall off the roof.
In addition to causing physical damage to your roof, moss can also reduce the efficiency of your home’s cooling and heating system. Moss absorbs heat which creates a barrier between your roof and the sun. This barrier prevents heat from escaping in the winter and keeps cool air from entering your home in the summer. As a result, your energy bills will increase as your HVAC system works overtime to maintain the temperature inside your home.
Fortunately, removing moss from your roof is a relatively easy process.
Roof Moss Removal
There are a few different ways that you can remove moss from your roof. The most common and effective method is to wash the moss away. Roof washing can be done with a garden hose and brush or a power washer.
Be very careful if using a power washer. The high-pressure stream of water can damage your shingles so it’s important to direct the stream of water at an angle rather than straight on. DAPrDAN, however, suggests only using power washing on concrete tile roofs, however, as you will learn below, soft washing is a far superior alternative for all roof types.
Another option for removing moss is to treat it with a chemical solution. There are a variety of products on the market that are designed specifically for killing moss. These products typically come in a concentrate that you mix with water and then apply to the mossy areas with a garden pump sprayer.
Once the moss is dead, you can remove it from your roof with a stiff brush. For tougher moss buildup, you may need to use a putty knife or pressure washer to remove all of the debris.
After the moss has been removed, you’ll want to take steps to prevent it from coming back.
Other Factors That Damage Roofs
Other than moss and plain dirt, there are a few other things that can damage your roof and shorten its lifespan.
One of the most common problems is leaves and debris. When left on the roof, these items can hold moisture against the shingles and cause rot and decay. In addition, when branches hang low over your roof and brush against it, they often take granules from the shingles with them. These granules protect your roof from the sun’s UV rays so it’s important to keep them in place.
You should also be aware of the possibility of ice dams forming on your roof in the winter. Ice dams occur when the snow melts and then refreezes at the edge of your roof. As the ice dam grows, it prevents melting snow from draining properly which can lead to leaks and water damage.
To prevent leaves, debris, and ice dams from damaging your roof, it’s important to keep your gutters clean and clear. Gutters that are clogged with leaves and debris can cause a number of problems so it’s best to clean them out on a regular basis.
Roof Cleaning and Treatment
When you wash your roof and remove any moss, dirt, and debris, you then need to apply a moss preventative. There are a variety of products on the market, but you want to choose one that contains zinc or copper. These metals are toxic to moss and will help prevent it from taking root on your roof.
Using your garden sprayer, be sure to cover all of the shingles, paying special attention to any areas that are shady or moist.
In addition to cleaning and treating your roof, you also need to perform regular maintenance. This includes removing leaves and debris from your gutters, trimming tree branches that hang over your roof, and making sure your vent pipes are clear of obstructions.
The Importance of Roof Cleaning and Maintenance
A clean roof not only looks better, but also protects your home from water damage, rot, and decay. By taking the time to remove moss and perform regular maintenance, you can extend the life of your roof and avoid expensive repairs down the road.
How Often Should You Schedule Roof Washing?
The frequency of roof cleanings will depend on a number of factors, including the type of roof you have, the climate you live in, and the surrounding vegetation. In general, most roofs should be cleaned every two to three years. However, if you live in an area with a lot of trees or plants, you may need to clean your roof more often.
A Note on Safety
Working on a roof can be dangerous, so it’s important to take precautions. If you’re not comfortable working on a ladder or walking on a pitched roof, it’s best to leave the job to a professional.
When cleaning your roof or performing any type of maintenance, be sure to wear rubber-soled shoes to prevent slipping. In addition, always use caution when working near the edge of a roof.
Work With Us For All Your Roofing Needs
Roof treatment can be dangerous. The professionals at DAPrDAN are here to help. We offer a variety of services that extend the life of your roof including roof washing, gutter cleaning, and roof preservation. You’ll enjoy our no-moss warranties guaranteeing you peace of mind after our professional roof moss removal service.
To learn more about our services and schedule your roof cleaning, request an instant quote today.