Have you started to notice strange stains or growths developing on your roof? It’s easy to dismiss these as merely cosmetic issues, but they are often signs of algae or moss. Both of these can have serious consequences for your roof if you leave them untreated. To help you understand the true scope of the problem, here’s how moss and algae affect roofs and how to remove them in the spring.
Why Do Moss and Algae Form on Roofs?
Moss and algae growth are spurred by organic debris buildup as well as persistent moisture and shade. If your roof is constantly bombarded by leaves, is north-facing, and often receives moisture from the environment, it’s at greater than usual risk of experiencing algae and moss growth. Prevention and maintenance are key to keeping your roof healthy.
What Does It Look Like, and How Does It Impact Roofs?
Algae growth often appears as black or green streaks on the surface of your roof. Moss, on the other hand, will appear as raised brown or green mats. They may not look like a big deal, but they can spell trouble for your roof. Algae are slightly less destructive than moss. Still, algae can eat away at roofing materials, leaving your roof exposed to environmental dangers over time. They can also absorb heat, stress your roof and lead to higher energy costs.
If you see moss, you’ll need to act fast. Moss can cause a lot more damage than algae. Moss can absorb moisture and affect your decking, lift shingles and enable water to start pooling underneath. It can even clog your gutter system with all the debris that comes off your roof when it incurs damage. Any growth that shouldn’t be on the roof can cause damage, and you should treat it as a serious issue.
How Can You Remove Ross Moss and Algae in the Spring?
The best way to deal with the problem is to reach out to a professional roofer. They can conduct a full inspection of your roof to determine how much algae and moss have impacted it, where they need to clean your roof, and whether they need to make repairs to fix degraded or lifted shingles. They’ll also show you how to prevent future problems and provide you with the roofing maintenance you need to keep your roof in stellar condition moving forward.
Moss and algae affect roofs by contributing to moisture-based degradation, with moss threatening to lift shingles and clog gutters. The best way to remove them is to have a roofer utilize the right tools and cleaning strategies to eliminate the threat. With their support, you’ll have a roof that’s free of algae and moss as well as continued support to prevent them from taking over your roof in the future. If you have concerns or require roof replacement services, contact Heyn Brothers Roofing in Rochester, MN.