Many Indianapolis homeowners will find moss developing on your asphalt shingles, which can lead to many issues. Although a tiny layer of moss isn’t too upsetting, big clumps of moss will destroy shingles, get underneath them, and create leakage into your home. Additionally, all of the suggested methods of removing moss potentially harm the shingles, which may greatly increase the risk of a roof leak.
So, how do you safely remove moss from a roof? How is it that you keep moss from growing back after you remove it? We will answer those questions and tell you other things you need to know about your shingle roof and how to handle the moss.
Why is Moss Bad for Asphalt Shingles?
You may feel that a bit of moss gives some charm to your roof, just as ivy might grow up on the side of your house. While moss may be beautiful, it does harm your roof.
The majority of plants obtain water from their roots, but the moss extract water from their leaves. So they don’t mind shingles being a dry and relatively nutrient-free environment, unlike soil. They are going to grow roots directly into the shingles, which can destroy the shingles and create leaks.
When it rains, moss soaks up and retains water , creating consistently humid conditions on your roof. Moss growth will also interfere with proper water drainage off the roof, as water needs to trickle through or around the moose instead of running straight down to the gutters. The resulting continuous water penetration will damage the shingles.
Moss can also work its way under shingles over time, lifting them up. This elevation creates opportunities for water to penetrate lower roof layers, and potentially your home.
Although mild instances of moss can seem safe, they are likely to get serious over time. Once you spot the growth of moss on your roof, steps should be taken to resolve it. If you have a serious moss infestation, you may have no choice but to remove the shingles damaged by it. The professional Indianapolis roofing company to turn to is Richmond Exteriors, who will help you assess your roofing needs.
How To Remove Moss From your Roof
If a moss infection has sprouted in your roof, you can remove it before it becomes serious enough to impact your roof performance. Moss is thick and you’re not usually able to clear it by hand. You may also use a chemical solution without scratching the shingles to remove the moss. We are not recommending that you step onto the roof to remove moss.
Don’t Use these methods To Remove Moss From a Roof
There’s a lot of fake news out there about how to kill moss. Although such techniques can be effective in removing moss, the procedure can also cause damage to shingles. We do not recommend that you try to remove your moss by:
- Scrubbing: Moss grips shingles quite strongly and scrubbing will likely damage the asphalt shingles and remove their granules.
- Pressure washing: This will also strip asphalt shingles of their granule surface, which can ruin their performance and destroy their color.
- Using harsh chemicals: Bleach and other chemicals may do permanent damage to the shingles and increase leaks.
Why Shouldn’t You Add a New Roof Over Moss?
When you need a new roof, adding a second layer of shingles over your existing shingles can be tempting. Doubling your shingles will save money on repairing the roof, because the roofer does not have to clean and dispose of the old shingles. This technique is good for homeowners as it won’t take too long to repair, or make too much noise. There are, however, circumstances in which simply adding a new layer of shingles is not a good idea.
If moss is very prevalent under the new shingle layer, it may compromise the quality of your existing decking and underlayment.
Bumps in the roof: The combination of damaged and swollen decking and moss growth can create a new, smooth roof installation. Bumps and dips in the surface of the roof can interfere with proper drainage of water off the roof and prevent proper sealing of the shingles. This uneven surface may diminish your curb appeal too.
Lastly, when installing shingles over old shingles this will void your roofing warranty.
