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Roof Moss: Why You Should Remove It Now

If you have large patches of moss growing on your roof, you may choose to leave the moss in place until later on in the year. You may even find the patches of moss attractive enough to leave on your roof permanently. However, the last thing you want to do is leave large patches of moss on your roof. Learn more about roof moss and why you want to remove it fast below.

Is Moss Bad for Your Roof?

Although moss may seem pretty and harmless, the plants can cause a significant amount of damage to your roof. The rootless plants can survive in damp and dry conditions as long as they have access to some form of moisture. If your roof retains moisture after it rains, moss will continue to grow on it.

Moss can grow thick enough to cover large areas of your roof. The thick plants can prevent heat from escaping your attic during the summer and cold air from leaving your home in the winter. Moss can also damage your shingles by keeping them wet or damp all year round. Damp shingles can rot over time and leave the rest of your roof open to leaks and other problems.

If you want to keep your roof safe from moss, have a residential roofer remove the plants for you.

Is There a Way to Remove Moss From Your Roof?

Although there are many do-it-yourself moss removing tips, they may not all help. Removing the moss on your roof isn't an easy task. Moss can grow back if you don't remove it properly or if you don't take the right steps to keep the plants off your roof later. Fortunately, a roofing contractor can do both jobs for you.

A roofer will determine why you have patches of moss on your roof. If large shade trees hover over your roof, you may need to have them cut. Shade trees can keep your roof damp after it rains. Likewise, if you have moss on your roof because of poor attic ventilation, a roofer may place ventilation openings in your attic. The vents should keep your roof cool and dry enough to keep moss from growing on it. 

If you have moss on your roof because of old shingles, consider replacing your roof. Moss growth isn't the only concern you may have in the future. Old, damp shingles can cause serious structural damage in your roof, including severe leaks. If you replace the old shingles now, you prevent moss and other issues from affecting your roof later.

Learn more about moss and how it may affect your roof by calling a roofing contractor. A company like Hoyt Roofs, Inc. can provide additional information.