How to Prevent Moss Growth on a Roof

When moss builds up on a roof, it can often be a nuisance that threatens both the integrity of your home and the health of your family. Roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, roll roofing, and wood shingle roofs offer an ideal environment for moss and algae. These growths are characterized by a thin green or black coating on a roof surface which develops in areas that are moist and humid. When combined with the indirect sunlight of shade from trees, moss can thrive and cause permanent damage to your roof. In order to remove moss and deal with any damage that might have occurred, you should contact a professional company for roofing services and repairs in Toronto.

Proper care and maintenance can eliminate conditions that promote the growth of moss and regular roof inspections can detect the early signs of moss growth so you can take steps to prevent it from spreading. First and foremost, you should ensure you have proper attic ventilation to promote air circulation in your attic. This will help to prevent condensation from forming in your attic which may lead to the growth of moss on your roof.

Avoid any aggressive cleaning methods that might damage the surface of the roof, and don’t try walking on wet or slippery roof surfaces on your own. If you notice moss, evaluate it from the ground and contact a professional who can remove it for you. Moss and algae can be slippery. By trying to remove it on your own, you risk subjecting yourself to serious injury.

Below are a few simple solutions to prevent and slow the growth of moss on a roof:

Raking off Roof Moss - use a flexible leaf rake to remove moss from the ground, ensuring the raking is done gently to prevent roof damage

Sweeping vs. Power Washing – try a gentle cleaning from the ground using a soft brush or a power washer. It’s important to note that power washing or even sweeping a shingled roof can potentially cause damage by breaking shingles or loosening the protective mineral granules from the shingle surface.

Algae-Resistant Shingles – when selecting a new roof, consider choosing algae-resistant shingles which are resistant to both moss and algae. This is especially important if your roof is shaded by trees and subjected to regular moisture. This type of roof may save you costly repairs in the future and give you peace of mind.

Installing copper or other metal strips – By having these strips installed along the ridge of an existing roof, moss and lichens will slowly be killed off as rainwater releases mineral salts from these metals.

Give the roof surface more sunlight by trimming back trees whose branches overshadow the roof surface. Keep the roof clean of organic debris such as leaves or pine needles which may collect in the spring and fall, giving moss the necessary nutrients to grow.

Finally, if the shingles are worn out and fragile, it will be impossible to clean the roof without causing damage. If your roof is weak, you should contact a roof repairs company in Toronto such as Alpine Roofing for roof inspections and moss removal or prevention.

Alpine Roofing has a team of trained and insured construction professionals who can provide Toronto roofing services including skylights, gutters, sidings, and masonry.

We service many locations across the GTA including North York, Scarborough, Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto and Richmond Hill. Call 416-469-1939 or 905-332-2010 or schedule your free estimate online today.