Moss On Asphalt Shingle Roof

Moss on a roof begins with a thin dusting of green that you may notice only from low angles.

Moss on asphalt shingle roof.

The seams between the shingles and the shingles edges also develop moss because they tend to be especially shaded. If you have an asphalt roof and want to keep it looking great and working well check out these facts you should know about moss growth and asphalt shingles. The asphalt roofing manufacturers association distinguishes between moss a plant with leaves that can grow into thick clumps and mold and mildew which are common names for types of algae that. Unlike algae moss can be detrimental to asphalt shingle performance.

On an asphalt or possibly some treated wood shingle roofs shingle chemistry is also involved in moss lichens and algae growth or resistance to it. Moss loves moisture humidity and darkness. It s a tedious job but it is easier on the tiles than more invasive techniques. Commonly found in climates with warm humid summers it does no damage to the roofing but it certainly does looks bad.

The black mold like stains and streaks that appear on roofs particularly light colored asphalt shingles is actually a blue green algae gloeocapsa magma. Carefully place a ladder near the area of moss growth and don slip resistant shoes old clothes rubber gloves and eye. Some roof shingle materials contain algaecides or fungicides which will also retard moss growth on the roof surface. The resulting constant exposure to water can degrade shingles.

If you live in an area with lots of shade from trees and buildings the moss can thrive even more. Spray the moss covered roof with a moss control product or sprinkle the material on depending on the product formulation. In severe cases moss build up can cause lateral water movement resulting in moisture damage to the roof deck or may even cause leaks. Moss growth will also interfere with proper drainage of water off the roof as water needs to trickle through or around the moss instead of running straight down to the gutters.

Moss can be physically removed from the roof by hand. Potassium salts of fatty acids applied using a hose end spray attachment. How to get rid of algae on the roof. This thin layer on the top of the shingles expands and becomes wide thick and mat like.

Moss can cause the leading edges of the shingles to lift or curl which increases the risk of shingle blow off during wind events. Hose off and brush all moss loose from your roof shingles.