Life in the coastal wet zone brings with it all kinds of wonderful benefits. On the island we enjoy the mildest Canadian climate, live near the Pacific Ocean, and we have easy access to the great outdoors. Residing on the west coast presents a great deal to be grateful for, like a more laid back lifestyle. Unfortunately, there are disadvantages to everything, and with the moisture of living ocean-side comes the problem of moss growing on one’s roof. While moss may look beautiful out in the forest, it wreaks all sorts of havoc on roofs and must be removed as soon as possible. A clear roof is crucial to the structural integrity of any building.
For example, moss can grow roots into a roof. The green clumps begin as a thin layer and progress in lifting up shingles. This allows water to seep in, causing mold and rot, which leads to leaks. This can snowball into a host of other problems inside a home or commercial building. Fortunately, there are many ways to remove moss from the roof. The technique used depends on the roofing material.
De-mossing your roof in the early stages is much easier than attempting to remove moss that has been growing for years. Ignoring a moss problem does not make it go away; it creates new and expensive repair problems down the road. Left untreated, flourishing moss can degrade wood, asphalt, metal, clay, and concrete roofs. Thus, it will severely reduce the lifespan of any type of roofing material.
Periodic roof inspections and moss repairs are simply a part of responsible maintenance. Doing it yourself or hiring a trustworthy roofing company will ensure the safety of your home or commercial building.
Prevent moss growth on your roof in the future by trimming and clearing off tree branches near roof areas. Additionally, keeping gutters clear of leaves and stick debris are integral to general roof preservation. If you’re unsure as to which moss removal technique will work best on your roof, contact the professionals at Shoreline Roofing for further information.
In this case, Benjamin Franklin’s axiom “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is basic common sense. No one wants to reduce the lifespan of their roof or create worse problems to the structure inside the house and ceiling. Taking the time and care to take moss off the roof ensures a long and strong life for the roof and peace of mind for everyone under it. Leave the moss in the garden where it belongs and keep the roof clear and safe.