Is Moss Damaging To Roofs

Moss itself is harmless.

Is moss damaging to roofs.

As i mentioned before moss typically grows in the cracks between each shingle. Left unattended moss can spread and cause all kinds of damage. Roof treatment chemicals for algae lichens or moss may risk also damaging the shingles may corrode or discolor copper gutters or downspouts and if not rinsed off of flowers or shrubs or lawns it may damage these plants. It does not produce any dangerous spores or fumes it contains no poisons or irritants and it lacks the mass to physically damage any structures including roof shingles.

While moss is the most common form of growth on your roof homeowners should also be aware of the spread of algae and lichen as well as the buildup of organic matter such as fallen leaves twigs branches and nuts which will support the buildup of moss. If you are worried about this it may just be best to go ahead and remove the moss. Moss absorbs and retains water. Furthermore moss likes to grow on cement and can agitate the bond between ridge apex tiles and your roof.

The danger of moss lies in its ability to retain moisture. You should also consider that moss retains a great deal of moisture which may have a damaging effect to the roofs structure. If you remove moss from the roof then you will reduce the possibility of tiles suffering from winter cracks. A lot of care should be taken when removing moss because cleaning a roof could prove just as damaging to it than leaving the moss on it.

However the greatest benefit of moss removal is on the gutters. Moss is different from algae lichen or mold fungi which are typically easier to clean and less damaging to a roof. Once moss is removed there are less blockages and your gutters work more efficiently. In wet climates moss commonly grows into a mat a few inches thick.