Preventing moss buildup on asphalt shingle roofing

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Asphalt shingle roofing has a lot going for it. It is cheap and durable and comes in a fabulous array of colors and finishes. Nonetheless, it is not without a few unique issues, including moss buildup. Moss buildup on asphalt shingle roofing can be quite frustrating for the homeowner and can seem quite unusual to those who were not aware of the potential for this problem to develop.

In fact, most people who own a modern home are quite surprised to find moss growing on the roof. Whether your roof is equipped with fiberglass shingles or organic shingles, if left unchecked, moss can really damage your roof and shorten its service life. 

It is important for homeowners to make the distinction between moss and algae, another known rooftop pest. Algae growth is not the same as moss growth. Moss is spongy and plant-like, while algae is more slimy and slick. Green, fuzzy moss thrives in areas where shade is abundant, such as beneath the cover of large trees around the home. Moss is fairly easy to remove, and with just a bit of precaution, you can prevent it from growing on your roof.

Moss removal is generally uncomplicated, since moss has a shallow root system. Pressure-washing the roof is a fast and expedient way of removing moss. Special roof cleaning tools made specifically for cleaning asphalt shingles are also available. When cleaning the roof to remove moss, work from the top and move down. Typically, you can clean moss from the roof using just a bristled scrub brush attached to a pole. Simply brush the roof down, tearing the moss away from the roof.

Use special care when cleaning laminated architectural shingles, which are easier to damage. Both fiberglass shingles and organic shingles may not hold up well to rough scrubbing. Rinse the whole roof with cleaning solution when you are finished.

The key to keeping moss from gaining a foothold on your roof in the first place is to make the environment unappealing to it. By prohibiting excess shade on the roof, you take away some of the conditions moss needs to thrive. Trim away branches that overhang the roof; all tree branches should be at least 10 feet away from the roof in order to encourage the flow of air.

It is vital that as much sunshine as possible hits the roof to prevent moss from growing. Installing zinc strips around the roof's peak can also help impede the growth of moss. Similarly, you can use a garden sprayer to apply a coating of zinc sulfate to your roof to stave off moss growth.

Reply! can help you find a roofing professional who can assess your moss problem and make suggestions for correcting it properly. Needless to say, if you decide to install asphalt shingle roofing in an area where there are many large trees, moss can become problematic. Keep in mind that failure to rectify the problem right away not only decreases the lifespan of your roof, but might also void your roof's warranty.