Is Moss On The Roof A Bad Thing

A lot of people wonder if moss growing on the roof of their home is a problem.

Is moss on the roof a bad thing.

Moss growing on a roof may or may not be considered attractive or quaint but there is no doubt that extensive moss on a roof can seriously damage the roof by growing under and raising or loosening. Moss is a simple plant that does not produce flowers and grows in blankets in natural environments. Moss is not a huge problem unless you ignore it. Once the moss thickens it can be more readily discerned from other types of growth.

Unfortunately even when homeowners know that roof moss is a problem they may mistake it for lichen mold or algae which are not only more easily eradicated but are also less harmful to roofing. This simple plant doesn t produce any flowers and it grows in a blanket. In fact if moss is left unchecked it can lead to serious damage to your home. Moss tends to form in areas where it is shielded from the sun.

While it does give a house a fairy tale hobbit like look moss contributes nothing else to a roof. Moss has the ability to damage your roof s integrity greatly. 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. The plain and simple answer is yes.

At that point the roof must be replaced. Moss doesn t always mean you re destined for a whole new roof nor does it mean your home has water or moisture damage. If you notice moss or algae on your roof don t panic. You often will see it growing on trees.

If you have moss on your home s roof you should have it taken care of. A simple mixture of bleach and water will kill the moss causing it to dry up release from your roof and blow off in the wind. Roof moss is a difficult problem to contend with. If sections of your roof are under heavy tree cover these are prime spots for moss to thrive.

The danger of moss lies in its ability to retain moisture. A layer of green moss might look cozy and rustic atop your house but it can be bad news for your roof. If you find moss on your roof don t panic. When roof moss gets thick enough that it crowds out the shingles and creates decay there is no turning back.

Moss thrives in damp moist areas including roofs that are north facing or shaded by trees. Moss itself is harmless.