Rooftop moss can be problematic for your roof.

While it may look charming, rooftop moss traps moisture and gradually pulls the granules off shingles. This can lead to a variety of issues:

1. Moisture Retention: Moss holds water against the roofing material. Over time, this increases the risk of rot and damage.
2. Shingle Damage: Moss also pulls granules up off the shingles. It can lift shingles, creating gaps that allow water to seep beneath. This can eventually lead to leaks.
3. Reduced Lifespan: Moss can shorten the lifespan of your roofing materials. This may mean more frequent repairs or even replacements.
4. Aesthetic Concerns: Moss can make your roof look unattractive, which can affect your home’s curb appeal.
5. Homeowners Insurance Cancellations: Many of our Massachusetts customers have recently reported issues with their homeowners insurance. Their insurance companies have required moss removal to avoid policy cancellation.
6. Siding Damage: Lastly, rooftop moss can expand onto your siding. This can lead to similar issues and damage.

 

To manage moss effectively:

1. Roof Maintenance: Regular roof maintenance is essential. Ferreira Exteriors recommends a full roof tune-up every year to prevent issues from building up.
2. Moss Removal: For best results, we suggest a two-step process: First, have a roofing professional carefully remove the moss using roof-safe brushes and scrapers. Then, follow up with a moss-killing roof cleaning that considers and protects surrounding plants and trees.
3. Avoid Power Washing: Never use a power washer on your roof. The high pressure can severely damage shingles, so we don’t recommend this, ever.
4. Add Metal Strips to Roof Peaks: Installing zinc or copper strips along your roof peaks allows rain to wash roof-safe chemicals over the shingles. This naturally kills moss with each rainfall, saving you time and effort. Though copper is a bit more costly, it’s significantly more effective against persistent moss growth.
5. Trim Trees Back from the Roof: Trees, while beneficial in many ways, increase the risk of moss growth on your roof. Consult a tree professional to trim back branches, which can help minimize moss accumulation and protect your roof.

For reliable moss management and expert roof maintenance, Ferreira Exteriors has you covered.