The South Florida climate is a humid one, to say the least. Plants love to grow in humid areas which is why in areas where the humidity is high, there are a lot of forests and jungles. Just think of the wonderful humid heat of the Florida Everglades and the abundance of plant and animal life that live there. The same climate that makes the everglades thrive, enables moss to thrive on your roof. Here in South Florida a lot of roofs are covered in asphalt shingles. Let’s delve a little deeper into the relationship between moss and your asphalt roof.
What Makes Moss Different?
Moss is a type of plant. It is not a fungus, and it is not algae. Botanists call moss a non-vascular plant. Non-vascular means that moss does not have ordinary water and nutrient transport systems like other plants. Moss collects water and nutrients directly through its leaves. Because moss does not need roots to grow well, your roof is prime real estate for moss.
How Does Moss Ruin My Roof?
When moss grows, it starts life out as a spore. This means that moss spores are in the atmosphere and will grow wherever the conditions are right. South Florida conditions are perfect because of the humid air. Your roof is even more at risk if it is shaded by a thick canopy of trees. An asphalt roof, with its rough texture, is a perfect substrate for moss to start growing. Here are a few ways that moss can damage your roof.
Lifts Asphalt Shingles
As the moss grows into clumps, it finds its way under shingles and lifts them. The lifted shingle creates an opportunity for water to leak through to the underlayment.
Breaks Down Asphalt Granules
The rough texture of an asphalt roof is due to granules in the shingle. Moss growth sends its tiny roofs into the shallow shingle. The root growth breaks the shingle down and sheds its granules. These granules can accumulate and become unsightly as well as clog up gutters and drainpipes.
Moss Acts As a Sponge
When it rains the moss will collect water and act as a sponge, storing that water on your roof. The added moisture on your roof could lead to rot setting into some of the roof timbers as well as mold growing inside the house.
Moss On My Asphalt Roof – What Do I do?
Most people will think that the best course of action is to get onto the roof and clean the moss themselves. This is not a good idea. Climbing onto a roof is dangerous and best left to professionals such as AABCO Roofing.
Cleaning moss from a roof is also a tricky undertaking. Many options will make use of harmful chemicals, mostly bleach. Bleach can harm the vegetation around your house as well as leave ugly stains on your roof. There are also some dry powders that you then need to water. Wind can easily blow those powders off and you will have wasted your time and money.
Some roof cleaners also like to make use of pressurized spray cleaners. While these will remove the moss from your asphalt shingles, there’s a strong chance it will remove some of the shingles as well.
Get a Qualified Roof Inspector
When you want a problem solved with regards to your asphalt roof, it’s best to call in a professional. A qualified roof inspector knows what to look for and will provide you with feedback that will give you peace of mind.
At AABCO Roofing, we are state certified (CCC 057990). We have the expertise you need to sort out your moss problems. We will inspect your roof and make sure that the right maintenance is prescribed. If conditions have spiraled out of control, we can replace your roof as well. We’ve been a family business since 1988 and are ready to assist. Just give us a call at 1-954-426-8500.
