At All Surface, our focus is on removing moss from your roof as safely as possible. If certain treatments are not properly rinsed from landscaping, they can damage flowers and shrubs. If used incorrectly or for the wrong roof type or application, they can corrode gutters and downspouts, increase the flammability of the shakes or shingles, or simply be just an ineffective waste of your money. No matter what, one thing is true: The treatments used to address roof moss can affect your roof, yard and family. Your options should change based on your roof type, its age and condition, as well as the type of plant and the extent of the damage. Don’t let anyone tell you that there is only one option. There are many options for cleaning roofs.
#Moss out for roofs professional
An appointment with a professional should be given priority in your calendar of household maintenance.
While you don’t have to panic, sooner is better than later when it comes to roof moss removal. With each season, moss on your roof causes accelerated damage and deterioration. All in all, there are numerous ways moss can cause damage to your roof.įrom moss to lichens to algae and fungus, you don’t want to take this problem lightly. On tile, it causes cracking as the water freezes and expands. On composition shingles, it causes damage to the mineral granule coating. This extra moisture causes the roof to deteriorate faster than it normally would.Īs a mossy roof endures the seasons, extra moisture can cause frost damage. They can hurt roofs of all types by holding excess moisture against the surface of the roof. Moss (as well as lichens) aren’t just a superficial issue. They can appear in several colors as well. Lichens are actually made up of algae and a fungus living together symbiotically. It can appear in several colors, but black algae is the most notorious. Algae is often mistaken for mold or mildew. Roofs can be covered in algae or lichens. Still others are associated with specific shingle types, like mosses that are known for growing on decaying wood tile roofs. Other types of moss are associated with trees, including maples and birch trees that grow over the roof. Some types of moss form on the ends of roof shingles and tiles and can actually lift them up and away from the roof itself, if allowed to grow under them. That means it’s extremely likely that there is more than one species of moss growing on your roof. Worldwide, scientists recognize more than 22,000 different kinds of moss. Identifying them properly helps us remove them the right way. As experienced professionals who deal with Portland roof moss on a regular basis, we can examine the growth patterns of moss and other plants on your roof. There isn’t just one type of roof moss, and there isn’t just one way to remove it from your roof. We have large, established trees that provide shade and act as a source of organic matter.The rains are relatively light they keep things damp without washing organic matter away.It rains frequently, so our houses and yards almost continually damp.We have all the necessary elements for an abundance of roof moss: There are few other places in the world with weather conditions like Portland’s. If they land in a location with enough moisture, the spores will start to grow.Īt All Surface Cleaning Company, we often comment that “ Portland is the roof moss capitol of the world.” It sounds like we’re being cheeky, but we’re serious about the message. Moss spores, once ripened, can easily blow about. Unlike flowering plants, moss is dependent upon moisture to reproduce. It’s known for growing in poor soil-or even no soil at all-and likes cool, rainy weather. Moss is a type of plant that does not have pronounced roots or flowers. What Is Roof Moss, and Why Is it so Bad in Portland? Roof moss can cause serious damage, and it should be addressed with the help of an experienced professional.
Isn’t it just a cosmetic issue, after all? The problem is that roof moss doesn’t just affect the look of your home. If you have moss on your roof (or another similar problem, like lichens, algae or fungus) it might be tempting to ignore it.