Moss can damage the structural integrity of your roof and your home. The little plant may seem pretty harmless, even pretty, but it is a plant and it can do damage to your property.
Probably the most common portion of your home for moss to grow on is your roof. But this isn’t always the case. Sometimes moss will begin growing on your deck, your front steps, or in between chimney bricks. Moss growing on your home needs to be removed, and here’s why:
- Moss is a plant. Just like any plant, moss has a root system that needs to dig in to the space below in order to root the plant to the spot. When it’s growing on your home, this means the moss is rooting into your shingles, the mortar of your chimney, or your cedar deck and damaging it.
- Roots can lift shingles. Although the roots of the moss plant are very small, they can lift shingles and allow moisture, bacteria, and mold to penetrate your roof.
- Moss brings in more moisture. Moss is much like a standing puddle on your roof. It will eventually penetrate the roof system and cause damage.
- Moss digs its way through mortar and wood. When it comes to areas other than the roof, like the chimney or your decking, moss can still cause damage by cracking mortar or digging in to wood.
Three simple steps for killing moss:
1. Make the environment unfriendly. If your roof is shaded, keep the trees cut back as much as possible. Moss likes shady conditions with dappled sunlight. The more you expose your moss to direct sunlight, the more likely it will be that the moss will die.
2. Get the moss removed. It’s important to remove the moss from your home as soon as possible. Depending on where the moss is, this may be a delicate procedure. It’s best to consult a professional roofer to get this plant removed from your roof. The roofer will also be able to advise you on any repairs that need to be made due to moss damage.
3. Prevent it. There are a number of different preventative measures that can be taken. You can install zinc strips and/or try sealing your roof or chimney.
Moss can be a nuisance, but if you use proper protective and preventative measures, it should be no problem at all.