How Moss Impacts the Durability and Lifespan of Roofs in Seattle

Moss is almost a staple of Seattle roofs – the Puget Sound’s cool and damp environment in combination with accumulated roof debris due to nearby trees creates the prime conditions for moss growth. However, just because moss is a common sight on Seattle roofs doesn’t mean it’s good for them.

Is moss growth on roofs detrimental to your health like mold or mildew growth? No. But moss has the potential to degrade your roof and subsequently your home if neglected, which is why promptly hiring a qualified and trusted contractor to remove it before it has the chance to spread can be crucial.

The Effects of Moss on Roofs

Moisture Retention

Moss absorbs and retains moisture from rainfall and high humidity, holding onto it long after the water has dried up. As a result, your roof can experience prolonged exposure to damp materials, leading to wood rot as well as mold and mildew growth that can shorten your roofing materials’ lifespan.

Physical Damage

As moss grows, its roots can penetrate through roofing materials, prying apart shingles and lifting tiles, resulting in cracks. This can compromise your roof’s structural integrity, making your home vulnerable to leaks and exposing your attic and critical insulation materials to the elements.

Blocking Drainage

If moss reaches your gutters and downspouts, it can inhibit proper drainage. Water can begin to pool, creating leaks and spillage that can fall near your home’s foundation, which is one of the leading causes of basement leaks.

Frequent Repairs and Replacements

Since moss can compromise the integrity of your roof, homeowners will likely require more frequent repairs. Whether it’s tile replacement or leak sealing, these costs can add up over time and make home upkeep more labor-intensive. It can also increase your risk of premature roof replacement since moss that’s been allowed to spread uninhibited can curtail your roof’s lifespan.

Reduced Curbside Appeal

Seattle residents looking to sell their home may discover that the presence of moss may make their home less appealing to buyers who may be hesitant to buy a home with potential roof damage. Moss can also detract from a home’s aesthetic, reducing its curb appeal to potential buyers.

How Moss Affects Different Roofing Materials

• Asphalt shingles may lose granules and curl, increasing the risk of wind damage or shingle loss.
• Wood shakes may decay and rot, creating a prime environment for pest infestations.
• Slate tiles may freeze-thaw due to excess moisture retention. This causes tiles to contract in the cold and expand in the heat, creating chips, cracks and other structural damage.
• Clay and concrete tiles may experience exacerbated mold and mildew growth as well as dislodged tiles.
• Metal roofs are the most resistant to moss growth due to having a smooth surface and being composed of synthetic material, but they aren’t immune. Neglecting to clean your metal roof can result in moss growing in the seams, elevating moisture retention that can lead to corrosion and rust.

How to Prevent Moss Growth

The most effective prevention measure against moss growth is to trim overhanging branches or foliage that might be increasing your roof’s moisture exposure. Ensure your roof is properly ventilated to reduce moisture buildup and regularly clean your roof.

You should call a roofer to inquire about moss removal as soon as you spot it to prevent excessive buildup and damage. They may be able to manually brush it off with a scrub and chemical treatment, like copper strips, or power wash it off. Safely removing moss without damaging the roofing material requires a delicate and experienced touch. Both methods should only be performed by professional roofers who have been trained and have experience climbing onto roofs and repairing and cleaning them safely and effectively.

The crew at Chet’s Roofing & Construction Inc. has the licenses, expertise and resources to provide you with the reliable, long-lasting services you need to protect your roof so it can continue to protect you.

Trust Reputable Roofers Who’ve Been Repairing, Replacing and Maintaining Seattle Roofs Since 1998

At Chet’s Roofing & Construction Inc., we provide grounded assessment and fast-acting solutions. If the issue can be repaired, our team will fix it promptly. If roof replacement is the only viable option, we’ll work hard to get the job done right the first time with minimal stress – keeping you informed and involved the entire time so your roof replacement project is always within your control.

Reach us at (877) 611-1514 and receive a replacement estimate today.