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Preventing Moss Growth

Sometimes, especially in older homes, moss and other types of fungus grow along the surface of the roof. While it may seem like a minor cosmetic issue at first, the truth is that the appearance of moss and lichen can significantly damage the rooftop. They are among the most common problems that Middlesex County roofers deal with. These fungal growths can appear on all types of roof surfaces, including shingles, wood shake roofs and roll roofing. They hold moisture against the roof’s surface, speeding up the wearing away of the material, especially in colder climates where the frost damage can take a serious toll on the integrity of roofing. Learning how to prevent moss from growing is a vital part of maintaining the roof’s condition.

Usually, the amount of sunlight that the rooftop receives is a clear indicator of what to expect in terms of mossy growth. The less sunlight that the rooftop receives, especially in moister environments, the more likely it is that moss and algae will grow. One of the best ways to stop moss from growing on the roof is to get rid of surrounding sources of shade.

This might mean performing some trimming around larger trees or seeing if there are any sudden growths or debris around the surface that home residents need to take care of.

If the shade is a result of surrounding buildings, the homeowner may need to take a more hands-on approach to prevent the moss from growing. It is important for the shingles to be treated with fungicides to prevent moss from growing. Some rooftop materials will be significantly less susceptible to the appearance of such pesky growths. In areas where galvanized metal, copper or aluminum flashing is installed, the mineral salts that wash off those metals will slow the growth of moss. When the homeowner re-roofs, it is important to use algae-resistant shingles. Chemically treated shingles will usually be a good bet, and it is a good idea to ask about this option. It can be a good idea to consider installing metal strips along the ridges of the existing rooftop as well. Copper is a particularly effective material that can help kill off mossy growths, especially when it rains and the metal’s chemicals wash down the roof’s surface. This can help prevent future moss from growing as well as get rid of existing moss. Homeowners are strongly encouraged to inspect their rooftops often to spot the growth of moss before it becomes a major problem. The roofers at Fortified Roofing of Middlesex County NJ can answer your questions regarding roof repairs or new roofs.

Term explained by the roofers at Fortified Roofing, Middlesex County NJ:

Lichen

Lichen is a type of composite organism that usually grows from a surface of algae. It lives along the filaments of that fungus in a mutually beneficial relationship. While they may grow like moss, they are not in the same family.

Middlesex County roofers from Fortified Roofing of NJ answer a common question:

Can professionals help with the appearance of moss on a rooftop?

Clearing away the appearance of moss, lichen and other fungal growths is one of the primary services offered by Fortified Roofing. Not only can the company help get rid of existing moss as a part of standard cleaning services, but its employees can also help treat a roof to prevent further growth in the future.

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