Moss and algae not only look bad on the roof, but they can also trap moisture and contribute to the deterioration of the roofing materials. That is why you should invest in the following measures to prevent moss and algae growth on the roof.
Use Algae Resistant Roofing Materials
Some roofing materials incorporate substances that prevent moss and algae growth. Therefore, if you are just installing your roof or you want to replace the current one, talk to your roofing contractor about moss and algae prevention. For example, some asphalt shingles have incorporated copper granules for moss and algae prevention.
Use Zinc or Copper Strips
Copper is a biocide to moss and algae; the microorganism cannot grow where copper is. Therefore, you can use copper to prevent algae growth on the roof even if your roofing materials are not algae-resistant. What you do is have a roofing contractor install copper strips on the roof just below the ridge. Weathering dislodges some of the copper, which soon covers the entire roof and makes it impossible for algae to grow.
Trim Trees Around the House
Moss and algae thrive in moist places. Trees around the house keep your roof moist in two main ways. First, the trees block sunlight from the sun, denying the roof the chance to dry out after rainfall or snowfall. Second, tree leaves and other tree materials will fall on the roof, cover up the roof, and interfere with drainage, thereby keeping the roof wet for longer than usual. Trim trees around the house so they don't shed too many materials onto the roof and so they can allow more sunlight to shine onto the roof.
Keep the Roof Clean
As mentioned above, debris on the roof interferes with efficient drainage and also prevents the roof from drying as fast as it should. Thus, regularly cleaning your roof is another critical step to preventing moss and algae growth. If the cleaning involves washing, do it on a sunny day so that the water can dry off without delay.
Encourage Proper Roof Drainage
Lastly, you should also ensure that the roof's drainage system is designed well. Clear drainage blockages so water can flow off the roof efficiently. This is particularly necessary for flat roofs since they tend to experience more drainage issues than pitched roofs.
Hopefully, the measures above will help you keep moss and algae at bay. Consult a roofing contractor for help if your roof is already covered with the organisms.
For more information on your residential roofing options, visit a website like http://www.us-roofing.com.
Share14 August 2019
When it came time to install a new roof on my home, I had no idea where to start. In fact, I was exploring roofing options that were a really poor fit in my climate. It wasn't until I reached out to a local roofer that I got some lessons on how to choose the right roofing material for my home and the weather exposure it is subjected to. I built this site to share my journey, including the mistakes I made and the things that I learned along the way. If you are considering replacing your home's roof, I hope that the information here can help to guide you through the process.
