Why Is Moss Growing On The Roof Of My House

When shade and cool moist conditions combine moss or lichens growth on a roof surface is more likely.

Why is moss growing on the roof of my house. Moisture and organic debris. The presence or absence of much sunlight on a roof surface is often a determining factor in the amount of moss or lichens growth more sun less moss and lichens. Carefully place a ladder near the area of moss growth and don slip resistant shoes old clothes rubber gloves and eye protection. Moss doesn t always mean you re destined for a whole new roof nor does it mean your home has water or moisture damage.

Moss growing on a roof may or may not be considered attractive or quaint but there is no doubt that extensive moss on a roof can seriously damage the roof by growing under and raising or loosening. This can lead to roof leaks. This causes the roof to start degrading. Moss grows on roofs because it thrives in damp shaded environments with lots of moisture.

Moss growth is especially common on the north side of homes as this surface receives the smallest amount of sunlight during the day. If sections of your roof are under heavy tree cover these are prime spots for moss to thrive. Moss tends to form in areas where it is shielded from the sun. Preventing moss from growing on your house siding can keep your home looking beautiful and protect your family from potential health hazards that moss can cause.

If moss is left unchecked moss will trap water on your roof and inhibit proper roof drainage. Moss will commonly thrive in any type of environment that is shaded and damp. But you don t want it growing on your roof. Moss is common in rainy environments because it loves moisture but it also loves humidity and many roofs are humid because of heat escaping the house sunlight hitting the roof and so forth.

However it is important to keep this in perspective. Minor moss growth is not a problem and i have seen some roofs damaged prematurely by over maintaining a roof with chemicals and scouring. Another critical factor is the amount of shade your roof receives. The more water and the more debris the greater the chance of moss growth.

Moss algae and lichen grow on your roof through a combination of two things. If you have moss on your roof it s likely because your roof is shaded by trees or other structures allowing moisture to linger and moss to grow.