Roof companies in Florida and other regions that experience hot, humid, and often rainy weather are aware that moss is a significant concern for residential roofs.

As charming as moss-covered shingles may look, roofing contractors see a definite connection between moss and the need for roof repairs to keep a roofing installation in good shape.

Noting this, experienced roof contractors warn homeowners against allowing moss to grow on their homes!

What Is Moss and How Does It Grow?

Moss on shingles can look appealing, but roof companies find it to be a source of leaks and other damage that can destroy a roof if let go for a long time.

Moss is a type of plant that thrives in moist, warm, and shady places where it can absorb water and nutrients from its environment.

Though it is not likely to be found on Florida roofs with constant sun exposure, roofing contractors often see it growing in places that are protected by tree shade that prevents parts of a roof from fully drying out.

In these conditions, several types of moss can survive quite well on asphalt or wood shingles by growing superficial roots into them, then sucking moisture and nutrients out of the air and their host materials.

What Problems Do Roof Contractors See Caused By Moss?

Roof contractors who deal with moss issues see several serious conditions resulting from moss growth over the years such as:

Deterioration of Roofing Materials - Moss will gradually eat away at the shingles, drying them out and making them more vulnerable to heat, wind, and rain. Moss-covered roofs experience a high amount of leaks and other water damage due to the deterioration of the shingles.
Damage To The Roofing Structure - As leaks progress, moss growth continues and parts of the roof stay moist, which allows the supporting structure to be damaged by rot as decking, trusses, and rafters become affected.
Shorter Roof Lifespan - Overall, roof companies see roofs with moss problems being replaced much sooner than they would normally.

What Can Be Done To Remove Moss and Stop New Growth?

The first step in preventing the serious damage that moss can cause is looking for it on asphalt and wood shingles, then stopping its growth.

Florida homeowners noticing moss should contact an experienced roofing contractor who can assess the extent of moss growth affecting their roof and determine whether any damage has been done.

The contractor can remove existing growth with a moss killer and then carefully scrub it off the shingles, then finally take care of any repairs necessary to correct damage caused by the moss.

To prevent moss growth from returning, contractors will recommend one or more solutions including trimming back trees to illuminate shade areas, installing zinc or copper strips at the ridge to prevent growth conditions on the shingles, and investing in regular roof cleaning.

Skilled Florida Roof Companies Can Protect Residential Roofs!

As appealing as natural moss can look growing on shingles, Florida roof companies associate it with leaks and other serious roofing problems.

Homeowners noticing moss growth on their shingles should contact an experienced roof contractor to schedule an inspection and cleaning.

Roofing contractors can help owners of homes susceptible to moss growth protect their roofs by preventing the moss from regrowing and causing more damage in the future!