If you have noticed some green patches of moss or algae on your roof, you may not find that to be an emergency. But you should never neglect or put off removing these imperfections. The longer your roof has moss or algae on it, the more problems you can expect to have. It’s always best to have a qualified roofing contractor in Canton Michigan look at the problem before you take matters into your own hands and power wash the algae from the roof. This can lead to roof leaks and all sorts of other problems.

Why Moss and Algae Are A Major Threat to Your Roof in Canton Michigan

A common problem for many homes is algae growing on the roof. While there are things you can do to remove the algae they should be done carefully. In fact, there are also now roofing materials that can resist any type of algae or moss leaving you without this problem. But if you’re experiencing algae on your home’s roof now there are some things you may be able to do to remedy the situation. Here are some tips to help:

Why Moss and Algae Are Bad for Your Roof

Both moss and algae are dangerous for your roof’s overall health. Moss is great at holding in moisture for long periods of time. When moss sits on your roof, it provides a constant exposure to moisture that can wear away at your roof. As moisture works through your roof, you can expect to see damage to shingles, sub roofs and have leaks created in a relatively short period of time.

Once a leak has formed, moisture can get in and create water damage inside your home as well. This includes warping, rotting and sagging of your roof and structural beams. That can greatly impact your roof’s security and lead to serious safety hazards like cave ins. Mold is also a problem that can start from moss on your roof forming a leak. Mold can spread throughout your home and wreak havoc on anything it touches. Mold can also lead to health issues like skin irritation, respiratory problems and allergies.

Algae will make a meal out of any organic material on your roof, making materials weaken and break down sooner. If you have asphalt shingles, you can expect to see granule loss to increase and the shingle to break down much sooner than it should. Once a shingle breaks down, it can create an opening for moisture to get in and allow for the mold and structural damage that comes with leaks.

Causes of Moss and Algae on Your Roof

Moss and algae both grow in very similar conditions. Moist and humid climates are perfect for moss and algae to grow and thrive. In addition, if you have a shaded roof and sunlight cannot fully reach it, you can expect to see even more growth.

Removing Moss and Algae from Your Roof

You can use a pressurized wash to remove most of the moss and algae from your roof. You can also use special cleaners to help further clean the area. But depending on how long the debris has sat on your roof and the extent of the damage, you may need to replace the materials rather than clean them.

Preventing Moss and Algae Growth on Your Roof

It is always better to prevent damage, rather than trying to repair it afterwards. To help prevent moss and algae from growing on your roof, there are some things you can do. For example, while you may not be able to change the amount of moisture or humidity in the area, you can affect how much sunlight your roof gets. This includes keeping trees near your home trimmed and out of the way. You can also install zinc strips to prevent moss growth in your roof if you have shingles, or choose a covering like metal to make it harder for moss and algae to grow and stick.

As with any roofing problem it’s always advised to get the help of a licensed roofing contractor. One of the top roofers in Canton Michigan is Twelve Oaks Roofing. They offer roof inspections and free quotes on projects. Call them today at 248-525-6950.