By holding moisture against the roof surface lichens but more so moss speed the wear of the asphalt shingle surface in freezing climates by increasing frost damage to the mineral granule coating on the shingles.
Moss growing on shingles of roof.
This thin layer on the top of the shingles expands and becomes wide thick and mat like.
Moss keeps the roof wet.
Moss and lichens are more than a cosmetic issue on many kinds of roofing materials asphalt shingles roll roofing wood shingle roofs wood shake roofs.
Since moss thrives in damp environments areas of the roof that get the least amount of direct sunlight like north facing sections or areas shaded by tree limbs make an ideal place for it to grow.
Over time moss can also work its way under shingles lifting them up.
Once under the shingles the moisture can reach the underlying structure.
This lack of drainage not only helps the moss grow and thrive but also may damage your roof because it increases the risk of water getting under the shingles.
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 moisture increases the weight of the roof which increases the risk of collapse decay leaks and water damage.
Moss starts as a thin green layer on and between shingles but then it proceeds to lift those shingles up as it grows allowing water to seep underneath.
Moss growth will also interfere with proper drainage of water off the roof as water needs to trickle through or around the moss instead of running straight down to the gutters.
Moss and green algae require dead organic matter for nutrients so you can prevent their growth by blowing off the shingles to remove junk from trees that tend to accumulate between the tabs.
Hello wood rot and leaks.
The seams between the shingles and the shingles edges also develop moss because they tend to be especially shaded.
The resulting constant exposure to water can degrade shingles.
It helps keep your roof wet by storing moisture and preventing proper drainage.
Once the spores get on the roof they gather in the spaces between shingles and grow into thick spongy moss.