Often mistaken for algae or mold, the greenish black streaks and discoloration visible on roofs across North America and Canada are moss. The moss can form anywhere there is moisture present in the air. Just as with algae, it thrives in humid conditions. The only difference between the two is that moss doesn’t grow on the human body. As a result of its cold-like growth, moss can’t survive long in areas that see temperatures topping out at freezing for extended periods of time.

Depending upon the severity, moss and algae can cause significant damage to your roof. If you notice patches of moss or algae where water is leaking onto your roof, do not hesitate to contact a professional roof maintenance company for an assessment and possible treatment plan. The most common type of roof problem causing mildew and moss is the presence of excess moisture in your roofing materials, such as the deteriorated asphalt shingles on your roof. In these cases, a roof maintenance company may recommend that you replace the deteriorated roofing materials, as well as the flashing around your house to eliminate the possibility of future water problems. This approach is less costly than hiring a professional contractor to perform a complete roof inspection and repair work.

Some homeowners have inadvertently discovered the presence of moss or algae growing on their roof, even when they did not expect it. For example, if you discover patches of moss growing on the exterior walls, or on the exposed edges of your house, it is likely that you have dampness in the air but not necessarily moss. A similar situation occurs with the spotting that some people observe where algae has appeared. Sometimes algae spots can be confused with moss. In this case, it is a good idea to contact a roofing contractor to help identify the source of the algae and, if necessary, remedy the situation.

Roof maintenance professionals can assist you in determining whether you have moss or algae on your roof and can recommend ways to correct the situation. One common roof repair recommendation for moss or algae growth is to apply a solution of chlorine bleach to the mossy areas. Once the moss dies, chlorine bleach will break the connection between the moss and the algae and cause the moss to drop off. This method can be used on both dry and wet mowers.

How to remove mold from your roof does require a bit of manual labor, but it is often worth the effort. If you discover a particularly difficult-to-remove patch of moss or algae on your roof, however, you should consider calling in a roof maintenance company. They have the experience and expertise needed to safely and effectively remove the problematic substance from your roof. Before they start work, however, you should be sure to have the problem repaired on your own. Professional roof maintenance companies have the skills and equipment necessary to tackle tough jobs such as these.

It is possible to remove all of the moss and algae growth from your roof on your own. You would simply apply an organic solution containing chlorine bleach (or another environmentally safe alternative) to the problem area, let it sit and grow until it is removed. There are even products available on the market today that will kill all of the organisms in one fell swoop without damaging or eroding your roof. However, unless you want to replace your entire roof, this is usually not a wise decision. As an added precaution, you should contact a roof maintenance company to discuss the suggested methods of dealing with the issue, whether using chemicals or employing a roof maintenance company to fix the problem for you.

This post was written by a roofing professional at KCG Roofing. KCG Roofing is a premier roofing contractor that does Brandon roofing! KCG Roofing has the experience and expertise to replace or repair your roof with quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. All our roofs are backed by a 15-year leak-free guarantee, the highest in the industry. We have been family-owned and operated for over 40 years.