What is Moss?

Moss is a plant species that grows really well in moist cool areas. There are many different species of moss. Some common characteristics among these species are that moss does not have flowers or seeds, they must have a damp environment to grow in because they do not have any root system to secure water, and they are usually extremely green with tiny leafs.

What Promotes Moss Growth?

1. A shady climate. The climate doesn’t need to be too shady but shade is optimal.
2. Acidic environments. More specifically moss grows optimally at a pH level of 5.0 to 5.5.
3. Moss grows well on hard surfaces.
4. Moss needs a moist/humid environment to grow.

Why is Moss on The Roof Bad?

Although the reasons are some what debated in the roof cleaning industry there is definitely one common conclusion and it is that moss is not good for roofs. We have posted a few of the reasons commonly accepted within the industry for why moss is bad for roofs.

1. As the moss thickens and grows on an asphalt shingle roof it can raise the shingles up (much like a jack under a car). When the shingles get risen it allows water to go under the shingles causing the decking to rot and causing the roof to leak. The raised shingles also pose problems when heavy winds are present because they will catch the wind like a sail and this can cause shingles to be torn/blown off the roof.
2. A moss buildup on the roof causes more debris to get trapped on the roof. This debris promotes water buildup which makes the roof at risk of much more rotting and leaking.
3. Moss can actually damage the asphalt shingle components leaving it to break down faster

How to Kill Moss?

1. Take away the shade that the moss is growing in.
2. Turn its environment extremely acidic or turn it into a base environment (above 7 pH levels).
3. Take away the moisture or water from the moss.
4. Call BLAST.