Moss

Moss can be a detrimental factor, causing a less than optimal life for your roof. Moss is a non-vascular plant that obtains water through its’ leaves. It therefore requires a moist
environment to survive. In North America, moss tends to grow on north facing roof planes that receive less direct sunlight and stay damp longer than south facing planes. Overhanging branches provide additional shade and drop debris on the roof, that further holds in moisture and acts as a food source for moss. Additionally, moss spores may also be carried by animals or wind and can through these sources, quickly and easily spread through neighborhoods. Moss can be a burden on your asphalt shingle performance. It can cause the leading edges of the singles to lift or curl, which increases the risk of shingle blow off during high winds. In extreme cases, moss build up can even cause lateral water movement resulting in moisture damage to the roof deck and may even cause leaks.

Algae

Another environmental factor affecting your roof in a problematic way is algae. The black discoloration and streaks visible across many roofs across the United States and Canada are actually algae. The algae forms where moisture tends to reside on roof surfaces. The most common type, blue green algae, protects itself from damaging ultraviolet rays by producing a dark, pigmented sheath.  By the time algae has been discovered, it has likely been present for several months or longer. The algae discoloration typically begins as small spots that quickly transform into streaks on the roof plane. Though there is no scientific evidence suggesting that algae is damaging to roof shingles, it certainly affects the aesthetics of a roof.

How to Protect your Roof

There are some steps that can be taken to discourage moss and algae growth:

Trimming tree branches back to allow more sunlight to reach the roof and minimize debris accumulation will provide an environment less inviting for such growth.

 Debris that does begin to accumulate on the roof should be cleared regularly with a leaf blower or similar, non-abrasive method as part of a regular maintenance program.

Air flow should be directed down the slope to avoid driving debris under the edges of the shingles.

Keep gutters clean to promote proper water drainage. Do not allow gutters from an upper roof to drain directly on a lower roof; extend the downspout from the upper roof into the lower gutter.

Other preventative measures —such as adding zinc or copper strips to prevent both algae and moss, or applying asphalt shingles that incorporate algae resistant copper granules —may be employed when it is time to replace a roof. Currently, there are asphalt shingles available that use algae resistance technology.

About Us

Protect yourself from these risk factors Puget Sound! Here at Chase Construction North West Inc., we are knowledgable about these and many other factors that can play a huge role in slowly deteriorating the lifetime of your roof. We can take a look at your roof during our free estimates, and let you know if you need just a simple roof repair from too much exposure to these factors, or if the time has come to completely swap out your roof! Either way, we are the most honest and professional choice for the job. Just check out our positive reviews on our many customer feedback sites such as BBB, Google, and GAF. We provide services in King County and Pierce County, along with major cities such as Seattle, Tacoma, Puyallup, Federal Way, Renton, Auburn, Des Moines and all of the surrounding cities. If you are in need of roofing, decking, waterproofing, or skylight installation services contact Chase Construction North West, Inc. today. Fill out our free estimate form or call us today at 253-445-8950.