So we went out to look at a roof repair job in the Plymouth area. Right away it was clear that there was a big issue in front of us: the home had moss growing all over the front roof and over a good portion of the back. It was lush and green and very healthy, even given this summer’s dry conditions. Where it was not dry is in the homeowner’s house: she had several leaks throughout the home – that’s why she called us!
“If you can fix the leaks without disturbing too much of the moss, that would be great,” the homeowner said. “It’s really pretty and I love it.”
Talk about feeling bad! I had to tell this homeowner that while the moss might be pretty, it was bad news for her roof. In fact, rather than just an issue with repairing a few leaks, that moss might mean she was looking at a total roof replacement.
As you can imagine, that is not what she wanted to hear. Moss on the roof is a problem because moss is a living, growing plant that soaks up water like a sponge. Every time it rains or dew forms, moss collects that water. It travels down into the moss’ root systems, which can penetrate right through shingles into the roof below.
All of the leaks the homeowner was struggling with were happening in areas where the moss had completely deteriorated the roof’s surface. These boards were no longer sound; they’d have to be removed and replaced. The extent of the damage was such that it didn’t make financial sense to simply patch areas: the entire front roof needed to be redone and enough of the back that it was more prudent to replace it all.
The homeowner was sad to see the moss go, but she’s determined not to let it come back now that she knows the costs. If you have moss on your roof, taking action now to remove it can save your roof later on. Keeping moisture out of your roof is job #1 and for that to happen you need no moss!