How to Prevent Moss Growth on Your Richmond Roofing

On past blogs, we have discussed the harmful effects that moss and lichens can have on your Richmond roofing. Asphalt shingles, wood shakes, clay and concrete tiles, and even metal roofing can all play host to these hardy little plants, which thrive on moist, low-light areas of a roof surface. Moss can shorten the lifespan of your roof by 10 years or more because it acts like a sponge, holding moisture against the surface and speeding deterioration. Here are some ways to get rid of moss, lichens and algae on your roof, and also prevent future growth.

Use treated shingles. Several manufacturers produce chemically treated asphalt roofing shingles which are resistant to moss, lichens and algae. If you have experienced problems with organic growth in the past, you’ll want to discuss this option with your Richmond roofing professional when it’s time to reroof.

Install metal flashings. Have you noticed that moss, lichens, algae and fungus are absent near areas where galvanized metal, copper, or even aluminum flashing are installed? That’s because rainwater washes mineral salts off these metals, poisoning moss or algae growing on the roof surface. Metal flashings can be used to prevent future moss and lichen growth or to gently treat an otherwise fragile roof.

Give the roof surface more sunlight. Moss and lichens require moisture and shade to grow. If your roof surface is heavily shaded, trim back trees to increase direct sunlight. Clean off organic debris, such as leaves or pine needles, which may cover valleys and other roof surfaces.

If moss, lichen and algae growth is a concern for you, Crown Roofing LTD can complete a professional roof inspection and recommend the best solution to extend the life of your Richmond roofing. Call us today at (877) 907-3066!

Remove Moss from BC Roofing

Author: Jason Bradley

In the damp climate of the Lower Mainland, moss often appears on BC roofing. These tiny plants may seem harmless, but beware: roof moss anchors itself by growing into the top shingle layer, where it acts like a sponge to hold water against the roof surface. This factor alone will speed roof deterioration by at least 10 years. Over time, this process also loosens the ceramic granules that cover a shingle, weakening its structure and leaving it bare to the elements. In addition, excessive growth can lift the edges of shingles, exposing your home to roof leaks and wind damage.

It may seem like moss growth has popped up on your roof overnight, but removing moss from a roof requires a bit of patience. It is possible to clean a mossy roof surface, but cleaning must be done gently to minimize damage to the shingles. Aggressive cleaning, such as power washing or sweeping, can break the shingles or knock off excessive amounts of granules. If you are uncertain about the condition of the shingles underneath moss growth, test a small area by gently brushing. If shingles appear to be worn out and fragile, it will be impossible to clean the roof. A new roof is necessary.

There are chemicals available that claim to kill roof moss, but these also risk damaging your shingles and contaminating the surrounding environment. Old-fashioned elbow grease may be a better alternative. We recommend a professional roof inspection if roof moss is a concern for you. Crown Roofing LTD can give you helpful tips to deal with the problem and extend the life of your roof. Call us today at (877) 907-3066.

How Moss Affects Your Roofing in Vancouver

Author: Jason Bradley

In the cool, soggy climate of the Lower Mainland, moss and lichens are a common occurrence, but not only in the woods. You can find these hardy little plants on roofs too. Asphalt shingles, wood shakes, clay and concrete tiles, and even metal roofing are favorite growing spots for moss and lichens, particularly on the north-facing portions of a roof that receive less direct sunlight. These organisms can cause more than just cosmetic issues. Because they trap moisture against the surface of a roof, lichens and especially moss can dramatically shorten the lifespan of your roof.

If left alone to grow and spread, moss will typically shorten the life of a roof by at least 10 years. This is due to the moss’s ability to retain water like a sponge, which keeps the roof surface continually wet and causes it to deteriorate faster. When the water freezes during the winter months, the damage to the surface is worsened. The spread of moss roots can also lift the edges of shingles, allowing water to seep underneath and cause leaks. A mossy roof looks unsightly, lowering the curb appeal and overall value of your home.

Many homeowners are not aware that roof debris such as moss and lichens can void a roof warranty! However, with some preventative maintenance you can free your roof of this type of growth, saving additional time and money down the road. If this is a concern for you, Crown Roofing LTD can complete a comprehensive inspection of your roof and recommend the best ways to preserve and extend its life, or the best replacement options if necessary. Call us today at (877) 907-3066.

Extend the Life of Your BC Roof with Proper Attic Ventilation

Author: Jason Bradley

You might be surprised to find out that one of the most common problems we see when performing BC roof inspections has nothing to do with shingles or guttering. A high percentage of roofs — even those installed recently — are underventilated. Improper attic ventilation can lead to a number of issues, including higher energy bills and even roof failure. In fact, the National Roofing Contractors Association reported in 2007 that the number one cause of premature roof failure in the United States was improper ventilation.

If your attic is not allowing air to circulate as it should, it’s actually working against you rather than for you. An attic with proper ventilation will allow hot air to escape, lessening the load on your air conditioning unit in the summer. You will also want to be sure that your attic has adequate levels of insulation to prevent heat loss during colder months.

Another important benefit of an adequately ventilated roof is that it will prevent the build-up of moisture in your attic space. This is essential in the Lower Mainland, where the environment is already humid. High levels of humidity will reduce the effectiveness of attic insulation, permit the growth of mold and mildew, and over time could cause dry rot that leads to premature roof failure.

Improper ventilation causes many problems for homeowners in the Vancouver area, including:

• Higher heating and cooling bills.
• Increased wear on HVAC systems.
• Shorter roof life and decreased roof value.
• Mold and mildew growth that triggers respiratory and other health issues.
• Hidden structural damage.

If you have concerns about your roof ventilation system, call the professionals at Crown Roofing LTD at (877) 907-3066 to schedule a free inspection. With a few modifications, we may be able to help you save a huge amount on energy bills and even prevent structural repairs or roof replacement.

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