You wouldn’t think that something as natural and lightweight as moss would cause roof leaks, but it absolutely can. Depending on your region, some roofs can have more moss growth than others. Certainly, if your house is near or under a lot of trees and has a wet or tropical climate, you’re at risk for abundant moss growth.
Okay, what’s so bad about moss? Moss is kind of like a sponge in the sense that it absorbs water. If you have moss on your roof, it’s collecting water every time it rains and in turn, weighing down your roof and affecting its infrastructure. Not to mention, this can severely damage your shingles and other roofing materials.
RoofCrafters has been repairing roof leaks caused by moss for nearly 30 years, so we know how evil these green balls of fury can be. We also know all the ways you can prevent these fuzzy guys from wreaking havoc on your roof.
That being said, it’s probably safe to say you’ve recently had some roof damage caused by moss if you’re reading this article. Or, you’re just intrigued by moss. To each their own, right? Either way, you’re in the right place. In this article, you’ll learn all about the seriousness of moss-related roof leaks, and how to prevent them from happening in the first place.
How Serious is a Roof Leak Caused By Moss?
Originating from the attic and left unattended, a leak can damage the items you have stored there. Over time, the leak grows and erodes the wood leading to a more significant leak. Any lights mounted on the affected roof and any wiring may get affected.
The water can damage your paint and cause discoloration. More damage happens over time as water continues to seep into your home, damaging attic insulation and causing mold to grow as a result of the water intrusion.
Is a Small Roof Leak From Moss Bad?
Arguably, a small roof leak is worse than a bigger one. A small leak is challenging to identify and can cause a lot of damage if left undiagnosed. By the time you spot such small roof leaks, they have already caused much more wood rot or other structural damage.
Roof leaks can cause electrical fires and encourage pests and mold to grow, which can impede your quality of life and damage your property. Here’s how you can spot a small roof leak:
- Rusted nails. An obvious sign of a leaky roof is moisture. If the nails in your attic’s ceiling are rusting, water has seeped in due to a roof leak.
- Spots on the ceiling. If you notice spots or uneven textures on the ceiling, contact a roofer immediately because this shows that water may have seeped in from the roof. In extreme cases, this leads to water bubbles in the ceiling, sagging, or in worst cases eroding it to the point that sunlight shines through.
- Pests or animals. Going up into your attic and finding a horde of insects or a bird’s nest is not normal. Ensure that all your windows’ seals are intact, and then call a roofer for an inspection to find any problems in the roof’s structure.
- Mold. Damp places unexposed to sunlight are perfect for mold growth, making your attic and ceiling the ideal breeding ground. Allergic reactions for many people accompany the musty smell of mold. Not only can mold cause health issues, but it also is detrimental to your home’s structure.
What Happens if You Don’t Fix a Roof Leak From Moss?
So many people have the thought process that starts with them asking, “Is a small roof leak bad?” And it ends with them saying, “Well, it hasn’t caused any visible damage, so I’ll get to it later.”
A small roof leak becomes a big one if left unrepaired and eventually causes water to flood your house during a rainstorm. Allowing water to enter your home opens everyone to the risk of electric shocks, fires, and can lead to serious structural damage.
Furthermore, water damages most furniture, clothing, and electrical appliances. Insurance won’t cover you for any damage caused by a leaky roof if you neglected it when the leak was small.
How Do You Prevent Leaks From Moss?
Preventing roof leaks caused by moss is pretty simple and saves you money in the long run. While factors such as heavy storms can damage your roof, the most common roof leaks that get repaired are almost always preventable.
Always make sure your roof is clean from any dangerous moss or other green things growing on it to help your roof live up to its average life expectancy. If you stay up to date with routine yearly maintenance, your contractor will be sure to clear your roof of any moss and other debris.
Conduct Maintenance
Always hire a professional roofing contractor to conduct maintenance annually to prevent the most common problems from occurring from moss and damaging your home. Remember that doing this allows you to remain covered for accidental damages by your insurance company.
Visual Inspections
Your roof is exposed to the elements, so make sure that you clear up any debris accumulated on it. This additional weight puts excess strain that can damage the roof. Check for any trees or overhanging branches near your roof that can potentially break and damage it. If you find any, prune them.
Frequently inspect for any wear and tear that may damage your roofing, such as damaged or missing shingles or cracks in the roof. If you come across any damage, immediately contact a roofer to repair it and prevent further damage. Keep your roof gutters clean, inspect for cracks and rust, and ensure that your vents are in good condition.
Replace Your Roof on Time
Most roofs have an expected life of around 15-20 years, after which you should be planning to have a full roof replacement. While premium roofing materials like metal can last up to a century, they do require a more significant upfront investment.
Insurance offers limited or no coverage for roofs older than 15-20 years, so if your roof leaks or collapses beyond that, you might be liable for the damages.
Should I Keep My Roof Moss-Free?
Well, yeah! At the end of the day, these green dudes are pretty scary. In fact, they don’t even pay you to rent, so evict them before it’s too late. It’s always important to keep your roof clear of any debris in general so the infrastructure isn’t weighed down and potentially damaged.
In this article, you’ve learned why moss is so dangerous to roofs, and how you can prevent any damages it may cause to your home in the future. You should be feeling pretty relieved that you can stick it to the man here (or moss), but if you’re still uneasy about the intruders on your roof, check out our Roof Maintenance Tips.If you’re ready to set up your yearly inspection and kick those things to the curb, drop RoofCrafters a line on our contact page. One of our friendly experts will be in touch with you in no time.
