Moss is pesky and often the bane of many roofs in Woodbury, NJ. As you are aware, New Jersey can be humid at times, and that can prompt roofs that get minimal sunlight to begin growing moss. Although moss can look appealing, it is not recommended for roofs, as it can absorb water and cause damage to more than the shingles. But do you have to do anything about it? Or does moss die over the winter on a roof? Let’s find out!
Key Takeaways
- Moss on roofs in Woodbury, NJ, can lead to decay of shingles and water penetration, causing leaks and damage to the home.
- Moss does not die off during winter in New Jersey due to mild temperatures, remaining resilient to reduced sunlight and freezing conditions.
- Chemical solutions and preventative measures like zinc strips can hinder moss growth.
- Regular roof cleaning, improved drainage, trimming overhanging branches, and maintaining proper ventilation are effective ways to prevent moss growth.
What is Moss?
Moss is a type of small, non-vascular plant that belongs to the group of bryophytes. It lacks true roots, stems, and leaves like vascular plants, but instead has simple structures called rhizoids to anchor itself to surfaces like soil, rocks, or tree bark. Mosses typically thrive in damp and shaded environments, where they absorb water and nutrients directly through their tissues.
These plants reproduce via spores rather than seeds and play important ecological roles in various ecosystems. They help to retain moisture in the soil, prevent erosion, and provide habitats for small animals and insects. Additionally, mosses are often used in horticulture and landscaping for their aesthetic appeal in gardens, terrariums, and green roofs. However, they can also be considered pests when they grow excessively on roofs, sidewalks, or other outdoor surfaces, leading to issues such as moisture retention and surface damage.
How Does Moss Affect a Roof in Woodbury, NJ?
As mentioned earlier, moss can be damaging when it is allowed to grow on a roof. Although moss does not have an extensive root system, it does hold on to moisture. Over time, the moss and the dampness will begin to cause rapid decay of the shingles, leading to water penetration. If there is water beneath the shingles during freezing temperatures, the ice that forms will push the shingles away from the roof deck. The end result is often water leaks and damage within your home.
Does Moss Die Over The Winter on a Roof in Woodbury, NJ?
If you have moss growing on your roof in Woodbury, you may be considering just letting it grow and hoping it dies during the winter. Unfortunately, New Jersey winters have not been cold enough in the recent years to result in significant dieback or dormancy. Moss is rather resilient and can handle reduced sunlight and freezing temperatures. Once the days get warmer, moss will revive and continue to grow throughout the spring, summer, and autumn months. Additionally, snow cover can provide insulation and moisture, which may support moss survival during the winter months.
In short, moss does not die during the winter. It merely grows more slowly or falls into dormancy.
Removing and Preventing Moss Growth
No amount of waiting is going to hinder moss growth. You must either remove the moss yourself or hire a roofing company that can do it for you. A chemical solution that hinders moss growth will be best, as you cannot remove moss by hand. If any shingles have been damaged, those will need to be replaced. Furthermore, do not use a pressure washer in an attempt to get rid of the moss—that will damage your roof.
The best way to deal with moss is to not allow it to happen in the first place. Contact a local roofing contractor in Woodbury, NJ like RGB Construction to see if they can install preventative measures, such as the GAF Master Flow® Zinc Moss & Mildew strip. The zinc in the strip will prevent mildew and mold growth overtime.
Other ways of preventing moss growth include:
- Keep the Roof Clean: Regularly remove debris such as leaves, branches, and organic matter from the roof surface. This prevents moisture retention and reduces the potential for moss to establish and spread.
- Improve Roof Drainage: Ensure that gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and properly functioning to allow rainwater to flow off the roof efficiently. This helps to minimize standing water and moisture accumulation, which are conducive to moss growth.
- Trim Overhanging Branches: Trim back overhanging branches to reduce shade and increase sunlight exposure on the roof. Sunlight helps to inhibit moss growth by drying out the roof surface and creating less favorable conditions for moss to thrive.
- Maintain Proper Ventilation: Ensure that the attic or roof space has adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. Proper ventilation helps to regulate temperature and humidity levels, reducing the likelihood of moss growth on the roof deck.
Looking for Roof Maintenance Services in Woodbury, NJ?
Moss has a tendency to thrive in Gloucester County, due to the shady areas and humidity in the air. That is why it is important to keep your roof clean of debris and the gutters free of clogs. Any moisture can prompt moss growth, and as you have learned, moss does not die during the winter. It will come back and continue wreaking havoc on your roof.
If you have moss growing on your roof, don’t wait to have it removed. Contact a reputable roofing contractor in Woodbury, NJ to have them remove the moss and install preventative measures. RGB Construction has the experience and materials to make that happen as soon as you need us. Give us a call at 856-264-9093 or fill out the online form to schedule an appointment with our team.
