If you see green, fuzzy formations spreading on your roof shingles from growing moss, you are likely to see moss growing on your roof in Silverton, Oregon, and your roof could require repairs, based on how long the moss has been on your roof. You should be paying attention to how long you have had moss growing on your roof in Silverton, Oregon, because if left untreated, it can be a major reason for breaking down your shingles, voiding your warranty, and leading you to a cost of between $10,000 and $20,000 for a full roof replacement.
For all Silverton homeowners, here’s a list of why moss can grow so quickly in Silverton.
Why Moss Grows on Roofs in Silverton
The amount of rain Silverton receives each year is approximately 47 inches. Homes that have a lot of trees and homes that face north have a lot of shade during rainstorms and receive little sunshine afterwards. This will allow moss to continue to grow on the shingles during months when moss may not be able to continue to grow on roofs because there is no longer any precipitation.
Here are some things that encourage moss to grow on roofs:
- Maturity of trees such as Douglas firs, Maples, and Alders creates lots of shade on roofs.
- Inadequate ventilation of roofs leads to trapped moisture on the roof surface.
- Organic debris, such as leaves and twigs, attracts and holds moisture on roofs, leading to moss and fungi being established on the roofs.
- North-facing roof slopes stay wet after rain longer than south-facing roofs.
According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), biological growth (moss and algae) contributes to 1/3 of all roofs in the northwest region of the United States. Oregon continues to rank as one of the top five states for roof damage due to moss growth.
How Moss Damages Roofing Materials
Moss may appear harmless on your roof in Silverton, OR, but its root-like growth (called rhizoids) causes lifting and separating of shingles by growing into the seam between the layers of shingles. Once the shingles get lifted up, rainwater will enter directly underneath the roof surface, which is the single most common cause of deck rot and/or interior leaking.
| Damage Type | What Happens | Repair Cost (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Shingle Lifting | Rhizoids lift shingles apart at their edges. | $300–$800 spot repair |
| Water Infiltration | Water will penetrate under the elevated shingle | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Roof Deck Rot | Prolonged moisture will rot the deckboard | $3,000–$8,000+ |
| Warranty Void | Most manufacturer warranties exclude biological growth | Full replacement cost |
Signs Moss Is Lifting and Damaging Your Shingles
If you see any of the following signs, it indicates that moss is already lifting your roof shingles; don’t wait for a ceiling stain to take action:
- Green or black patches of moss, especially on the north-facing slope of the roof
- Curled up and lifted/uneven shingles along the edge of the roof;
- Dark streaks created by missing granules of shingles due to the weight of the moss, which have flattened the shingles
- An excessive amount of granules builds up in your gutters after a rain
- Musty odour or visible moisture on the decking of the roof in your attic area
Moss Removal and Prevention for Silverton Roofs
In Silverton, Oregon, the safe removal of moss off roofs requires more than just spraying a hose and scrubbing the surface. Using a scrubbing technique that is aggressive can actually remove the protective granules from asphalt shingles, and as a result, the shingles will wear out much faster than the moss itself. The best way to remove moss completely from a roof while maintaining their warranty is to use a professional soft-wash method.
Here are the steps that work to remove and prevent moss from developing on your roof:
- Use a biodegradable moss-killing solution that is environmentally safe for Oregon residents.
- Install either zinc or copper ridge strips on the roof so that as the rain runs over the ridges, it carries ions that will inhibit the growth of moss across the entire roof.
- Cut any tree branches that are overhanging the roof to allow for maximum sunlight and air movement across the roof.
- Have your roof professionally cleaned on an annual or semi-annual basis.
- Clean your gutters on a regular basis to remove organic debris that will continue to feed moss colonies.
Professional Roof Cleaning Services in Silverton, OR
The professionals at Referred Roof Cleaning specialize in cleaning roofs in Silverton, Oregon using low-pressure, soft-wash systems. Our procedure effectively removes moss without causing any damage to your shingles or voiding your shingles warranty. We have been serving Silverton and the surrounding Marion County area using an eco-friendly method that is proven to work!
The services we provide to Silverton customers include:
- A free roof inspection and a complete evaluation of the severity of the moss on the roof.
- An environmentally friendly soft-wash treatment of the roof that will remove all moss, algae and lichen.
- An application of a preventative moss inhibitor after the soft-wash treatment has been completed.
- The installation of a zinc strip along the ridge of your roof to prevent future moss growth.
- Pictures of your roof before and after the soft-wash treatment to document the entire process.
Serving Silverton, OR & Marion County — Free Estimates at referredroofcleaning.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does moss always damage a roof in Silverton?
Yes, moss can cause serious roof damage in Silverton, OR, caused by the invasion of rhizoids, the accumulation of moisture, and the loss of granules from the roof. If left untreated, these issues will begin to visibly create problems for your roofing system within 2-3 years due to the climate in Oregon. Therefore, having the moss removal done soon prevents the high costs of repairing a roof that has been damaged by moss.
Q: How often should I remove moss from my roof in Silverton?
The weather pattern of Oregon requires that a roof cleanup be completed every 12-18 months in Silverton, OR. A preventative moss inhibitor should also be applied after each treatment to provide extended protection and coverage to the roof.
Q: Is DIY moss removal safe for my Silverton roof?
You can handle clearing light debris yourself, but be cautious when pressure washing or scrubbing too hard; it will rub off granules from your roof. To completely remove moss from a roof in Silverton and not void your warranty, you should hire a professional soft wash company.
Q: What kills roof moss most effectively in Oregon?
The most effective products for killing roof moss in Oregon are zinc sulfate and copper-based soft-wash products. If you hire a professional using these solutions, they can guarantee proper dilution, total coverage, and appropriate runoff that will save your landscaping and the rivers and streams of Silverton.
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