Fungi and moss growth on roofs makes an ugly sight. The build-up ruins your roof's aesthetics, reducing your home's value. Besides, the growth damages roofs, forcing you to replace them. Prevention is thus better than incurring replacement costs. The only way to prevent the growth of moss and fungi, which entails mildew and molds on the roofs, is by making your roofing conditions unfavorable for growth. Find how below.

Tree Pruning and Trimming

A tree yard close to your home has associated disadvantages. Tree branches might grow over your roof and cause a shade to form. The roofing area covered by the shade then gets humid and damp after some time. This condition promotes fungi and moss growth on the roofs.

The solution is pruning and trimming branches growing over the roof to reduce the shade and moist conditions. This move will allow sun rays to penetrate and dry the roofing materials.

Debris Cleaning

Clearing debris from the shingles and roof gutters can help prevent the growth of moss and fungi on your roof. Debris acts as an obstacle that hinders water drainage from the roof through the gutters.

Accumulation of debris facilitates moisture retention, which promotes the growth of fungi and moss on the roofing materials and gutters. Therefore, practice regular cleaning to eliminate conditions that will favor mold growth.

Use of Zinc and Copper Strips and Granules

You can also install zinc strips on the roof ridges. This provision allows rainwater to wash down the zinc on both sides of the hip. Also, zinc kills the molds and moss on the roofing materials. Copper strips work the same way too. You can also use shingle roofing coated with zinc or copper granules. Zinc and copper are algae and moss resistant, thus inhibiting their growth on the shingles.

Use of Chlorine Bleach and Water

You can use chlorine bleach and water mixed in equal ratios. You should spray the infested roof parts, let the spray stay for a few minutes, and then wash off with low-pressure water. Be cautious when using this method, though. The solution may affect your landscaped lawns. If you can't handle it yourself, you can hire a roofing contractor to help clear out the algae and moss.

Conclusion

If ignored, moss and mold build-up can cause extensive damage to your roof. A regular roof inspection and maintenance plan should include trimming overgrown branches from the roof and removing dirt.  If moss or mold becomes noticeable on the roofing materials, clean it with a mixture of water and bleach to prevent it from spreading to neighboring roofs.

For more information on roofing, contact a professional near you.