Why Does Moss Grows Faster on Roofs in Bristol and How to Deal With It
How to Deal with the Fast Growth of Moss in Bristol?
In Bristol, the frequent growth of moss can be a common problem for many homeowners. Because of the local climate conditions, moss thrives in the area. It is harmless if dealt with quickly, but can lead to long-term damage to a roof if left to grow. During many months of the year, Bristol is damp and many properties may have shaded roofs, both of these things will encourage moss to grow faster. There are certain ways to prevent the fast growth of moss and regular maintenance is a good way to avoid expensive repairs in the future,
The Weather in Bristol Encourages Moss Growth
There is frequent rainfall in the area of Bristol all through the year which means moisture levels are perfect for moss spores to settle and grow. Often for long periods of time, roofs can remain damp which encourages moss to spread across tiles very quickly.
Properties may often not have much sunlight and because of the naturally mild temperature, moss can grow all year. If you have a north-facing roof, you may find you are more affected. Also, over-hanging trees or large buildings nearby may block the sun meaning roofs remain damp.
Common Roofing Materials in Bristol Can Encourage Moss Growth
In Bristol, roofs are widely made of either
clay, concrete or slate tiles which can become porous over time. There may be small gaps on the surface which are perfect for moss spores. Older roofs may have rough textures and hold more moisture making them more vulnerable. Weather can cause these problems by damaging certain areas on a roof and hence allowing moss to grow.
Why Moss Can Cause
Problems for Your Roof
Firstly, the fact that moss holds water means the moisture retained is sitting against the roof tiles which will weaken the materials resulting in the lifespan of a roof being shortened.
If moss grows between the tiles then it can cause the tiles to move slightly which could possibly allow water underneath leading to problems with the structure of the property and leaks.
It is important to clear gutters to allow water to be taken away from the property. If moss builds up or falls into downpipes then there could be a blockage and then overflowing water could damage walls or indeed foundations.
Signs Moss May Be Affecting Your Roof
How to know if there is a problem with moss on my roof?
Check for green patches that can easily be seen spreading across the tiles themselves. It can often grow faster around the chimneys or in the roof valleys. As previously mentioned, always check the gutters are clear of debris. If you can see that any of your tiles have slightly moved, this could be a warning sign. If the situation is more serious then you may see patches of damp inside the building.
What You Can Do to Prevent Moss Growth
Problems with moss can be easily rectified if you do a few simple things. Inspect your roof regularly, especially after winter. There are professional cleaning companies that specialise in roofs and they can clean moss away to preserve good roof condition. Regularly try and clear your gutters, leaves and debris can build up and limit good draining. If there are trees growing near your roof, be sure to trim them back to allow for good airflow and more sunlight meaning moisture is reduced. There are some products available that will coat your tiles and protect them meaning your roof will stay cleaner for a longer period of time.
Conclusion
It is a fact that moss can grow quickly on roofs in the Bristol area as a result of the damp weather. It can be easily treated if you do simple things such as regular roof checks and gutter clearance. If it is left untreated it can become a costly job to deal with and the materials may be seriously damaged.
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