Don’t moss around with your roof’s health

By Anna Lockhart.  

Moss growth is no joke — conducting regular roof checks and maintenance can limit and prevent its growth! 

In a recent AskARoofer Minisode, podcast host Megan Ellsworth sat down with Lori and Matt Swanson of Guardian Roofing and Gutters to discuss a common issue many homeowners face – moss accumulation on residential roofs. The duo shared insightful tips for moss removal and prevention that homeowners can take advantage of in order to keep their homes moss-free.  

For nearly twenty years, Guardian Roofing and Gutters has been providing homeowners with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their roofs and gutters. And when it comes to maintaining that roof’s health, moss removal and prevention can go a long way in preserving the roof lifespan and durability against the elements.  

The first thing homeowners want to do, Matt and Lori suggested, is to take a look at the gutters and roof of the home from ground level to see if there are any places where water might be lingering, which is a breeding ground for moss. Matt explained, “The reason we do it is because you can actually see behind the gutters. A lot of times, the first place that you're going to see problems is you see some staining where water runs behind the gutters or sometimes that very first piece of plywood that we call the soffit, you'll see a little bit of punkiness just starting right where it meets the gutter, which means that that leading edge of that roof is having problems.” 

“If you can, a walk-around twice a year is really good,” Lori shared. She suggests walking around before your region’s annual storm season and then after to compare how well the home took on the elements, precipitation and any debris. This can be a major indicator of whether the roof needs further assessment or repair from a licensed professional.  

Listen to the podcast to learn more about caring for your home and preventing roof damage!