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Aside From Moss, What Else is Growing on your Roof?

22nd June 2018

Aside From Moss, What Else is Growing on your Roof?

While moss is typically known as the main kind of infestation for roofs, roof moss removal St. Helens know that there are many more plants and fungi looking to live on your roof. Even if we use the word “moss” as a catch-all, when we say this we mean just about any type of destructive life growing on a roof.

In this post we’ll be going over the three main plant types aside from moss that grow on roofs, how they differ, and what the best ways are to deal with each one.

Aside From Moss, What Else is Growing on your Roof?

While moss is typically known as the main kind of infestation for roofs, roof moss removal St. Helens know that there are many more plants and fungi looking to live on your roof. Even if we use the word “moss” as a catch-all, when we say this we mean just about any type of destructive life growing on a roof.

In this post we’ll be going over the three main plant types aside from moss that grow on roofs, how they differ, and what the best ways are to deal with each one.

Roof Moss Removal St. Helens

Blue-Green Algae Growth

Although our first example is called “blue-green algae”, this organism isn’t blue, green or an algae! Often mistaken for dirt, tree sap or oil, this bacteria is actually black in order to protect itself from the UV rays present in sunlight.

With the Latin name “gloecapsa magma”, this tiny bacteria gets blown about by the wind before it eventually settles on a roof and sets up a colony before roof moss removal St. Helens come along. As long as this bacteria is in a warm and moist environment and has calcium carbonate found in roof shingles to chew on, then it won’t be going anywhere.

One of the easiest ways to spot gloecapsa magma is to look for roofs that have lighter or cleaner vertical streaks under vents or flashings. The rain washing down over lead and zinc coated metal releases metal ions on the roof below, inhibiting the growth of the bacteria.

Lichen Growth

Similar to blue-green algae, lichen is a combination of a bacteria and algae joined together and living together in symbiosis. Lichen look like bright green drops of paint-spattered across a rooftop, and while they look like easy customers, they can actually make life and moss removal quite difficult.

Lichen create a sort of protective barrier for other moss, algae and fungi to collect and grow, even if protective spray was laid down or Algae block shingles have been installed. Roof moss removal St. Helens know to get rid of lichen immediately as it acts as a foundation upon which other plants can start to grow. 

Fungus Growth

The last and maybe the nastiest of organic roof-dwellers, fungus has been plaguing roofs for centuries with its greenish slime surrounded by a heavy dark stain. Roof moss removal St. Helens look for fungus underneath gutters or from behind skylights where dirty water can collect and wash down the roof.

While the black stain surrounding the fungus is often thought to be blue-green algae, it’s actually dark from the water damage that is perpetuating the green and slimy fungus growth.

For any Moss, Algae, Lichens or Fungus, call Roof Moss Removal St. Helens

Now that you have a better idea regarding what exactly is growing on your roof, it’s time to get in some professionals who can deal with the situation easily and effectively. Roof moss removal St. Helens have years of experience in roof maintenance and repair all over the St. Helens area.

If you’re interested in our services, be sure to visit our website at www.JustCleanPropertyCare.co.uk, or give us a call at 01744 470 051