Living roofs are all the craze for modern homes and those with a flair for unique architecture. Living roofing systems have different types of plant life, adding a natural flare to homes in need of something new that will also help keep your home cool come summertime.
However, if you have moss, algae, and lichen growing on your roof, please note that these are not green roofing features. These plant organisms can cause significant damage to your roofing systems and should be removed immediately. Today, we’ll be taking a look at how lichens can affect the roof of your home and why you should get rid of them when first spotted.
What Are Lichens?
Lichens are an organism that evolves from the interaction between algae and fungi. These organisms can grow on basically any surface, even harsh elements like extreme ice and heat conditions! According to research, they’ve been found in almost every environment possible, so no matter where you live, your house is susceptible to lichen growth.
How Lichen Affects Your Roof
Ruins Your Curb Appeal
Lichen growths on your rooftop can create quite an unsightly image. They’ll make your roof look like it is poorly maintained and deteriorated. If you plan on selling your home, significant lichen growth on your rooftop can affect your home’s selling price.
Harm Your Shingles
Lichens can eat away at your roofing shingle and effectively remove its top layer. This will dramatically reduce the ability of your roof to protect you from harsh weather conditions, potentially damaging it irreparably. Lichen will also significantly reduce your home’s exterior color by creating uneven patches across the roof and building’s surface.
Loosen Shingles
If lichen can grow beneath your roofing shingles, it may loosen the shingles over time and eventually cause them to detach completely. If the lichen growth on your roof is quite significant, you may lose quite a bit of roofing shingles, which will expose the roof deck of your home to the elements.
Difficult to Navigate Across Your Roof
Trying to walk across your roof if you have lichen growth can be pretty tricky. This is because the wet, slimy surface will make it hard for anyone to stand up there without slipping and falling.
For information on lichen, moss, or algae growth on your roofing system, give Certified Roofing a call today! Proudly serving the cities of Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Clarksville, Columbia, Elkridge, Ellicott City, Frederick, Fulton, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Green Valley, Highland, Hunt Valley, Hyattsville, Kensington, Laurel, Lutherville, Montgomery Village, North Laurel, Olney, Owings Mills, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Timonium, Towson, Wheaton, Woodstock, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and all surrounding areas.
