The growth of moss or algae on the roof of the house is a very common phenomenon. It does not spare roof any type of material whether made from asphalt, concrete tile or cedar shakes etc. If neglected the roof will die a premature death.
Moss and algae tend to grow and multiply in regions with more than average rainfall and humidity. For example it only needs a light breeze to spread the spores from lichens. Soon these will grow and multiply into moss or algae and cluster into clumps.
Nature has certain rules. In the northern hemisphere moss tends to grow profusely on the north side of the roof or in those parts of the roof covered by overhanging branches. Shade blocking out the sun makes it ideal for moss to multiply. The dew falling in the morning or occasional showers anchor on to the moss and this leads to less of evaporation. This in turn triggers of the game of multiplication until the entire roof is slowly taken over and conquered. It is a slow but sure deadly process.
The humble moss should not be ignored. It looks small but like the sponge on the toilet shelf the shallow rooted moss can absorb and store four times its weight in moisture. The result is that the roof becomes covered with moisture that keeps on getting heavy and heavier. With this weight it presses down on the sheathing and rafters. The activity of its roots speeds up the destruction of the shingles.
How can this problem be tackled? Moss can be eradicated provided the house owner has not allowed it get out of hand. It however requires professional help. This is the first important step. There are special roof cleaning tools that tackles the problem at its very base and gently clears the lumpy and heavy moss formations without damaging the roof. It is a very tedious painstaking job and each shingle needs individual attention. In this way about 80% to 90% of the moss is cleared. If the remaining percentage proves to be too tough then it has to be subjected to a cleaning with roof cleaning mixture. The whole operation will give a new look and extra life to the old roof - the most vital part of the house.
Now that the roof is in shipshape condition the next question is - how can future collection of moss be prevented? The overhanging branches must be lopped off to allow for free flow of sun and air. The sun will be a deterrent and the wind will not allow moisture to linger lovingly on the roof and will act as a broom sweeping away the collected debris. The algae or moisture will not be able to find a toehold to cling on to.
Great News About Polyurethane Roof Insulation Products
Chances are that even though your home may be insulated, it is not up to todays standards. Ten or twenty years ago, electricity and gas was substantially cheaper and so people didn't give the same thought to their homes insulation that they do now. Also, the only products that were available to insulate a home then were fiberglass and cellulose and both of these products have a tendency to settle.
It was only after the development of polyurethane foam roof insulation that the option of actually insulating the roof was available. Stopping energy loss at the roof only makes perfect sense, because once heat enters the attic it will be stored in the attic until it drifts back out of the attic, or is absorbed by the home as unwanted heat. Also, polyurethane roof insulation pulls double duty, by functioning to keep out the cold in the winter time.For modular homes and trailers it works great, because they tend to have a small space between the roof and the living area, so they tend to be under insulated. Applying a three inch layer of polyurethane foam to the roof will add an additional R19 which is the equivalent to 6 inches of fiberglass insulation.
The roof of a home that has been insulated with polyurethane foam will look no different than a home without it and it will in fact increase the value of your home instantly. Why suffer through another hot summer while you shell out your hard earned money to energy companies that have you over a financial barrel. Having your roof insulated with polyurethane foam is a great way to keep your money in your own pocket, while you make your home a far more comfortable and affordable place to live in.
What is the ROOFBOND system?
The ROOFBOND system is a B.S.I approved rigid foam spray application that is applied directly onto the underside of the slates or tiles, sealing and filling into all nooks and crannies, locking them into place, creating a solid foam structure.
The ROOFBOND system seals, secures and insulates the roof and has proven to be the most efficient insulation material available. Widely used by councils, local authorities and many more 'blue chip' companies.
Once installed, the ROOFBOND system requires no maintenance!ROOFBOND has a longer life expectancy then many original roof coverings and in most cases will last the life of the building.
No more slipping tiles or slates.
The ROOFBOND system bonds all the slates or tiles together, eliminating any costly roofing maintenance in the future. We prevent wind rattle and your roof can withstand hurricane force winds of 250 MPH.
Eliminate nail fatigue and back pointing failure.
Loose back-pointing is a thing of the past. The foam bonds and secures your roof in place, basically making your nails redundant.
Protect water tanks and pipes from freezing.
No more burst pipes! Need we say more!
Strengthen your roof
Once installed the roof becomes a solid rigid structure, making it even stronger then a new roof!
Create a clean dry useable loft space.
The ROOFBOND foam insulation has four times the insulation value of fibre glass and will dramatically reduce heat loss creating a substantial saving on fuel bills.
The ROOFBOND system will actually “pay for itself” over a short period of time. The ROOFBOND system will also reduce the need for conventional methods of insulation and therefore will reduce levels of condensation at ceilings height.