To prevent moss from growing on shingles

When using roofs with soft shingles, moss is likely to appear on the north side. This is not really a problem, but in especially environmentally friendly places near the forest, moss can ruin the beautiful appearance of the roof. In the Russian climate, this phenomenon is not large-scale. But on the north side of the roof, cases are not isolated:

This can happen, of course, not in a year or two. But under certain climatic conditions, the visual appearance of moss is likely within 5-7 years.

The easiest way to remove moss is with a pressure washer. In the USA, there is even such a service - roof cleaning with special devices in shape, reminiscent of a lawn mower on wheels.

Why does moss appear on soft tiles at all? Dust and organic matter from foliage and needles of trees accumulate among the stone chips and at the joints of the elements. And in this nutrient medium spores of moss germinate. It is too hot for them in the sun in summer, but from the northern shaded side it is quite comfortable.

I am considering the option of soft tiles for myself, because I have a hip roof on the project. And I will share the information I learned: how to prevent the possible appearance of moss on the roof of shingles.

The first advice from the builder: to prevent moss from growing, you need to mount a copper tape along the entire length of the roof ridge. If the roof is hip, then along all the ribs on both sides. Copper ions work as an antiseptic or fungicide for simple plant organisms and fungi. Example from an object:

Here in the photo you can see the NICOBAND CUPRUM antiseptic tape. The length of the tape in a roll is 3 m. The width of the tape is 12.5 cm. Self-adhesive tape based on bitumen. It precisely prevents the appearance of moss on the roof, but will not remove the already sprouted.

Price per roll - 1500 rubles. In a box (8 pcs.). Cost per running meter: 500 rubles. Link to the manufacturer.

There are other forms of copper strips - in the form of a perforated metal profile, which is attached to nails. In this case, the place of attachment with nails must be closed. Tape with a bituminous strip is more practical in installation: glued, sintered with flexible tiles and that's it.

The flaw of all manufacturers of such an antiseptic tape is that they do not give examples: does this tape in practice prevent the appearance of moss after years or is it just marketing. And the buyer, of course, has doubts. I found examples like this. Rather, examples of preventing the appearance of moss not from tape, but from copper elements on the roof:

Examples from Western countries. Plaque appears not only on shingles, but also on ceramic. Moss can also become entrenched in the joints of metal tiles. The copper strip will protect the roof in the same way as the corner pieces in the photographs.

But this is not the only way to prevent moss formation. The second way is to cover with a special antiseptic for the roof:

Link to the manufacturer.

Substance for humans is not toxic, based on modern biocides. It is a concentrate that is diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 10. Consumption: 4 m2 / l. Those. one liter of concentrate is enough for 40 m2 of the roof. Coverage for more than one season. The working substance is fixed on the "emery surface" of the roof and lasts up to 10 years. Only first you need to remove the moss with a pressure washer (or a hard plastic brush with water), let the roof dry, and then apply the product with a roller or garden spray.

Who used these methods of protection from moss on the roof - write in the comments.

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