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Moss returns with winter.

Fall and winter in Oregon means moss will be shifting back into its vigorous growth stage on the roofs of many Oregon Domes.  Moss is a significant problem for homeowners because it grows underneath roofing shingles, loosening them and creating leaks. Moss thrives in damp, shaded locations, said Jan: McNeilan, Oregon State University. Extension. Service consumer horticulture agent. It is often found-on-the north slopes of roofs and roofs shaded by over hanging trees. Control measures include removal of overhanging branches, scraping away as much moss as possible, and spraying the area with a chemical. Spraying is most effective when the moss is actively growing, and when rain is not likely for-several-days. Moss-grows vigorously during the rainy season. Several chemical solutions are available for controlling roof moss including copper sulfate and some zinc formulations. These materials are corrosive so be sure to wash metal cave troughs,., downspouts, and metal spray equipment thoroughly with water immediately after treatment Always follow manufacturer's directions for any chemical used.

Zinc galvanized or copper ridges are effective for moss control about 1-0 to 15 feet down from the ridge on most roofs. Use extreme care when applying the materials mentioned above,-McNeilan said. Keep them away from children and animals, and prevent contamination of plants. Be sure the spray does not fall or drift onto plants, and that the spray solution is not, carried down drain spouts to injure plants in foundation plantings: Applying solutions with a sprinkler can reduce the drift hazard.

Moss control without chemicals.

 

The Pacific Northwest is known for its moist temperate environment in which mosses flourish, even in the most urban areas.  Urban mosses are of concern to homeowners because many people believe mosses damage rooftops. For example, some people think that a thick mat of moss may retain moisture that could potentially damage shingles and shakes.  On the other hand, some authors suggest that mosses may be beneficial to roofs because they moderate the damaging effects of the summer sun.  (See Need for Control: Rooftops).

Knowing which mosses are growing on rooftops is basic information that may ultimately prove useful in evaluating their effects.  We (a group of students) identified the ten most common rooftop mosses in the Corvallis and Eugene areas of western Oregon. Our climate is moist and temperate, with wet winters and dry summers.

Rooftops were chosen for their generous moss growth and accessibility.  A total of nine rooftops were sampled in Eugene and Corvallis, OR. The three most abundant mosses on each roof were collected and evaluated for percent cover.  All roofs sampled had a mild slope and were predominately north and west facing.

Mosses were identified in the lab using Lawton (1971), Schofield (1992), and McCune (2000).  Voucher specimens were deposited at the Oregon State University Herbariumfound Abundance.




Common Mosses on Nine Rooftops
in the Willamette Valley, Oregon

*Abundance Code:   
   Average percent cover of a moss species on all rooftops sampled

    Very abundant = >40%
    Abundant = 10-40%
    Sparse = 1-10%
    Rare = <1%

Only one roof sampled was of cedar shakes, the rest were of asphalt shingles. Only Dicranoweisia cirrata and Bryum capillare were found on the cedar shakes. However, all the species found were present on asphalt shingles. On most rooftops sampled, there were typically fewer than 4 species present. Of these, the most common and abundant were Dicranoweisia cirrata, Bryum capillare, Tortula princeps. These species tend to form dense mats that cover large areas of the roof (see Part 1 of rooftop photos).

Racomitrium canescens var. ericoides (see Part 2 of rooftop photos) and Homalothecium aeneum were abundant, but occurred infrequently.  These species also have the ability to form large mats. Ceratodon purpureus was very commonly found on rooftops, but was in low abundance. This species is commonly found on many substrates and in many habitats. The remaining species were found infrequently, and in low abundance.  Antitrichia californica was found growing in heavily shaded areas of the roofs, while the other species were found in both exposed and shaded areas. This may suggest that different moss species grow in areas shaded by trees.

Rain Gutter Shields - Gutter Hoods - Gutter Covers - Gutter Protection - Keeping leaves out of your gutters

Once you have gutters in place, cleaning them can be quite a chore depending on your environment. Some people find their gutters filled and overflowing with leaves and pine needles every few months, and constant maintenance is required. There are a number of lids or shields we install on your gutters that still allow rainwater to flow through but that block out leaves, twigs, pine needles, and all larger items. Most of these look like mesh screens or thin metal covers with grooves or holes to let water through. Our gutter shields aim to block debris before it ever gets into your gutters. It works by sending water through a horizontal 3/8" opening while leaves fall right over the front edge of the gutter. They attach directly to existing gutter systems -- and they've been around for over 25 years. The cost of installing these gutter covers is usually inexpensive. For some homes, it makes sense just to cover specific trouble areas that are especially prone to clogs and overflows. When installed, these gutter shields usually slide under the first row of overhanging shingles and are then screwed into the upper edge of the gutter - avoid systems that require driving nails or staples through the roofing materials. There have been some complaints that heavy downpours will shoot right over the gutter covers (since the water can't get through the screens or holes fast enough) and come flying off the roof like your own personal Niagara Falls. This can and does happen with many systems, but normally only very heavy torrential rain kind of situations. If you are in an area prone to those kind of cloudbursts, you may want to look into other options we provide. 

 

Types of Rain Gutters

Long ago rain gutters might be made of carved wood or or copper or lead. Most modern rain gutter systems are maid from aluminum, although you can buy stainless steel, copper, galvanized steel, vinyl and other materials as well. Most gutters come in sections, with straight pieces, corners, end caps, etc.

Some of the most popular gutter styles today are called seamless gutters. They are shaped from long rolls of flattened aluminum, and be made to any length, allowing entire lengths of your roof to be protected by a single long gutter with no leaky seams to worry about. Aluminum is most commonly used since it is much cheaper than copper or steel, and it won't rust -- a big plus when your job involves working in the rain all day! How much do aluminum rain gutters cost? Expect to pay about $7 per linear foot for installed gutters. Vinyl rain gutters can be significantly cheaper - only about $5 for 10 feet sections. Be sure to get several estimates before selecting any contractor for your job but you will find our rates are very competitive.  We have been in business doing gutter work for over 30 years!

 

Gutter Cleaning

As a homeowner, your job is to keep your gutter clean and free of debris so water can be collected and drained properly. Clogged gutters lead to overflow which then just pours or drips down the edges of the gutters and onto your siding, windows, etc. How can you clean your gutters? Depending on how high your roof is and how comfortable you are standing on the roof or ladder, some people choose to do it themselves, some people choose to hire a gutter cleaning service like us. Many roofing companies also do side work cleaning gutters to keep busy throughout the year.

For single story roofs, you can get by with a 6 or 8 foot ladder and get access to the tops of your gutters. Work from end to end, scooping out as much leaves, dirt, and debris as you can - use gloves to protect your hands. After the gutters are clean, grab a hose and wash out the gutters, making sure the downspout is clean and draining properly. You can also push the hose partway down the downspout and turn the hose up to flush out any small, loose pieces that may be stuck.

Clogged downspouts can also be cleaned using a plumbers snake, coming from either above or below, depending upon where you can get access to the spout. The churning, grinding motion of the snake will usually clear any obstructions in the pipe. You may see tools claiming to let you stand on the ground and magically scoop our debris and leaves from your gutters, but in our experience these don't work very all, sometimes barely at all. First, you cannot see what you are doing. Second, you cannot get much power or leverage to really grab out claws full or gunk. Third, the gutter space is pretty tight, between roof overhang and the spikes holding the gutters in place, there is little room to maneuver, even when standing on a ladder and trying to dig your hands in there. Trying to do it from 15 feet away on the ground is mostly impossible. Of course, people will still be happy to sell you a $30 "rain gutter cleaning kit", but don't expect much.

If you have your rain gutters cleaned professionally by us, expect to pay in the neighborhood of $150-$250 for a good sized home. Professional rain gutter cleaning removes all debris and flushes out all your gutters and downspouts.