Although some people consider a mossy roof attractive, the moss can actually lead to issues with your roof. Moss doesn't have roots in the traditional sense, but it still can carpet a roof and cause ongoing damage to shingles and roof underlayment. It's not necessarily the growth habit of moss that damages your roof, but the conditions that the moss creates.

Read on to see the concerns moss creates and how you can prevent it.

An ice dam occurs when a buildup of ice along the outside rim of the roof keeps melted snow from draining properly. The snowmelt backs up behind the ice dam, which then allows the water to get beneath the shingles and leak into your home. Ice dams can cause a lot of damage to both the roof and your home's interior if you don't spot and address them right away.

Signs of Ice Dams

Dams can be difficult to spot under a thick layer of snow, but fortunately you can look for a few signs of a forming dam.

Every step of your roof's life cycle is important, from its installation to its maintenance and repairs. At each step, a mistake could result in long-term repercussions, such as a shortened lifespan for your roof.

Here are several factors you may not have realized could reduce the life expectancy of your new roof.

What do you do with that giant space under your deck? Depending on where your deck is placed, the space could be one or two feet tall, or it could be nearly an entire story. This space has many potential uses. Read on for some interesting ideas that you could consider for your under-deck space.

Add an Under-Deck Patio

If your deck is high enough, you can add a secondary patio under your deck. Add patio paving stones or concrete, and even a fire pit, and you'll have a cozy place to spend some time. An under-deck patio is a great place for rainy weather, and can become a relaxing retreat.

Everyone wants their home to last as long as possible and to look good for as long as possible. Fortunately, vinyl siding can help you achieve both goals. This protective feature can go a long way toward a more beautiful and durable home. Plus, it offers a wide range of other benefits that make it a smart choice all around. Read on to learn the benefits of vinyl siding.

Affordable

Many people are under the mistaken impression that vinyl siding is incredibly expensive. However, this is not the case. Vinyl siding can actually be quite affordable and is often more affordable than other common types of siding, such as wood siding.

Sustainability is becoming more important to homeowners. If your household is concerned with sustainability, one of the ways that you can make your home more environmentally friendly is by installing a sustainable roof. There are many ways that you can make your roof more eco-friendly. Here's what you need to know.

1. Use Recycled Material

Some roofing materials can be recycled. Perhaps the most well-known and easily recyclable roofing material is metal. In fact, the metal used to create roofing material is mostly recycled.

If you've queried several roofing contractors for an estimate on your upcoming roof replacement or repair, it's time to start making your final decision. You need to be careful not to let your final decision be driven solely by budget and dollar signs. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Take the time to read each job proposal, and do your research on each roofer to make sure they're as highly qualified as they say they are. Here are three reasons that simply choosing the lowest-dollar estimate for the job won't necessarily serve you well.

Many homeowners have the mistaken impression that they can't install solar panels on the roof because of the potential for roof damage. But the reality is that when you know which types of damage to watch out for and how to prevent them, you can practically eliminate this issue.

Here are four ways you can protect your roof from the potential hazards of solar panel installation.

Sometimes when you look up on your roof and see a dark spot, you immediately know that it’s the result of a missing shingle. Other times you may look up and see spots on the roof whose underlying causes aren't so immediately obvious. Learn four reasons you could have spots or streaks on your roof.

Who doesn't need a little more Zen in their lives? Zen gardening has made its way to the United States in part because of the peaceful ambiance it creates. Perhaps you don't have the space to dedicate to a backyard Zen garden, though. Instead, you can apply the principles of the style to your deck, which is an ideal space for a peaceful retreat.

Start With Wood or Composite Decking