What Is a Roofing Square?

As it gets colder, you might wonder: does moss on a roof die in winter like other pesky plants? It's a common myth. However, while you might hope winter weather will eliminate the moss, this isn't the case. Even if the moss looks dried out when temperatures drop, it goes dormant and absorbs water like a sponge. Before long, it will continue growing and become more difficult to get rid of as it spreads across your roof, even after the winter season.Why You Should Remove Moss from Your RoofIf you don't remove moss from your roof, it can wreak havoc on shingles, eating away at their protective coating. Moss roots also grow in between shingles and underneath the structure. This can degrade the shingles and push them apart as temperatures drop, allowing water to penetrate and leak into your home.Moss growth can also prevent proper water drainage and result in bacteria or mold growth, rotten underlayment, and damaged framing. It compromises the roof's ultraviolet protection, too. Left to grow into a thick layer, moss can reduce your roof's lifespan.The Difference between Moss and AlgaeIt's also important to know the difference between moss and algae, and how to prevent or remove both to extend the life of your roof. Moss is a herbaceous plant that absorbs nutrients and water through its leaves, producing spores to reproduce. It spreads across your roof as it grows. Algae are flat, slimy, green aquatic plants that lack leaves, stems, or flowers. They tend to grow on moist areas of your roof, causing dark stains. Algae are usually found in areas where water drips overhead. If you suspect algae on your roof, consider installing algae-resistant shingles.How to Remove Moss from Your RoofSince the answer to 'does moss on a roof die in winter?', is no, now's a good time to hire a professional roofer to get rid of it. Moss is resilient, and you can't simply remove it by hand. They'll remove the moss using a chemical solution, and they can replace any damaged shingles to restore your roof's integrity.It's best to rely on a professional who can eliminate the moss while also inspecting your roof for damage. Don't try to use a pressure washer or any weed killers not designed for moss, as these can stain or damage your roof.How to Prevent Moss GrowthSince moss thrives in damp, shady spots, trimming trees to allow more sunlight onto your roof can help deter its growth. Also, regularly clear away leaves, twigs, and other debris, which helps moss grow, and clean your gutters frequently to prevent water buildup. In addition to these tasks, scheduling regular roof inspections can help you catch any issues early.You can also install a zinc strip, such as GAF Master Flow® Zinc Moss & Mildew Preventer, near the roof ridge to help protect your roof against moss, algae, and mildew growth. The metal strip oxidizes over time, and as water washes over the roof plane, it creates an undesirable environment for moss.By proactively removing moss and preventing its return, you'll protect your biggest investment: your home. Contact a GAF-certified roofing contractor* to ensure it's removed effectively.*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.

If every day was sunny, mild, and a pleasant 75 degrees, there'd be little reason to wonder about the best time to replace a roof. Of course, not everyone lives in areas with ideal weather conditions, as climates vary greatly across the country.So if a client ever asks, "When is the best time to replace a roof?" your answer will likely vary based on where they live and what each season is like. However, you can share some general pointers in response. Here's what to consider for each season to help answer the question, "when is the best time to replace a roof?"SpringSpringtime is traditionally recognized as the kickoff of roofing season, as outside temperatures begin to warm and activity increases. Thanks to melting ice and snow, it's also the time of year that homeowners may want to have their roofs checked out for damage.While spring offers outdoor temperatures that are more friendly for workers, the season also typically comes with an increased chance of severe thunderstorms (and potentially tornados, depending on the region). Spring is usually a good time to schedule a roof replacement if you just monitor the weather forecast for major events to help reduce the chance of delays.SummerWith spring showers in the rearview, most areas of the country see longer stretches of nice weather during summertime, which lends itself well to working outside. Accordingly, summer tends to be the most ideal time for installing a new roof.But with potentially hot days, when is the best time to replace a roof in the summer? Workers will need to start as early in the day as possible because temperatures are usually cooler in the morning. Depending on the forecast temperatures, the job may need to be spread over a few days, so most of the work can be done in the morning hours before it gets too hot. It's also wise to remind customers that workers will need to have breaks in the shade and access to water to stay hydrated.FallThe autumn months can be an equally good time for a roof replacement as summer, as the hot and hazy days have passed, and severe weather isn't as common. The only exception to this is if you're working in an area prone to hurricanes. Hurricane season runs through the end of November and can cause project delays.In addition to the favorable weather, fall is a popular season for roof replacement because many property owners want to fortify their homes and buildings with a new roof before the winter months.WinterIn some areas of the country, it may be possible to continue roofing installations year-round, including during the winter. In southern regions, for example, roofing replacements can often be completed in the winter, as there's less chance of inclement weather. Temperatures may drop, but not as drastically as in areas that see ice and snow more regularly. Of course, it's still important to reference the relevant local forecast when scheduling upcoming work.Sustained stretches of very cold weather does not constitute suitable weather for the installation of asphalt shingles. All self-sealing shingles must be exposed to warm, sunny conditions for several days before they completely seal. Before sealing occurs, shingles are vulnerable to blow-offs and wind damage. Shingles installed in fall or winter may not seal until the following spring. Shingles that are not exposed to direct sunlight, adequate surface temperatures, or that are not fastened or installed properly may never seal. Failures to seal, blow-offs, and wind damage under these circumstances result from the nature of self-sealing shingles, and are not covered under most manufacturer's warranties. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation. While most provide guidance about cold weather installations, it will ultimately be up to you to exercise discretion about when to move forward with an installation vs. postponing the work until more favorable weather conditions are present.Other Factors That May Affect Project TimingWhile weather is likely the leading factor that can disrupt scheduled roofing work, if you want to best answer your client's question of "when is the best time to replace a roof?" you'll need to take other factors into account when setting timeline expectations for property owners. One such consideration is the lead time needed for materials. If your customer chooses an uncommon color or a specialty product, it may take longer for materials to arrive.Another factor to weigh is your own backlog. If your production calendar is booked weeks out, clearly communicate the timing to your customers with the knowledge that weather events could impact the schedule. Regularly communicating with customers and setting accurate expectations are key to a positive experience.Looking to learn more roofing best practices and further expand your knowledge base? Check out GAF's CARE Contractor Training Center to help build your skill set and receive valuable training.

On September 30, 2023, the GAF manufacturing plant in Mt. Vernon, Indiana celebrated its 50th year in operation. The occasion brought together current and retired Mt. Vernon team members, their families, and community members to commemorate all that the plant has accomplished over the last five decades."Whether our team members have just joined us, or have been here for 25 or more years, they've all played a major role in an impressive history," says Steven Kiso, Senior Director of Operations. "It's certainly something to celebrate."Not only has the Mt. Vernon team grown to be like family—with colleagues who are actual family members in some cases—the plant has produced thousands of cutting-edge GAF roofing products in its time. Including, asphalt shingles as well as accessories that make up part of a complete roofing system. They also produced rolled roofing products for both residential and commercial buildings with no plans to slow down.Making Strides Toward the FutureOver the last 50 years, the GAF plant in Mt. Vernon has prioritized innovation to deliver for its customers—predominantly through investment in technology, which Wendy Collins, an HR business partner at GAF, describes as "next level." Today, employees use Chromebooks to advance their skills and take advantage of resources. Additionally, the plant is often used as a testing site for new machines and different ways of working. This offers valuable insight into how innovations can be shared across GAF's other manufacturing sites.Through automation and investment in new equipment, the plant has expanded its offerings to include not only asphalt shingles and accessories, but also TPO membranes. This has enabled other departments to expand as well, including the the shipping department."Over the last 50 years, the Mt. Vernon plant has helped create the most distinctive and premium products for our customers," notes Joby John, VP Residential and Vertical Manufacturing. "I congratulate them on an impressive run over the last five decades and am looking forward to many more to come."While there have been several initiatives over the last few years that have made a difference, Collins notes that an initiative designed to generate input from frontline employees has made some of the biggest changes. "Leaders know ideas can come from anywhere," she explains. "As a result, we have implemented so many great ideas from our frontline team."Just like the other plants across GAF, Mt. Vernon is always striving to develop and make things better.Caring for the CommunityBoth the plant and its employees have been a fixture in the local Mt. Vernon community during the last half-century. Every summer, employees spend a week giving back to their community through an initiative called Feeding Our Future, where they pack bagged lunches and provide meals to local families in need. In the past year, GAF team members have also supported Habitat for Humanity and the United Way of Posey County during their United Way Day of Caring.Through the GAF Community Matters program, the Mt. Vernon team has fostered an incredibly supportive environment. In turn, the shared dedication and widespread engagement has enabled the group to build a strong, close-knit community that extends beyond the plant's walls. This dedication to supporting neighbors has been recognized at the highest levels of GAF. In fact, the plant received an award for community engagement at this year's Operations Leadership Meeting.Helping to Protect the EnvironmentThe GAF team not only cares about the community, but also the local environment. The Mt. Vernon location was the first UL Environmental Zero Waste to Landfill Diversion facility to be validated. The program allows for a variety of methods of diversion, such as reuse, recycling, and composting. Companies that achieve a landfill diversion rate of at least 90 percent qualify for the Zero Waste to Landfill validation."I appreciate the Mt. Vernon team's continued commitment to protecting what matters most," says Randy Bargfrede, chief operations officer. "They continue to raise the bar when it comes to delivering for our customers, supporting our communities, and manufacturing top quality products safely."Working Toward the Next MilestoneThe plant's continuing dedication to the community, innovation, and protecting the environment has defined the last 50 years and will continue to live on. GAF is proud to celebrate the Mt. Vernon crew and thank them for all their hard work and dedication.Interested in learning about GAF's network of manufacturing facilities and the communities they call home? Visit gaf.com/manufacturing.