Moss may look picturesque on a forest floor or rock, but when it starts creeping onto your roof, it can cause long-term damage. Left unchecked, moss can lead to moisture retention, causing shingles to decay and weakening the structure of your roof. The good news? Removing moss from your roof is a manageable task when approached safely and systematically. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to remove moss from the roof safely and prevent it from returning in the future.
Key Takeaways
- Moss retains moisture, leading to shingle decay and roof damage if left unchecked.
- Look for bright green patches in shaded, damp areas of the roof, often accompanied by black streaks from algae.
- Use non-slip shoes, a harness, and gloves, and ensure ladder stability before working on the roof.
- Hose off loose moss and gently scrub the remaining patches with a soft brush.
- Apply a DIY or commercial moss remover to kill the remaining moss and prevent regrowth.
- Copper or zinc strips at the roof’s peak help prevent future moss growth.
- Improve ventilation, trim branches, and regularly clear debris to keep moss at bay.
- For large infestations or, if unsure, consult roofing professionals.
How to Identify Roof Moss?
Look for the fuzzy green dumps on your roof shingles, particularly in the areas that don’t get much sunlight. This is initially visible in the cracks and crevices between shingles that retain moisture, which gives a perfect chance for spores to settle and grow. Moss tends to develop in shady areas. And if your roof is overshadowed by tall buildings or trees, moss will grow. Many times, moss encourages the growth of algae, which further leads to black streaks, marring the appearance of your roof.
Safety Precautions
Working on a roof comes with its own set of challenges, which can sometimes become dangerous, too. So, it is essential to wear proper safety gear like rope, work boots, thick pants, and a helmet to protect yourself from severe injury. For a safer work environment:
- Place a ladder on stable ground. You can even use a ladder stabilizer for added security.
- The shoes you wear should have non-slip soles to keep the accidents that can be caused by slipping on moss-covered areas at bay.
- Use a properly anchored safety harness to ensure that you won’t fall even if you lose your footing.
- Wear a helmet and gloves to maintain a secure grip when handling tools or the ladder.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Moss
Now that you’ve ensured your safety, it’s time to get down to business. The following is a step-by-step guide to help you effectively remove moss from your roof. However, if your roof is significantly damaged by moss or age, it may be time to consider replacing the roof altogether.
Remove all loose Moss
You have to put on safety gear. Now, it is time to work from the top of the roof using a ladder. Hose off the mossy areas by spraying water downward to dislodge moss. Don’t spray against the grain of the roof, as it can wedge moss further underneath them. Remove as much moss as you can by using the hose. Collect the moss in a trash bag to dispose it of correctly. The thing to keep in mind here is to not use a pressure washer on a roof, especially on asphalt shingles, as it can strip away the protective granules.
Gently Scrub Remaining Moss
The next step in how to remove moss from the roof is to gently scrub it. Buy a long-handled soft bristle scrub brush to gently scrub from the top down to pluck the moss on roof shingles. Gentle scrubbing is necessary and not excessive, as it can loosen the shingles or strip away the protective granules.
Apply a Moss removing Solution
Some stains may remain even with the light scrubbing. To get rid of them, use chemical treatment. Now, you have two choices here – either to use a commercial solution or a DIY one. When using a DIY cleaner, spray it on the moss, wait for 25-45 minutes, scrub the moss, and hose the roof down in the last step.
Another way when it comes to roof moss treatment is to use a commercial cleaning solution, as it both protects and preserves the roof and the plants below. For a safer roof moss removal process, hose off nearby plantings and surfaces before and after you apply the solution.
Install Metal Strips on Your roof for future prevention
Install 2-4-inch-wide copper or zinc strips along the roof edge to kill moss on the roof. Metal strips tend to prevent moss growth. Attach the strips near the peak of your roof. Over time, these will release small amounts of metal ions that inhibit moss growth, offering a low-maintenance solution to future infestations.
Preventing Future Moss Growth
You have taken steps for the roof moss removal. But how do you prevent it from developing on your roof?
- The favorable environment for moss to develop is the moist environment or surroundings. To prevent it from developing, you must have proper ventilation in your home to keep your roof dry. The attic in your home should have proper airflow to reduce moisture buildup under the roof.
- Get your roof inspected by professionals at least twice a year. It makes the moss removal process much easier and prevents it from long-term damage.
- Cut the overhanging tree branches so that more sunlight will hit your roof. It will help dry your roof faster in the case of rain or dew.
- Sweep off the debris on your roof regularly. This becomes more important in the fall season when leaves and organic matter have more chances of accumulation. Hence, it keeps your roof free from moss-friendly conditions and increases its longevity.
Alternative Methods and Professional Help
What alternative methods can you opt for when it comes to how to remove moss from the roof? –
Pressure Washing
Consider the method of pressure washing only if you have a roof to withstand the force of the water and if you are consulting experienced pressure washers.
Calling a professional
If height scares you and you have a large moss infestation about which you don’t know what safety measures you should take, you can always have the back of the professionals. They know how to remove moss from the roof and perform thorough cleaning procedures.
Final Thoughts
Moss removal is not just about aesthetics; it’s vital for the health of your roof. Following the proper steps, from gentle scrubbing to applying moss-killing solutions and installing metal strips, will not only clean your roof but also protect it from future growth.
For those who prefer to leave the task to the professionals, San Diego Pressure Washing is always available to help. We provide expert washing services in San Diego County that give the most effective cleaning to your roofs and windows. Get in touch with us to revitalize your property’s exterior.
