Roof Moss is Pretty (Damaging)
When moss grows to be a thick covering on top of your roof, it becomes a weighty blanket that traps water and moisture, promoting decay, infection, and mold development. This growth can dramatically reduce the lifespan of your roof.
A layer of green moss on top of your home may appear to be appealing and rustic, but it can be harmful to your roof. Its appearance may make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a fairy tale, with a Thomas Kinkade cottage nestled in the trees. However, in the real world, moss is far more than just a fantasy. The fuzzy greenery can cause almost any roofing material to deteriorate if left unchecked—
Moss grows on and between shingles as a thin green layer, but it then lifts those shingles up as it develops, allowing water to seep beneath. Hello, rotting wood and leaks. Fortunately, removing moss is a very straightforward procedure that you may do once or on a regular basis to maintain your roof waterproof and attractive. Follow these steps if you want to remove moss from your roof—and keep it out in the future.
STEP 1: Remove all moss from your roof shingles using a brush or a hose.
Place a ladder nearby the moss development and, wearing slip-resistant shoes, old clothing, rubber gloves, and eye protection as necessary, carefully clean out the debris. (You may also want to use a safety rope.)
After determining the cause of your roof’s algae problems, take appropriate measures to eliminate it. To remove moss from a roof, spray it down at an angle with plain water and scrub with a long-handle soft-bristled brush in a method that works down from top to bottom to avoid lifting shingles. Continue by rubbing gently—don’t scratch, scour, or pound on the roof—and work in one tiny area at a time to prevent ripping, cracking, or breaking the shingles.
Note: Roofs can be easily damaged by a pressure washer. The high-powered water jets might damage shingles and remove shingle granules, which protect the roof.
STEP 2: To remove the moss, use a store-bought or do-it-yourself solution.
If you have a serious problem with moss on your roof and need to get rid of it, there are numerous commercial cleaning solutions as well as DIY roof moss killers available. Just wait for the next period of cloudy days before heading outside with your cleanser of choice; you don’t want the solution to evaporate too quickly. Keep in mind that both commercial and home-based spray cleaners may harm delicate plants and stain decking or walkways, so consider laying down plastic sheeting beneath your workstation first.
“Wet & Forget” is a spray-on solution that removes moss, mildew, and mold. Bayer’s “2-in-1 Moss and Algae Killer” is a potassium soap with fatty acids and inert ingredients that you mix with water to spray on the muck. “Moss B Ware”, which contains zinc sulfate monohydrate powder, can be used dry or moistened before usage.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application, whether you pick one of these or another; some cleansers should be washed off after use, while others must be left on.
You can also make your own moss remover in a large spray bottle with one of these four DIY combinations:
· 8 ounces liquid dish soap + 2 gallons of water
· 1-pound powdered oxygen bleach + 2 gallons of water
· 1½ to 3½ cups chlorine bleach + 2 gallons of water
· 1½ to 3½ cups white distilled vinegar + 2 gallons of water
For any of these do-it-yourself choices, start by wetting down the roof with plain water before applying the cleanser and leaving it for 20 to 45 minutes. Scrub lightly with a soft-bristle brush, then rinse with water.
Note: it is highly advisable to wear both safety glasses and clothing that are suitable for getting chlorine bleach on them.
STEP 3: At this stage, you may either zinc or copper the roof to prevent future moss growth.
Install strips of zinc- or copper-coated sheet metal just below the top ridge on both sides of the roof to prevent a moss problem from returning. Copper is more harmful to moss and algae, but zinc is considerably less expensive. Sheet metal can be purchased in rolls and cut into two- to four-inch strips. Roofing nails or screws with a rubber washer should be used to attach the strips to the roof.
How do I keep moss from growing on my roof in the first place?
5 Steps to Take to Keep Moss from Growing on Your Roof
- Trim Nearby Trees when needed. Tree branches that grow over your roof provide shade for your property, which may help keep the temperature down.
- Gutter cleaning should be done on a regular basis.
- It’s important to keep debris off your roof.
- Install Metal Strips. …
- Install Algae-Resistant Shingles.