If you spot green, fuzzy growth on your rooftop, it’s time to tackle that mossy situation. While a moss-covered roof may look quaint and picturesque, it can spell serious trouble for your home’s defense against the elements. Moss holds moisture against your shingles, leading to rot, decay, and costly repairs. But with the right approach, you can say goodbye to roof moss and hello to a healthier home.
This guide explains how to remove moss from your roof, including DIY versus hiring a professional, step-by-step instructions for a moss-free rooftop, and prevention tips to keep that pesky green stuff from returning.
DIY Vs. Hiring a Professional To Remove Moss From Your Roof
When removing moss from your roof, you can tackle the job yourself or call in professionals. Both approaches have their benefits, and the best choice depends on the extent of moss growth, your comfort level with heights, and your budget.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Professional?
Hiring a professional service to handle moss removal on your roof has advantages. Professionals use expert techniques, applying their experience and specialized tools to remove moss without harming your shingles. Their knowledge reduces risks when working on dangerous rooftops. Alongside removing moss, professionals also perform a thorough roof inspection, identifying any issues that could lead to more significant problems if left unchecked.
Choosing professional help is efficient and convenient. Professionals minimize disruption, allowing you to spend your free time on personal activities. Professional roofing companies provide warranties on their work.
When selecting a roofing contractor, choose wisely. Seek trusted firms bonded and insured to guarantee accountability and quality of service. Verifying references and reading customer feedback also help you make the best choice. If a company hesitates to provide this information, treat it as a red flag and consider other options.
DIY Moss Removal
If you’re confident in your DIY skills and comfortable with heights, tackling moss removal yourself is an economical option. However, it requires caution and preparation.
To effectively remove moss on your own, gather tools for the job. Place a spray nozzle on your garden hose to manage water flow, and have a sturdy ladder to reach your roof safely. A pump sprayer or large spray bottle lets you apply moss solution precisely where needed. Rubber gloves protect your hands, and safety glasses protect your eyes from flying debris. Wear a safety rope or harness for added security if your roof is steep. Equip yourself with a scrub brush to tackle stubborn moss and a soft-bristled brush for gentle cleaning to avoid damaging the roof surface.
Selecting the right moss-removing solution matters. Use commercial products readily available in stores, and follow their instructions for best results. DIY mixtures made from household ingredients like dish soap and white vinegar can effectively remove moss without relying on the harsh chemicals in store-bought products.
5 Steps To Remove Moss from Your Roof
Follow these five steps for safe and effective moss removal.
Step 1: Take Safety Precautions
Before starting any roof work, prioritize safety to avoid accidents. Wear a set of durable old clothes along with eye protection, rubber gloves, and slip-resistant footwear. Secure a safety rope or harness if working near the roof’s peak. Protect any plants or landscaping below your workspace with plastic sheeting to shield them from falling residue and chemicals.
Step 2: Hose Down Your Roof With Water
Begin by lightly spraying moss-affected areas with water, moving from the roof’s highest points and progressing downward. This first rinse loosens and dislodges moss, making it easier to remove. Keep the water pressure gentle to avoid accidentally damaging shingles. Avoid using a pressure washer—it can harm roofing materials.
Step 3: Brush Moss off of the Roof’s Shingles
Using a soft-bristled brush, gently scrape the moss off shingles or roofing tiles. Work on small roof sections at a time to maintain control and reduce the chance of damaging roofing granules. The goal is to remove moss delicately without compromising the structural integrity of asphalt shingles.
Step 4: Spray on Moss Remover
Apply your chosen moss remover to the affected areas. Whether you’re using a commercial product or a homemade solution, apply it carefully for thorough coverage. Use a pump sprayer or robust spray bottle for even application. Let the moss remover penetrate the area, following either the manufacturer’s recommended duration or around 20 to 30 minutes for homemade solutions.
Step 5: Gently Scrub and Rinse the Roof
After the moss treatment takes effect, gently scrub the area again with the soft-bristled brush to lift any remaining moss. Conclude by rinsing from top to bottom with your hose, using low-pressure water flow to protect your entire roof surface.
Tips for Preventing Moss Growth on Roofs
Preventing moss from coming back requires consistent effort and the right strategies:
- Enhance sunlight exposure: Since moss thrives in dim, moist environments, trim any tree branches blocking direct sunlight from your roof.
- Promote efficient drainage: Regular gutter maintenance encourages roof drainage, reducing damp conditions that moss favors while protecting other parts of your home.
- Install zinc or copper strips: Adding strips of these metals helps inhibit future moss growth. Rainfall triggers a chemical reaction that releases particles unfriendly to moss.
- Regular roof inspections: Inspect and clean your roof twice yearly, in the spring and fall. Regular upkeep prevents moss from gaining a foothold.
Make these habits part of your home maintenance routine to reduce the likelihood of roof moss re-emerging.
Why Is Moss Bad for Shingles?
A moss-covered roof poses a hidden threat to your home’s protective covering. Moss holds moisture on your roof, acting like a sponge.
Constant dampness from moss buildup leads to several serious issues. Moisture trapped by moss degrades shingles, causing them to curl, crack, or lose their protective granules. As moss spreads between and beneath shingles, water can penetrate the underlayment, increasing the risk of leaks. This moisture exposure leads to rot and decay in wooden roofing components, compromising the roof’s structural integrity. The damp environment moss creates encourages mold and mildew growth, eventually spreading into your home’s interior.
These issues start small but quickly escalate, leading to extensive, costly repairs. Addressing moss growth promptly helps reduce these risks, maintaining the health of your roof and home.
