How to Remove Moss from Your Roof

Moss is a killer for shingles and other forms of roofing materials. Not only do the roots get in and tear up your roofing, but the moss itself also absorbs and holds moisture, which can simply rot away the roof. To make sure your roof lasts for a long time, you will want to get rid of moss before it starts munching away like Pac-Man in a maze. Here are a few tips for how to remove moss from your roof, including calling on the services of a professional roofing contractor like those you find through ServiceWhale.

Remove Moss from Your Roof

Have you heard the adage that moss grows on the north side of rocks and trees? This is entirely true. What they do not tell you, however, is that it also grows on the south, east and west sides. The same is true for your roof. Don’t think that one side is naturally protected. There are a number of solutions to remove moss from your roof. Some are more effective than others, and some are more expensive than others.

Moss vs. Algae

Sometimes you may see a growth of black stains that resemble mold. These stains are not moss; they are actually algae, and they tend to form in areas with warm and humid summers. This kind of algae, while unsightly, doesn’t damage your roof. The only reason to address this problem is that it is unsightly. You could replace the roofing with darker tiles or spray it down with bleach and water to kill off the plants.

Bleach and Water Mix

A 50% bleach/water mix can be an effective means of killing moss as well as algae. Plants do not get along with bleach, which is why chlorine is used in swimming pools to keep the water clear and safe. Give the mold a good, thorough soaking with the mix and let it die. You should then be able to safely (and carefully) pull it up and dispose of it, then scrub the roof down. Just be careful not to damage your shingles in the process! Do this on a cloudy and cool day so the mix does not evaporate too quickly. Other options can include mixing water with dish soap or vinegar. Don’t think that using multiple chemicals will be more effective—in fact, it can be dangerous to mix chemicals!

Scrubbing the Roof Down

First, hose off your roof. This might spray off a good deal of the leftover moss. Use a brush with soft bristles—you do not want to accidentally take off too many of the granules on your shingles. The moss should come off relatively easily.

If you find that your moss problem is more difficult than you had anticipated, call on the services of a professional roofing contractor. ServiceWhale offers a process for finding the top-rated local roofing contractors that is fun, fast and easy. Take some time to read how it works, and get in touch with us to get started today!