How to Remove Moss from a Roof
Summer is right around the corner. Have you checked your roof for signs of wear and tear? If you notice furry green-yellow spots cropping up between your roof shingles, you have a moss overgrowth problem. This is a common issue for homeowners, particularly during the humid months. Moss tends to grow on the north side of your roof, which is less exposed to sunlight.
The Dangers of Excessive Moss
Excess moss might not seem like a serious problem, but it can do major damage to the foundation of your roof over time. Moss buildup can weaken your shingles, causing water leaks over time. Because it holds a large amount of moisture, moss can compromise the structure of your roof. Even worse, it multiplies and spreads rapidly. A clear, healthy roof reflects UV rays, while a roof affected by moss overgrowth absorbs more heat and raises energy costs. If you see moss, you’re more likely to see algae, lichen, and mold overgrowth too. Moss is easy to remove, but algae and lichen are much more of a hassle.
Easy Ways to Keep Your Roof Clear of Moss
The best way to tackle moss on your roof? Prevent it from growing.
- If your home is surrounded by trees that throw shade onto your roof, trim the longest branches. Summer is the best time for pruning trees because the branches won’t resist removal. Look for branches that droop with excess weight over or onto the roof. But don’t go hacking away: Effectively removing tree branches takes patience and the proper tools.
- Keep your gutters clear of debris. Slip on a pair of sturdy rubber gloves, set up your ladder and remove leaves and twigs from your gutters at least once every six weeks.
- Check on your downspouts. Moss thrives in a wet environment, and blocked downspouts stimulate growth. (If water is pooling around the foundation of your home, you have a serious downspout issue.)
3 Steps to Safely Remove Moss From Your Roof
Removing moss overgrowth from your roof is tricky business: If the moss overgrowth is bad enough, scrubbing too hard can cause more damage to the shingles. However, there are a few steps you can take to prevent a bigger moss overgrowth problem:
1. Remove Debris With a Flexible Rake
Using light pressure, run a flexible rake along the moss-affected areas. This may dislodge large patches of moss that have crept out from the cracks of the shingles. To keep your gutters clear, use a hose to wash away large pieces of debris. It’s important to remove debris from your gutters to prevent them from leaking and degrading the siding of your home.
2. Apply a Water-Bleach Solution
(Before you take this step, protect any shrubs and plants below this area of your roof with an old drop cloth.) After the shingles are damp, spray a mixture of 4:1 water and bleach solution onto the remaining moss-affected areas. Allow the mixture to sit for 30 to 40 minutes, then rinse off your roof with a low-pressure garden hose. You can also buy moss-removing solution online, but many commercial formulas contain harmful chemicals.
3. Gently Brush Away the Moss
If any stubborn spots of moss remain, take a soft bristle brush and gently scrape away the overgrowth. However, we recommend not using the brushing method on asphalt or wood shingle roofs, or very old roofs. Even a small amount of brushing could rip up the shingles.
Why the Moss on Your Roof Keeps Coming Back
Every good homeowner knows that regular roof maintenance is an essential task. But even if you continuously check for algae, mold, and moss overgrowth, you may not be able to keep your roof clear. This happens more often than you might think! It’s difficult to gauge the integrity of your roof simply by looking from the outside. Professionally installing copper-infused, algae-resistant shingles that block parasitic bacteria from multiplying will protect your roof.
Performing regular maintenance checks protects your roof from unnecessary damage, but your roof still needs an annual check up. Paradigm Roofing has served the Dallas, Fort Worth, and McKinney areas for more than 30 years. Our team of experts in roofing and construction aims to not only repair your roof but to prevent future damage. We offer free same-day roof repair estimates to help you understand your options. Hiring a professional roofing crew is the best way to preserve your home.