Moss acts like a sponge on your roof, trapping moisture against the shingles and causing wood rot over time. The safest way to handle roof moss removal is by gently brushing it off with a soft-bristle brush and applying a 50:50 bleach and water solution. You should never use a high-pressure washer, as it will blast away the protective granules on your asphalt shingles.
If you live in Colorado, you know that our weather can be unpredictable. While we get plenty of sunshine, the shady, damp areas around your home can become the perfect breeding ground for moss. What starts as a small green patch can quickly spread, putting your entire roofing system at risk. Understanding proper roof moss removal is essential to protecting your home. If you are unsure how to tackle the job safely, the team at New Roof Plus is always here to help.
Why is Moss on a Roof Bad?
Moss might look natural and earthy, but it is terrible for your roof. Unlike typical plants, moss does not have true roots. Instead, it absorbs water directly from the air and rain, acting like a giant green sponge.
When moss grows on your roof, it holds that moisture directly against your shingles. Over time, this constant dampness causes the shingles to break down. As the moss grows thicker, it can actually lift the edges of the shingles up. Once the shingles are lifted, water can easily seep underneath, leading to wood rot, mold in your attic, and expensive leaks inside your home.
How to Remove Moss From Roof Safely
Removing moss from roof shingles requires a gentle touch. If you are too rough, you will damage the roof while trying to clean it. Here is the safest step-by-step method for getting rid of moss on roof surfaces.
1. Gentle Brushing
Wait for a dry day when the moss is not soaking wet. Use a soft-bristle brush or a broom to gently sweep the moss downward. Always brush in the same direction that the shingles overlap (down the slope of the roof). If you brush upward, you risk snapping the shingles or forcing dirt underneath them.
2. Apply a Roof Moss Cleaner
Once you have brushed away the loose moss, you need to treat the area to kill whatever is left behind. You can use a commercial roof moss killer, or you can mix your own solution. A common homemade cleaner is a 50:50 mix of chlorine bleach and water. Spray the solution onto the mossy areas and let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Rinse Gently
After the cleaner has done its job, use a regular garden hose to rinse the roof. Never use a pressure washer, since it will strip the protective gravel granules right off your asphalt shingles, ruining your roof faster than the moss ever could.
What is the Best Roof Moss Remover?
When it comes to picking a cleaning solution, you have a few good options. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) recommends using a mixture of bleach and water. This is highly effective, but you must be careful not to let the bleach run off onto your lawn, as it can harm your plants.
Another option is a mixture of white vinegar and water. While vinegar is safer for your landscaping, it is not as strong as bleach and may require multiple applications. Finally, you can buy a commercial roof moss killer at your local hardware store. These are specifically formulated to kill moss without damaging your shingles, and many come in easy-to-use hose attachments.
How to Keep Moss Off Your Roof
The best way to handle moss is to stop it from growing in the first place. Moss loves shade and moisture, so the key is to bring in more sunlight and air.
- Trim your trees: Cut back any branches that hang over your roof. This allows sunlight to dry the roof after a rainstorm and keeps leaves from piling up.
- Clean your gutters: Clogged gutters trap water, creating a humid environment around the edge of your roof where moss loves to grow.
- Install zinc or copper strips: Placing strips of zinc or copper near the peak of your roof can help. When it rains, metal ions wash down the roof, making it very hard for moss to grow.
When to Skip the Scrubbing: Hire a Professional Roof Cleaner
If your roof is steep, slippery, or covered in a thick blanket of moss, it is best to stay off the ladder. Walking on a mossy roof is extremely dangerous. Furthermore, if the moss has been there for a long time, it may have already caused hidden damage to your shingles or the wood deck below.
In these cases, you need a trusted Denver roofing company to assess the situation. Our team can perform a full professional roof inspection to ensure your roof is still structurally sound. You can check out the reviews for New Roof Plus on Google Maps to see how we have helped other homeowners in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to pressure wash moss off a roof?
No. You should never pressure wash an asphalt shingle roof. The high pressure will blast away the protective granules on the shingles, which significantly shortens the life of your roof and voids your warranty.
What is the best time of year to remove moss from a roof?
The best time for roof moss removal is during a dry spell in the late spring or early summer. You want the roof to be completely dry so the moss is easier to brush off and the cleaning solution can soak in without being washed away by rain.
Will vinegar kill moss on a roof?
Yes, a mixture of vinegar and water can kill moss, but it is a milder solution. It works best on very light moss growth. For heavy moss, a bleach and water solution or a commercial cleaner is usually required.
Conclusion
Proper roof moss removal is an important part of home maintenance. By gently brushing away the green growth and applying the right cleaning solution, you can extend the life of your shingles and prevent costly water damage. If you are dealing with a severe moss problem or suspect your roof has already been damaged, contact us today. The experts at New Roof Plus are ready to help you keep your home safe and dry.
