How To Remove Moss From The Roof
Wondering how to remove moss from your roof? This page has been created to share the various ways to remove moss on shingle roofs. Not only does this page share the methods to remove moss but it also helps you understand the problems that arise from a mossy roof, how to prevent a mossy roof, and overall gives you a better understanding in order to properly deal with moss on rooftops.
*Please refer to the table of contents to skip to any section of this page you are most interested in.
*We also just published an article on how to clean vinyl siding if that interests you as well.
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Why You Should Get Professionals For Roof Moss Removal
Removing moss from the roof requires certain equipment. It is best to let us the roof experts deal with it.
Some roofs are not designed to hold the weight of a person let alone to have someone walking on them. We need to assess the structural strength of the roof firsts before sending our roof contractors up for the cleaning.
Theres also the risk of causing roof damage such as broken roof tiles during the process especially in the hands of the inexperienced. Our experienced roof specialist will be able to deal with the moss without causing more trouble than these moss already has.
Working at height is also dangerous. Slipping is one of the common causes of injury in the roofing industry. Its not something to be taken lightly as it could cause fatality.
Our roof contractors at Roof Repair Malaysia have the safety gear to make sure we can work at heights safely and efficiently.
Looking for roof moss removal service? Contact us today!
In conclusion, is moss on the roof harmful? Its a yes and no. It wont directly harm your health. It will take time for the moss to damage the roof and cause a leak which brings tons of other problems along that can harm your health and safety. But, the first thing it will harm is probably your financial health as you need to fork out money to get the roof fixed. Under the care of professional roof contractors, they can help you to avoid any complications before they even start to be a problem to you.
Why Its Best To Have Moss Professionally Removed
As mentioned before, moss removal is incredibly dangerous. The conditions that surround rooftop maintenance should not be attempted by anyone without sufficient knowledge in roofing and experience in removing moss. Moss is very slippery given its high-water retention. This poses a great concern to those who are not properly equipped and experienced. Having the right chemicals and tools is an essential part of effectively removing moss.
Dont Do It Yourself!
Some DIY solutions included bleach, vinegar, dish soap, and pressure washers. However, most, if not all of these ingredients pose more harm than good. Certain materials contain corrosive/degreasing properties that begin to loosen the asphalt coating built beneath the actual roofing granules.
To further illustrate why DIY solutions are not advised, here is a list of popular solutions accompanied by their effects on your roof.
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Causes Of Moss Or Lichens Growth On Roofs
Moss growing on any roof surface will be more severe on roof sections that area shaded and exposed to periodically damp cool weather conditions.
The presence or absence of much sunlight on a roof surface is often a determining factor in the amount of moss or lichens growth (more sun, less moss and lichens. When shade and cool moist conditions combine, moss or lichens growth on a roof surface is more likely.
Moss and lichens are more than a cosmetic issue on many kinds of roofing materials – asphalt shingles, roll roofing, wood shingle roofs, wood shake roofs.
Sometimes there is so much moss and crud on a roof that we’re not sure what roofing material was used.
The photo below is actually of a wood shingle roof, though it may make more sense to call this a moss roof in Rhinebeck, New York.
What Causes Moss On Roof
Moss grows well in cool, damp environments. So if moss is growing on your roof, its most likely you live in cooler areas of the country, or it can be growing in a section of your roof that doesnt receive much sunlight.
Research shows that moss growing on any roof surface is more severe on roof sections shaded or exposed to excellent weather conditions periodically. This may either be the presence or absence of much sunlight on a roof surface. When theres a combination of shade and cool moist on a roof surface, moss or lichens have a high chance of growing on it.
Moss growth on roofs can be drastic, and finding ways to tackle them before they grow too much is an essential factor to consider. Regular maintenance of your roof is a recommended remedy to handle the problem and eliminate it.
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Moss Is Not A Huge Problemunless You Ignore It
If you find moss on your roof, dont panic. Moss thrives in damp, moist areas, including roofs that are north-facing or shaded by trees.
A simple mixture of bleach and water will kill the moss, causing it to dry up, release from your roof, and blow off in the wind.
If you ignore it, overtime moss will grow beneath your shingles and lead to more severe damage.
Now that you know why moss grows on roofs, how to remove it, and how to prevent it, its time to get to work! If you have any tips, techniques, or products that work well against moss, leave a comment and let us know!
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Moss On Roof Tiles: Is It A Problem
Moss on roof tiles can cause multiple problems such as wood rotting and the obstruction of drainage points. Ultimately moss growth on a roof can result in costly repairs, and can also reduce the lifespan of your roof. Removal of moss from roof tiles often requires the services of a professional contractor, but there are also easy things you can do at home to prevent moss from growing on your roof tiles.
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The Best Way To Remove Moss From Your Roof: Hire A Roofing Contractor
In the end, the best way to remove moss from your roof is to hire an experienced roofing contractor. Seattle-area roofers are very good at removing moss. We do it all the time! Only a professional will be able to get rid of all the moss, apply preventative measures, and do it all without making you climb up on the dangerous roof.
If you want to get rid of the moss and algae on your roof,contact the experts at Cloise & Mike Construction today. Well give you a free estimate for the job and be able to handle any repairs you might need. No matter your roofing need, were here to help!
How To Get Rid Of Algae And Mold
If your roof is super bad, make sure you consult someone professional before taking action. Why spend money cleaning a roof when it needs a repair. In that same vein, why repair a roof when it just needs a cleaning? But luckily most of the time to remove algae and mold your roof will just need a good, thorough cleaning.
One way to clean the roof of algae and moss is with a brush and a little grunt work, scrubbing and separating the greens from the roof. Brushing should start at the top and work down, as going up could mess up your shingles. Bleach shouldnt be used either because it can damage your roof. You should use an environmentally friendly and safe roof cleaning solution.
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How To Prepare To Get Moss Of Of My Roof
Be mindful that commercial and homemade solutions can cause damage to sensitive plants. They can also discolor or cause damage to your home if they are not used properly. If you want to protect your plants, you can spread a sheet below where you are working on the roof. Chemical treatments can also cause irreversible damage to lead flashing. This can result in a stained roof or even structural damage.
Its essential to think about the structure of your roof when going on it. Walking on the roof can cause damage to the roof. It is not worth damaging your roof and risking personal injury while working on your roof.
If you do not feel comfortable treating your roof by yourself, get professionals to help you get the job done. In some cases, moss can cause serious damage. If your roof has had moss on it for an extended period, do not try to remove it. Contact a local, experienced roofing expert to do an evaluation. You should seek a professional opinion before you or repair your roof.
To 3 Cups Distilled Vinegar + 2 Gallons Of Water
Distilled vinegar mixed with water is a safe and easier way of eliminating moss growing on your roof. Unlike chlorine bleach which may damage your roof shingles over time, vinegar is quite safe. Below is how to use this homemade moss killer for roof recipes.
Requirements:
- Ladder
Procedure:
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How To Treat Moss
Online you can find many suggestions on how to treat moss on your own. While it may sound easy, some of these suggestions are ill-advised and are merely temporary solutions that can lead to a bigger problem.
Despite what those articles say, do not use a pressure washer on your roof! Pressure washing is a surefire way to damage your roofs tiles and shingles. As well, its costly and only removes the surface layer of moss, leaving behind spores that will ultimately grow back.
Other recommendations include hand-scraping moss off your roof, yet hand-scraping is only a preliminary method in the many steps involved in removing moss. Similar to the pressure washer, hand-scraping will only remove the visible layer of moss and fails to get rid of spores and clusters that can spread and stimulate regrowth.
Bleach can also kill moss, but if not used properly, it can lead to discoloration and ruin vegetation on and around your house. Its important to be cautious when using bleach, especially if youre not familiar with the solution as it can irritate the eyes and/or burn your skin. Its often best to leave the chemicals to moss removal professionals like Clean Break Home Services, who use a 12.5% industrial standard bleach solution and know-how to create a safe mixture that offers maximum effectiveness.
S To Take To Keep Moss From Growing On Your Roof
Moss growth can be unsightly and damaging to your roof moss causes water to get backed-up on your roof, which can lead to water damage. If you see moss growing on roofs in the neighborhood or on your roof, you can take proactive steps to prevent further growth.
1. Always Trim Nearby Trees
When tree branches grow over your roof, they provide shade for your home, which can help keep the temperature cool. However, all that shade also helps create a perfect environment for moss to thrive and grow. Moss needs a shady and moist environment to grow, and overhanging trees create this environment. Trim back the branches on any trees near your roof. You dont have to cut down the trees that provide your home with shade you just need to make sure their branches dont grow over your roof. A professional tree cutter can help you with this task.
2. Clean Your Gutters on a Regular Basis
3. Keep Debris off Your Roof
When debris, like large branches, build up on your roof, the debris can cause water to build up as well. Water, along with shade, are the two elements necessary for moss to grow. If you ever spot a big branch or other debris sitting on your roof, remove the debris right away.
4. Install Metal Strips
5. Install Algae-Resistant Shingles
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The Benefits Of Removing Moss
While you may not necessarily have to remove the moss-covered shingles before a new roof installation, you should consider it. There are many benefits of removing the moss-covered shingles, including:
- Reduce long-term costs: By removing the old roof, you keep the opportunity to double-up roof layers during your next roof replacement. The maximum layers of shingles allowed to be on the roof, according to most building codes, are two. So, once you use this strategy, you must tear off both roof surfaces during your next roof replacement.
- Maintain home value: Are you planning on selling your home soon? A properly replaced roof is more likely to appeal to potential buyers, while a poorly replaced roof may negatively affect your home value.
- Avoid the risk of damage: You can avoid all of the risks listed earlier in this article by simply removing all of the moss-covered shingles.
Inspect Your Roof First
Its a good idea to have a professional roof inspection once or twice a year to keep an eye out for developing problems before they require costly repairs. If you have a sizable patch of moss on your roof, it may have already caused some damage to your roof. In some instances, it may be better to replace your roof than waste time cleaning the moss off. Take the time to check for leaks. You may be able to patch them up by replacing shingles or applying sealant. Check the attic for signs of rotting wood. Depending on the extent of the damage, you might be able to replace it without a total tear-off.
A professional roofer can check for leaks, repair or replace shingles, and reseal or replace any flashing thats compromised. They can also quickly identify structural problems and have all the proper tools and training to safely work on your roof.
If the roof inspection shows that the structure is compromised, its time to replace your roof. You can use preventative measures to keep the moss from coming back on your new roof, which well discuss shortly.
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How To Prevent Moss On Roof
Happily, there are preventive measures you can use to keep your roof moss-free. First, let the sunshine in! Trim branches overhanging your roof, keep gutters free of debris, and regularly remove moisture collectors, such as leaves, branches, and seedpods, that pile up on the roof and encourage moss to grow. The best long-term solution? Attach strips of zinc or zinc-coated metal flashing strips just below a roof’s peak or ridge caps. When it rains, water flows over the metal strips leaching out moss-retardant zinc particles, which attach to roof shingles and/or tiles to stop new moss from forming.
Working safe, smart, and strategically guarantees your moss-removal operations will run smoothly. These prevention measures mean you’ll be able to stay off the ladder and roof for seasons, if not years, to come.
Can Moss And Algae Damage My Roof
Just like the stark organic differences between algae and moss, these growths cause differing damage to your roof. If your home has a highly reflective roofing system, algae growth can affect the roofs ability to reflect sunlight. If your roof serves as an energy-efficient system, this could end up costing you additional money in terms of heating or cooling bills.
Moss can damage shingles, especially asphalt and wood shake shingles. Shingles are meant to lie flat against the roof in order to promote watershed and proper drainage. Over time, moss will grow up the pitch of the roof, which causes shingles to lift or curl. The lifting of shingles will eventually cause water intrusion, moisture damage, wood rot, and even roof leaks.
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Things To Keep In Mind If You Decide To Remove Moss Yourself
Some homeowners try to clean their roofs themselves in an effort to save money. However, you need to keep in mind that working on a roof requires specialist equipment and training. If you dont have the right ladder or safety harness, you shouldnt attempt to do the work yourself.
Also, if youre not sure which products are safe for slate or tiles, you should seek professional help. If you damage your roofing materials further, repairs could be very expensive. Furthermore, you may not even be able to detect all the damage thats present. When roofing problems go unaddressed, damage can spread to other parts of the home.
Another consideration is that some of the chemicals used to clear moss can harm other plants and small animals. You should cover large plants to protect them and soak the roots of trees and shrubs before and after you clean. If youre not sure about any of this, simply call a roofing professional to handle the job.
Apply A Cleaning Solution
For more widespread and pesky moss problems, you can use a cleaning solution. There are tons of moss and algae cleaners out there. You can find them in any home improvement store or online retailer.
- 8 oz. dish soap to 2 gallons of water
- 2 cups of bleach to 2 gallons of water
- 2 cups of white distilled vinegar to 2 gallons of water
Once you get your moss removal solution, simply apply it to the area once youve rinsed and brushed the moss. Its best to apply moss cleaners on a cloudy day. You dont want the solution to evaporate before it gets a chance to work!
While these store-bought and DIY solutions are effective for some moss problems, theres nothing better than commercial cleaners. For that, youll have to hire a roofing professional to remove the moss from your roof.
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