Cleaning moss off of your roof is a integral home maintenance item that ensures the longevity of your homes roof. Moss on your roof is harmful because it traps moisture, which can gradually damage roofing materials, cause rot, and lead to leaks.
Cleaning moss off your roof is beneficial because it removes this damaging growth, helping maintain the roof’s strength and longevity.
Keep reading to see the best way to clean moss off your roof.
Step 1: Safety First
- Wear Protective Gear: Use a safety harness, non-slip shoes, and gloves. Ensure a sturdy ladder is in place, and consider using a roof anchor for added security.
- Check Weather Conditions: Choose a dry day, ideally in summer when the moss is brittle and easier to remove.
Step 2: Remove Loose Moss and Debris
To begin the initial cleaning, use a soft-bristle scrub brush or push broom to gently sweep away loose moss, starting at the top and moving downward to avoid lifting or damaging shingles. This careful approach prevents unnecessary strain on the roof and maintains the integrity of the shingles.
After brushing, follow up with a gas-powered leaf blower to clear away any remaining moss, leaves, or debris from crevices, valleys, and around features like chimneys or skylights. The leaf blower reaches areas that are hard to clean manually, ensuring a debris-free surface for any subsequent moss treatment to work effectively.
Step 3: Apply Moss Removal Solution
A reliable formula for cleaning moss and algae from a roof involves mixing one quart of bleach with one gallon of water and adding 1/4 cup of a heavy-duty cleaner, such as trisodium phosphate (TSP). This mixture effectively loosens and kills organic growth without causing damage to most roofing materials.
For convenience, use a commercial moss remover, following the manufacturer’s application instructions.
Step 4: Let the Solution Work
- Allow the applied solution to sit for 25 to 45 minutes to effectively kill the moss.
Step 5: Scrub and Rinse
Scrub Gently: Using a soft brush, carefully scrub any remaining moss to loosen it from the shingles, taking extra care not to press too hard or use abrasive motions that could damage the roof’s surface. Gentle scrubbing ensures effective moss removal without compromising the integrity of the shingles, which is particularly important for older or more delicate roofing materials.
Rinse Thoroughly: Once the moss has been loosened, thoroughly rinse the roof with a hose, ensuring the water flows downward along the natural slope of the roof. Spraying downward prevents water from being forced under the shingles, which could lead to leaks or moisture buildup beneath the roof. This careful rinse not only removes the cleaning solution but also washes away dislodged moss and debris, leaving the roof clean and free of growth.
Prevent Future Moss Growth
Install Zinc or Copper Strips: Positioning zinc or copper strips along the roof’s ridge can help prevent future moss growth, as these metals release particles each time it rains. These particles naturally inhibit moss, algae, and lichen growth, creating a protective layer that helps keep the roof clean without additional effort. Over time, this simple addition can significantly reduce the frequency of moss buildup, preserving the roof’s appearance and durability.
Regular Maintenance: To keep the roof in optimal condition, aim to clean it twice a year—once in the spring to apply preventative treatments and again in the fall to remove fallen leaves and other debris. This routine maintenance reduces the chances of moss and algae taking hold, helps maintain proper drainage, and extends the roof’s lifespan by keeping it clear of organic buildup and obstructions.
What Is The Best Moss Killer For Roofs?
The Lilly Miller Moss Out for Roofs and Structures is one of the best products available for effectively removing moss from roofs. This product is specifically formulated to target and eliminate moss, algae, and other organic growth on a variety of roof types without damaging the surface. It uses a zinc-based formula that provides long-lasting protection by inhibiting regrowth, keeping the roof cleaner for extended periods. Additionally, it’s easy to apply with a sprayer or hose, making it convenient for thorough coverage even on larger or complex roof surfaces.
Unlike harsher chemical treatments, this formula is designed to be gentle on the roof’s material while still providing powerful moss removal and prevention. Each application not only clears away existing moss but also helps protect against future buildup, reducing the frequency of roof maintenance. For homeowners looking for an efficient, safe, and highly effective solution, Lilly Miller Moss Out stands out as a top choice for roof care.
Does Dawn Dish Soap Kill Moss On The Roof?
Dawn dish soap on its own is not highly effective at killing moss; however, it is often included in home remedies for moss removal because it acts as a surfactant. A surfactant helps reduce the surface tension of water, allowing cleaning solutions to spread more evenly and stick to the moss and roof surface longer. This adherence gives other active ingredients, like bleach or vinegar, more time to penetrate and kill the moss effectively.
In these mixtures, Dawn doesn’t kill the moss directly but enhances the effectiveness of stronger cleaning agents, ensuring they remain in contact with the moss rather than running off immediately. By helping the cleaning solution adhere to the roof, Dawn dish soap contributes to a more thorough and efficient moss removal process.
What Time Of Year Is Best To Remove Moss From A Roof?
The best time of year to remove moss from a roof is in late spring or early summer. During this period, the weather is typically warmer and drier, which allows moss to dry out, making it easier to remove. The moss is also less likely to regrow quickly due to the increased sunlight and reduced moisture compared to the wetter months. Additionally, choosing a dry day with mild weather in spring or summer helps cleaning solutions work effectively without being washed away by rain.
Should You Pressure Wash Moss Off The Roof?
Pressure washing can be effective for removing moss on certain roof types, such as tile or metal roofs, where the materials are durable enough to withstand the high-pressure stream. For these types of roofs, a pressure washer can quickly dislodge moss, dirt, and other buildup without causing damage. However, even with tile or metal, care should be taken to avoid applying excessive pressure that could displace tiles or compromise roof seals.
For roofs made of asphalt shingles, however, pressure washing is generally too harsh and can cause significant damage. The high pressure can strip away the protective granules on shingles, reducing their lifespan and making them more susceptible to UV rays and weathering. For asphalt shingles, a soft wash system—a method using low-pressure water combined with specialized cleaning solutions—is recommended. Soft washing effectively removes moss without damaging the shingle surface, making it the safest option for maintaining the integrity of asphalt roofing.
How Much Does It Cost To Remove Moss From A Roof?
The cost to remove moss from a roof typically ranges from $0.20 to $0.60 per square foot. For a standard 1,500-square-foot roof, homeowners can expect to pay between $300 and $900.
What Happens If You Leave Moss On Your Roof?
Leaving moss on your roof can lead to moisture retention, which gradually weakens roofing materials and causes rot, lifting, and potential leaks. As moss grows, it can lift shingles or tiles, allowing water to seep in and damage underlying structures. The added weight of moss also stresses the roof, especially in damp climates, which can shorten its lifespan and lead to premature replacement.
Takeaway
Regularly cleaning moss off your roof not only keeps it looking good but also extends its lifespan and prevents costly repairs. Starting with safety precautions, you can use a combination of gentle scrubbing, moss-killing solutions, and thorough rinsing to effectively remove moss without damaging your roof. For long-term protection, consider installing zinc or copper strips, which naturally deter moss growth when it rains, and commit to twice-yearly maintenance to keep your roof clear of debris.
