Is your roof going green?
Learn how to remove moss from a roofand banish it for goodwith these methods, materials, and tools.
Overhead greenery should be limited to the leaves on tree canopies.
Credit: Anthony Masterson
So, when there’s moss on your roof, it’stime to get cleaning.
If you see it, there’s no need to panic.
Just follow this step-by-step guide on how to remove moss and eradicate it for good.
Credit: Lex20/Getty Images
Roof-cleaning products should be left to absorb into the moss for at least 20 minutes.
That’s why experts recommend saving your roof moss removal project for a cloudy day.
Sunny days may cause the products to evaporate too quickly.
Credit: Stacey Branford
If possible, opt for the least-toxic solution.
Chemical solutions can adversely affect the environment and damage plants growing beneath the overhangs.
If you use a bleach solution or a ready-made roof-moss treatment, protect nearby plants with plastic sheeting.
That final rinse will dilute any chemicals spilled down from the eaves.
Plus, all that scraping could damage your roof.
The right solution will kill the moss spores and soften the moss for easier removal.
Don’t use ammonia-based cleaners since they create toxic fumes when mixed with bleach.
Have a safety rope or harness handy if you’re headed to the peak of your roof.
Cover nearby plants with plastic sheeting.
Set a ladder securely in place, grab the hose, and start climbing.
Spray the Roof with Water
Spray all the moss-covered sections with water.
Work in small sections to create more efficient scrubbing motions and allow better brush control.
Move the brush downward to protect the shingles from breakage.
Soak the moss and let the solution set according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you’re using a homemade remover, let it set for about 20 minutes.
Remove any remaining moss with a scrub brush, and rinse the roof again.
If you opt for this method, use it on the lowest pressure setting possible.
When it rains, water then flows over the metal strips, leaching out moss-retardant zinc particles.
Those zinc particles then attach to roof shingles and tiles to stop new moss from forming.
After all, a smart, safe approach today means fewer climbs up the laddertomorrow.
Pick a day when the weather is dry but not too hot.
Moss is less common on metal roofs because the surface is non-porous and slick.
If you have a metal roof, plan to check it periodically for debris and moss.
you might use similar methods to those noted above to remove moss from a tile roof.
Also, remember that tile can easily crack underfoot.
As you scrub, watch your footing.
