Removing Moss from Your Roof: A Complete Guide

Removing Moss from your roof

Even when you’re going for that rustic, old-school aesthetic, moss on your roof is never a good look. While it might look whimsical on a fairy tale home, clumps of green moss strewn all over the roof is not what you are looking for in the real world. So, when moss starts growing on your roof, your best move is to remove it quickly.

Apart from its visual obtrusiveness, moss also degrades roofing materials like wood, asphalt, and clay, among others. This degradation shortens the life span of the roof, so you’ll want to take care of it as quickly and thoroughly as possible. 

Unlike most other household tasks, getting rid of moss from your roof can actually break your back. Although a relatively easy task, safety must take top priority throughout the whole exercise. One tiny slip, and you could be waking up in the ER.

Here’s the correct way to remove moss from your roof.

Gather the Necessary Tools

The first step to removing moss from your roof is gathering all the tools you’ll need. Don’t worry, you won’t need anything over-the-top.  Your basic household tools will do just fine.

If you want to remove moss from your roof, you’ll need:

  • An extension ladder
  • A safety rope
  • Rubber gloves
  • Safety goggles
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Bristle brush (preferably a long one)
  • Garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment
  • Moss killer/cleaner of your choice 

It’s not mandatory, but it’s a great idea also to have anti-slip footwear and maybe a hat to protect your head.  Once you’ve got all the necessary tools, it’s now time to roll your sleeves and get to work.

Spray and Brush Off All the Moss from Your Shingles

Place your ladder on a firm and secure area on the ground and lean it on the roof near the trouble spots.  Before you climb up on the ladder, make sure you’re draped in your safety gear and secured yourself with the safety rope.  Once you do all that, you can climb up the ladder with the garden hose.

Use your normal garden water to hose down the mossy areas on the roof. Spray at a downward angle and use the attachable spray nozzle if you can. While doing so, use the long bristle brush to remove the moss from the roof.

Use the top-to-down scrubbing technique, so that you don’t lift any shingles from the roof.  Also, don’t scrub with too much vigor, or you might scrape the roof. Complete one section of the roof before heading to another for some uniformity and orderliness.

Although it’s tempting, don’t use a pressure washer to remove moss from your roof. The excessive pressure may damage the shingles.

Apply the Commercial Moss Cleaner on the Roof

You’ll need more than just some scrubbing to get rid of all the moss for some cases. If you have too much moss on the roof, then you’ll need a cleaning solution for a perfect job.

You can buy such solutions from the store or make one yourself as long as it works.  For the best job, spread a plastic sheeting below your work area. This prevents the solution from spilling onto the nearby plant, sidings, decks, or driveways and damaging them.

Cloudy days are the best for cleaning your roof because your cleaning solution doesn’t evaporate into thin air. Any commercial cleaner will do a reasonable job, but for the best results, use a moss and algae killer. These solutions are available at your local store, but there are some DIY solutions you could consider.

Make sure you let the cleaning solution soak on the roof for at least 20 minutes before rinsing it away. After rinsing the solution away, use the bristle brush to scrub away gently any remaining moss on the roof.

By this point, you’ll have a moss-free roof. All you have to do is gather all your tools and let the roof dry. 

How to Prevent the Moss from Coming Back

Getting rid of the moss is just part of the process, next you have to make sure the moss never comes back again. This is how you prevent the moss from doing just that.

Installing a Metal Roof or Metal Strips

Installing a metal roof isn’t part of removing moss from your roof, but it’s one way of preventing moss from growing on your roof ever again. A metal roof like zinc or copper doesn’t allow for growth of moss, or any other fungi for that matter. What’s more, you don’t even have to install an entire metal roof, a few metal strips with a rubber washer will do the trick.

Clear a Path for Sunlight

A great way to prevent moss from growing on your roof is by allowing sunlight to hit your roof directly. Clear any branches or structures that might be hindering direct light to your roof. Also, keep your gutters clean and remove anything that could be collecting moisture inside the gutters.

Now You Know How to Remove Moss

Hopefully, you now know how to remove moss from your roof and prevent it from ever growing back. Remember, a mossy roof is optional, and you can get rid of the mess on your roof by following the above steps.  Throughout the entire exercise, don’t forget to give safety the utmost priority.

If you’re not up to the task, remember, you can always leave it to the professionals. If you need professional and reputable roof cleaners, contact us today, and we’ll sort you out.