How to Get Rid of Moss on Your Roof

Moss isn’t a welcome guest on roofs. It can cause all sorts of issues, as it can trap moisture against your roof and damage the shingles, opening the door to leaks. On top of that, many homeowners don’t appreciate the green blanket over their roof. 

So, if you’re wondering how to get rid of moss on the roof, look no further. This guide explores the steps to remove pesky moss from your roof and prevent it from returning. 

How to Clean Moss on Your Roof

Cleaning moss from your roof is a straightforward task, albeit high up. Ideally, you should choose a cloudy day without a chance of rain to handle this task. While you could clean the roof on a sunny day, the cleaners you’ll use to get rid of it evaporate much faster than on cloudy days. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Protective gear, including non-slip shoes, old clothes, rubber gloves, eye protection, and a safety harness
• Long-handled scrub brush
• DIY or store-bought cleaner
• Ladder 
• Garden hose

Once you gather your materials, carefully position the ladder and safety equipment to ensure you stay safe while traversing the roof. Rinse the mossy areas with water using your garden hose, then scrub those areas with the long-handled brush to dislodge the moss. 

Avoid pressing too hard, as this could damage the shingles and affect their waterproof qualities. Take your time to avoid ripping, cracking, or breaking the shingles. 

If the moss is stubborn, enlist the help of a cleaning solution. Apply the solution to the mossy areas following the manufacturer’s instructions. If you apply a DIY solution, let the cleanser sit for about half an hour, then lightly scrub the areas with the long-handled scrub brush. 

Rinse the roof to remove residual moss and cleaner.  

How to Stop Moss Growing on Your Roof

Removing the moss is one thing, but it’ll likely return if you don’t take preventative measures. Moss is versatile and can grow almost anywhere, even without ample moisture. So, to deter it, you’ll need to take a few extra preventative measures. 

One of the easiest and most effective ways to discourage moss growth is installing a zinc or copper-coated sheet metal strip on your roof. These metals are toxic to moss and can effectively prevent their growth. However, since these metals can also be harmful to aquatic animals, like fish, they’re not ideal for use on homes in coastal regions. 

So, instead of installing metal sheeting, you can also trim branches around your roof, keep gutters clear, and remove debris that builds up on the roof. This lets ample sunshine reach your roof and prevents moisture collectors from taking up residence on your roof, which can help prevent mold growth. 

Need Help Tackling Your Roof’s Moss Problem? We Can Help

Given the lofty nature of moss problems on roofs, homeowners may not be comfortable scaling ladders and roof slopes to tackle the problem. Or, after addressing the moss problem, you might find a more serious roofing issue that requires attention. 

Either way, our team at Glick’s Exteriors can help. Call us at (610) 810-1290 or complete our online contact form to get started today!