Roof Moss Removal & Prevention
While a roof with moss strewn across it may look enchanting or ethereal, in reality larger clumps of moss degrade shingles by growing underneath and between them, resulting in exposed sections of roofing prone to moisture entry. If you have a build-up of moss on your roof, you may be wondering how to remove it and how to prevent any recurrence of growth – let’s help with that.
Why Moss is Bad for Shingles
You may be under the impression that moss build up on your roof simply gives your home some character and charm, but there are detrimental effects that can manifest. Although asphalt shingles aren’t exactly the most nourishing environment for moss to find sustenance and reproduce, the plant can nonetheless grow roots in-between and underneath shingles. This in turn interferes with proper water drainage and even lifts shingles up – the resulting exposure to moisture degrades shingles further and reduces their ability to safeguard your home from leaks.
A little moss shouldn’t be a cause for alarm, but if left unchecked or untreated, minor moss growth can quickly become a major moss nuisance.
How To Remove Moss
- Step 1: Carefully place your ladder nearest to the moss buildup. Apply a bleach-less, store-bought moss cleaner and follow the instructions marked on the label regarding the necessary time of application.
- Step 2: Once applied for the appropriate time frame, rinse thoroughly with your garden hose on the lowest pressure setting – at this point, you will notice most of the clumps of moss detaching. DO NOT use higher pressure settings to remove any remaining moss as it can damage the shingles and cause leaks. Even if the remaining moss is being stubborn, continue to rinse with low pressure until all of the moss cleaner solution has been washed off, as the solution may damage shingles if left on.
- Step 3: Any moss that wasn’t removed in step two should now be loose enough to be manually pried free and placed in a garbage bag for disposal.
- Step 4: If a total removal of moss wasn’t achieved, consider contacting a roofing professional to safely and completely remove any remaining moss build-up.
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How To Prevent Moss Growth
- Algae-Resistant Shingles: While not as effective in deterring moss growth, the same environment that moss thrives in (wet and dark) is also desirable for algae. Modern algae-resistant shingles target those conditions and make them less habitable for moss.
- Metal Strips: Installing a copper, zinc or galvanized metal strip on the ridge of your roof can inhibit and prevent moss, algae or lichen growth. Over time, the strip will oxidize and rain will wash the ensuing solution over your roof, resulting in an inhospitable environment for moss, algae or lichen. Do note that it takes some time for metal strips to oxidize or rust, and as a result the effects are not immediate.
- Reduce Shade: One of the prerequisites for moss proliferation is a moist and dark environment, so why not reduce sources of shade? Consider trimming any branches that may be providing shade onto your roof – but remember shade also provides additional cooling in the summer, so use discretion by weighing the pros and cons.
- Annual Inspections: By regularly ensuring that your roof is draining water properly and efficiently, moss growth is curtailed and prevented. Professional roofers like the team here at Rapid Restore are highly trained specialists that perform transparent, no-pressure, world-class roof inspections. If you’re concerned about detrimental moss growth on your roof, don’t hesitate to reach out – we’ll take care of it quickly, efficiently and affordably.
About Rapid Restore
Our mission at Rapid Restore is to provide a stress-free, refreshingly simple, world-class roof installation experience for our customers in Long Island, NY. We look forward to protecting you. With over 110+ 5 star reviews on Google, you can trust the expert roofing contractors at Rapid Restore to replace your roof on-time and within budget.
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