Remove and prevent moss to extend the life of your roof.

For the uninitiated, a mossy roof looks picturesque, perhaps like something out of a fairy tale. However, savvy homeowners know that moss-covered shingles will eventually lead to trouble.

The trouble with moss

Moss is a primitive, flowerless plant that doesn’t degrade asphalt shingles. The trouble comes when the moss and the debris it traps pushes up the edges of shingles, allowing water to get beneath. Long term, this leads to wood rot and costly repairs.

How to get rid of moss

There are two methods of attack for ridding your roof of moss: manual and chemical.

The manual work is done using a garden hose and soft brush. Be gentle as you remove the moss. Don’t use a pressure washer for this job – the high-powered stream of water can damage the shingles leaving you with an even bigger problem.

Removing the visible moss gets rid of most, but not all, of the problem. Roots and spores will remain. To prevent the moss from taking hold again, treat your roof with roof cleaner or a DIY solution to finish the job. Get Bob Vila’s roof cleaning solution recipe here.

Avoiding a recurrence of moss

Moss needs two things to grow on your roof: moisture and shade. Keep all debris such as branches or leaves off your roof. Also, trim any tree limbs overhanging the roof and to let the sunlight through. Reducing the availability of moisture and shade will help prevent future moss.

Avoiding moss on a new roof

If your roof needs to be reshingled, there are some measures that can help prevent future moss.

Moss doesn’t grow in the presence of zinc or copper. Often homeowners have zinc or copper strips installed at the ridge line. The strips slowly allow traces of the minerals to wash down the roof and prevent moss from growing.

Removing existing moss and preventing it from coming back again will help extend the life of your roof and save you money in the long run.

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