What's on Your Roof?

What is Moss?

Moss is a simple plant. Simple because it lacks conventional roots, stems and leaves and it grows vertically. It is not uncommon for moss to form on a roof.

If you have moss on your roof, you may notice some areas have more moss than other areas. The reason is that moss thrives in shady areas and where there is indirect sunlight. If you live in an area with a lot of trees, roof moss may become a problem. Not only is this fuzzy, green growth unsightly, it can damage your roof if you simply ignore it.

Problems

• Accumulated moss prevents water from properly draining off your roof.
• Moss will spread, even to your neighbors house by air delivery.
• When moss covers a large area, that particular area can become very heavy, especially after a strong rain.
• Moss itself is not toxic, but many treatment methods contribute to water pollution which is harmful to the environment.
• Water from moss growth can also erode the asphalt on shingles, which will need early replacement.

Solution

There are several ways to get rid of moss growing on your roof:

Power washing:

Pros:

• You can remove the moss.

Cons:

• First of all, you cannot take a pressure washer up onto you roof.
• You cannot  carry the pressure washer around while you are on the roof. You must have an extension hose (or two).
• There is the danger of tripping over the hose or slipping on the wet surface.
• If you do not use the proper pressure you risk breaking shingles or loosening the protective coating on the shingle surface.  

Chemicals Sprays:

Pros:

• Kills moss in a few days.

Cons:

• Surrounding landscaping, plants and bushes can be harmed by the chemical solution.
• You must wear protective eye wear, rubber gloves and old clothing.
• The roof must be rinsed off with a garden hose.
• The roof will be very slippery as you work from the peak down.

Use extreme caution with both methods.

Prevention

• Use copper or other metal (zinc) strips along the ridge of the roof can prevent moss from growing or returning to your roof. Rainwater then washes over the metal and down the roof surface, as moss cannot grow where metal is present.
• Trim trees with branches that overshadow the roof. Keep the roof clean of leaves or pine needles. Tree branches should be a minimum of 10 feet away from the roof. It is important to let as much sunlight as possible hit the roof to prevent moss grow.

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