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How to Remove Green Moss from Roof Shingles

While some homeowners believe a little moss gives their roof some charm, moss growth can lead to problems on a shingle roof. Yes, a small, thin layer is not troublesome but once it becomes a large clump of moss it will degrade the shingles, get beneath them and create opportunities for leaks. What is even worse is that most of the methods recommended online on how to remove green moss end up causing more damages to the shingles. To be able to get rid of them effectively, there are a couple of things you need to understand.

Why is Moss Bad for Shingles?

One of the reasons moss is bad is because it grows its roots into the roof shingles. This can pave room for leaks. Secondly, moss soaks up water and retains it after a rainfall. This creates conditions that are consistently wet. The growth of moss further interferes with water drainage both on the roof and in the gutters. While a light moss growth may not be problematic. The problem will become worse if not treated.

What if moss appears dead?

When it has not rained in a while, moss may appear to be dead. The problem is there are species of moss that can stay alive even after drying out for several months. A little rain will help them recover. With that in mind, if moss looks like it has dried out, you need to remove it from your roof before it rains.

How to remove the green moss

When you spot a moss infection, you should remove it before the problem becomes severe. You will, however, not be able to remove it by hand because it is quite tough. The point to remember when removing moss is to never step on your roof. Leave that to the professionals. Here is what you will need:

  • Garbage bag
  • Garden hose
  • Ladder
  • Moss-specific cleaner that is rated by EPA and doesn’t bleach.

Next, you need to follow these steps:

  • Setup the ladder safely near the infected area and spray it with the moss-specific cleaner. Follow the instructions on how long you should leave the cleaner on.
  • With low pressure, use the garden hose to rinse the moss. Don’t use pressurized sprays on the shingles as that may lift them up.
  • Remove the loosened moss manually and put it in the garbage bag.
  • Don’t use a brush or pressure washer to remove moss that may still be stuck. Instead, you should consult an experienced roofer on what to do.

When removing green moss from roof shingles, you must never remove by:

  • Scrubbing
  • Pressure washing
  • Using harsh chemicals

The use of these three methods will not only damage the shingles but may also void the limited warranty. If you have no idea what to do, you should always seek help from a professional roofer.

Never add a new roof over moss

Even though doubling up your shingles can save expenses and time during roof replacement, covering a moss infected shingle with new shingles will only lead to problems. Potential problems include:

  • Bumps in the roof as moss grows
  • Unsafe conditions for the roofers
  • Secondary moss infections
  • Voidance of the limited warranty

Removing moss infection on time and before installing a new roof is the best way to go. You should also remove sources of shade, go for algae-resistant shingles and install a metal strip so as to prevent moss growth in the future. Regular roof inspections are also a must. For FREE INSPECTION call (905) 387-3000 Roofing Experts D’Angelo and Sons. Contractors you can trust to repair your roofing repair.