Moss is a small flowerless plant that likes to grow in areas out of direct sunlight. This includes shaded areas such as the roofs of homes. If it’s not removed, the moss can damage the roof, allowing rainwater to seep underneath and break down the structure of your roof.
If the roof of your home has moss growing on it, you might not know how to remove it. Luckily, you can use these quick and easy methods to remove moss from your roof and keep it off.
What You’ll Need
To begin with, you’ll need a few items when you do decide to remove any moss off of your roof, including:
- Safety equipment (safety goggles, rubber gloves, a safety rope)
- Work clothes (that you don’t care to get wet and dirty)
- Slip-resistant footwear
- Ladder
- Garden hose
- Scrub brush
- Long-handled, soft-bristled brush
- Moss remover
- Pump sprayer
Preparing the Area
Start by attaching a safety rope to keep you from falling from the roof. You should also get your ladder in position and cover all nearby plants with a plastic sheet. If needed, have a helper hold the ladder in place as you ascend and descend.
Apply Water
Attach the hose to a water source, and climb up the ladder. Spray all of the moss-covered sections of your roof, working from the top of the roof down. This allows excess water to easily run off of the roof and can also prevent the water pressure from breaking any of your roof tiles.
Scrub the Roof
Using a scrub brush or long-handled, soft-bristled brush, scrape the moss from the surface of the roof. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid damaging any shingles or tiles. Make sure to work on small sections at a time, moving the brush in downward strokes to avoid damaging the surrounding roof tiles.
Apply a Moss-Remover Cleaner
Using a pump sprayer, apply the moss remover to the surface of the roof. Allow the moss remover to soak into the roof tiles for at least 20 minutes if using a homemade remover, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions if using a store-bought brand.
Rinse With Water
Finally, rinse the remover from the roof using water from the garden hose. If you have any remaining moss, remove it using a scrub brush. If this is the case, rinse the roof again once all of the remaining moss has been removed.
How to Keep Moss From Coming Back
To prevent moss from returning, take the following steps. Start by trimming any overhanging tree branches so that the roof is exposed to direct sunlight. You should also regularly clean your gutters, removing any leaves, branches, or other debris that can collect moisture. As a final measure, apply zinc-coated metal strips just below the peak of the roof, which releases moss-retardant zinc when it rains.
Using a Manufactured Moss Remover
When looking for a moss remover, the easiest solution is to use a store brand. Moss removers, such as Bayer’s Advanced Moss and Algae or Wet and Forget Liquid Mold Remover are excellent options when looking for moss-removal products. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s mixing and application recommendations.
Make Your Own Moss Remover
To make your own moss remover, mix 1 part chlorine bleach with 1 part water and 1/4-cup of a heavy-duty cleaner, such as trisodium phosphate. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners with bleach, because mixing the two creates toxic fumes.
DIY Plant-Friendly Moss Remover
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For a moss remover that is environmentally friendly, mix 1 cup of oxygen bleach with 1 gallon of water. Pour the mixture into a pump sprayer, and apply it to your roof. Your best bet is to use a backpack-type pump sprayer to leave your hands free for climbing up and down the ladder.
Source: Better Homes & Gardens
