How To Remove Moss From Your Roof

If your roof has a patch or two of moss, you might not think it's a serious problem. However, Belleville, IL roofers know that the issue can quickly get out of hand and degrade your roof's structural integrity and appearance. 

Lagunas Roofing and our experienced roofers know how to remove moss from roofs using quality products and time-tested roof moss removal techniques. As a respected and knowledgeable roofing company, we explain how to get rid of roof moss below. 

The Problem With Roof Moss

A mossy roof might make your house look adorable. Unfortunately, this organic growth can degrade almost any roofing material, yet it's especially damaging to asphalt shingles and wood shakes. 

Moss will form as a thin layer of greenish growth on and between roofing shingles or tiles. As the moss grows, it will push the roofing material up, allowing moisture to seep underneath. The moss will also harbor moisture that will prematurely degrade your roof. 

Unless you carefully treat mossy growths on your roof, they can lead to rot, mildew, mold, and decay due to the moisture problem they create. Your roofing shingles aren't the only vulnerable surfaces, either. The roof's underlayment and your home's interior could also be susceptible to leaks and water damage.

How To Remove Moss From a Roof Naturally

It's good to know how to remove moss from roofs with and without moss cleaning solutions to protect the structure's integrity. The best DIY moss removal techniques include these steps:

• Protect Yourself: Since you'll be handling cleaning chemicals, you should wear protective gear like eye goggles, rubber gloves, and slip-resistant footwear. Use a harness or safety rope to prevent falls, and only put the ladder on a stable, even surface. 
• Wet Your Roof: Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer, to spray the mossy areas of your roof with water. You don't have to saturate the area. Spray the hose downward to avoid accidentally getting water under raised shingles.
• Brush the Moss Off the Roof: Using a soft-bristled brush, gently brush the moss from the roofing material. Work in small sections, and don't apply too much pressure. Otherwise, you can damage your shingles or tiles.
• Apply Moss Treatment Products: You can purchase moss cleaning solutions to spray on the affected areas on your roof. You must thoroughly soak the moss with the cleaner and let it sit for as long as the instructions recommend. 
• Scrub and Rinse the Roof Carefully: After waiting a while for the treatment to work, use the brush to remove the remaining moss and residue. Finally, spray your garden hose downward to rinse the roof. 

If you want to know how to remove moss from a roof with detergent, all you need is two gallons of water and eight ounces of dish soap. You can use the DIY solution instead of chemical treatments and let it sit for 20 minutes. You can also mix two gallons of water with three and a half cups of distilled vinegar or a pound of powdered bleach if you want a stronger solution. 

Reasons To Consider Professional Roof Moss Removal

Despite the seemingly simple steps for removing moss from your roof, the DIY route has its problems and risks. Unless you are careful, knowledgeable, and use the right tools, you could unintentionally damage your roofing materials or worsen pre-existing issues. 

Professional roofing companies know the right way to clean moss and other unwanted growths and debris from all roofing materials. Reputable contractors are licensed, bonded, and insured, so you know they have great roofing expertise and financial protections if something goes wrong during the cleaning. You can also count on professional roofers to uncover other issues with your roofing that you might be unaware of. 

Essential Roof Maintenance Tips for Preventing Moss Growth

To keep moss from growing back onto your roof after a deep cleaning, you should hire a roofing company to install copper or zinc flashing to your roof. This type of flashing is a long-term solution. As rainwater flows over the metal strips, they release moss-retardant particles across the rooftop. 

Gutter maintenance is also key. Moss can grow in clogged gutters and spread to the roof. 

Protect Your Home's Roof With Expert Moss Removal

At Lagunas Roofing, we have ample roofing experience and industry knowledge, so we know how to remove moss from roofs. We're a top roofing company in Belleville, Illinois, offering quality roof repair, roof replacement, siding services, and gutter repair for homeowners throughout the area. We also provide residential and commercial roof inspections, new construction roofing, and emergency repairs. 

Call (618) 300-5661 to schedule an appointment with Lagunas Roofing today.