Moss and other unwanted plants may grow on asphalt shingles and roofing that are not maintained properly. Keep reading below to learn how to remove moss from your roof.

What Is Moss?

Moss is any land plant that is nonvascular and spore-bearing. This means that it lives on land and reproduces by releasing spores into the environment. These spores are moved around by wind, animals, and even humans, and eventually develop into moss.

Moss is commonly found in shady and moist locations. While moss may not be the most aesthetically appealing thing to have on your roof, it is very good for the environment. It aids in nutrient and water supplies for ecosystems and vegetation, and it helps prevent soil erosion.

How Can I Get Rid of Moss on my Asphalt Shingles?

While moss is great for the environment, it is not so great for your asphalt shingles. Moss can be responsible for curling the edges of the shingles, causing them to lift. This increases the risk of the shingle blowing off in the wind, meaning the shingle will have to be replaced.

The best way to get rid of moss from an asphalt roof is by spraying the roof with chlorine bleach and water. In order to do this safely, follow these steps:

1. Dilute = Start by diluting the bleach with water to a 50:50 ratio of half water and half bleach.
2. Apply & Let Sit = Next, spray the roof down with the chlorine bleach/water mixture and allow it to sit for fifteen to twenty minutes. Occasionally, you may need to allow it to sit for a little bit longer. However, you want to make sure that the bleach mixture does not dry up, as it will no longer be effective and will be nearly impossible to wash off.
3. Wash Off = Once you allow the solution to sit for fifteen to twenty minutes, you must wash it off with a pressure washer set to a low setting. Only use water and no other chemicals to remove the bleach/water mixture.

Keep in mind that moss is stubborn and resilient. It may take more than one treatment to get all of the moss off of your asphalt shingles.

How Can I Prevent Moss from Growing on My Asphalt Shingles?

Once you have removed the moss, there are preventative measures you can take to keep the moss from coming back. Since moss likes shady environments, cut back any tree branches that may be shading your roof. Additionally, clean the gutters and clear the roof of any leaves or other debris that may contain spores.

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