Why is Moss Harmful to Roofs?
Moss growing on roofs is a more serious issue than some might think. Moss easily absorbs water after rainstorms, generating a perpetually wet environment that may damage shingles. What’s more, moss may start to grow underneath shingles, raising them upwards and letting the water soak through- and possibly into your house. If you want to avoid these problems, cleaning moss off roofs regularly is imperative. Read on to learn several tips for cleaning moss off roofs to make your job simple and straightforward.
Top Tips for Cleaning Moss off Roofs
- Prepare to Clean
The first step in cleaning moss off roofs is to prepare yourself and the surrounding area. Set up your ladder on level ground and put on rubber gloves, non-slip shoes, and safety glasses. You might want to use a rope or harness if you’re going to be climbing up to the top of the roof.
- Hose Down and Scrub the Roof
Use a hose to wet down the roof, then scrub at any moss with a soft-bristle brush. In this step, as well as every other step of cleaning moss off roofs, make sure to wash or scrub from the top of the roof to the bottom. Otherwise, you risk lifting up shingles.
- Apply Cleaning Solution
Next, apply a cleaning solution to any remaining patches of moss. Let the solution sit for at least 20 minutes to allow it to loosen up the moss.
- Rinse or Pressure Wash the Roof
The final step in cleaning moss off roofs is to rinse off the cleaning solution and the last pieces of moss with a garden hose or pressure washer at the lowest pressure setting. If using a pressure washer, double-check that your roof does not have any cracks, as it may make them worse and cause water to leak into your house.
- Bonus Tip: Moss Prevention
The saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” applies to cleaning moss off roofs. Moss grows better in shade than in sunlight, so cut back any branches that are overhanging the roof. Additionally, a copper or zinc strip placed directly beneath a roof’s peak will prevent moss growth. These strips will cause metal particles will flow over the shingles whenever it rains, rendering them an intolerable environment for moss. Cleaning moss off roofs will be a less challenging procedure if there is only a small amount of moss in the first place, so implementing these steps will pay off!
Where to Purchase Detergent for Cleaning Moss off Roofs
Wondering what type of cleaning solution you should use during the process of cleaning moss off roofs? Look no further than Tidal Washers! We offer a professional roof cleaner in two different concentrations to satisfy all of your roof cleaning needs. Please contact our team of chemists if you have any questions!