Save Your Roof With Roof Moss Cleaning
Have you noticed greenish spots on your roof lately? Or perhaps even some fuzzy growths? If so, you may be dealing with a common problem that plagues many homeowners: roof moss. Not only does it make your roof look unsightly, but it can also cause damage if left untreated. Fortunately, there are effective ways to get rid of roof moss and keep your roof looking clean and new. In this blog post, we’ll explore exactly what roof moss is, why it’s important to address it right away, and the best methods for roof moss cleaning and removal.
What is Roof Moss and Why Should You Care?
Moss, that fuzzy green growth commonly seen in shady, wooded areas, thrives on moist surfaces and in damp climates. Unfortunately, moss can quickly take hold on most types of roofs, whether they’re made of composite shingles, wood shake, or tile.
Mossy roofing not only looks unattractive but also poses some dangers that could harm the integrity of the roofing material. As roof moss builds up, its roots (technically called rhizoids) penetrate the surface of your roof shingles, creating moisture pockets underneath them. This trapped moisture can cause rot, wood damage, leaks in your home’s interior, and mold and mildew growth.
Why Roof Moss Cleaning is Important
If left unaddressed, moss will continue to grow over time, become even more difficult to remove, and lead to costly repairs — or even the need for complete roof replacement. Roof moss cleaning and removal is essential for maintaining your home’s value and appearance. Regular roof cleaning not only keeps your shingles looking new and looking great, but can also help maintain its longevity. If you live in an area where humidity is high or if tree branches hang over your roof, regular professional maintenance is important as a moss or algae-prevention measure.
Techniques for Removing Moss from Your Roof Safely
Roof moss cleaning can be a daunting task, but it’s essential to maintain the integrity of your roof. There are several methods to remove moss from your roof safely, and each has its pros and cons.
One of the most common methods is using a pressure washer — either DIY or performed by a professional. Sure, blasting away at moss with a forceful stream of water might effectively remove the little plants, but this method can do more harm than good, damaging your shingles and causing water to seep into your home. For do-it-yourselfers, a safer option is using a gentle scrub brush and a solution of water and vinegar or bleach. While better for your roof, this method however, is inherently dangerous for homeowners. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, more than 150,000 people in the U.S. require medical treatment every year due to roofing-related injuries—the vast majority of them homeowners, rather than roofing professionals.
As you research roof moss, you might find a product called zinc or copper strips for roofs. Installed along the ridgeline, the metals release ions that prevent moss growth by creating an environment that’s hostile to the plant. However, there are drawbacks. The strips are not always completely effective at removing moss. Also, zinc and copper strips are costly, and installing them leaves nail holes in your roof. Lastly, the metal strips will eventually warp, potentially allowing water to leak between the shingles and your roof’s decking.
Removing Roof Moss: DIY vs Professionals
When it comes to removing moss from your roof, you may be wondering if you should do it yourself or hire a professional. If your roof has a small amount of moss growth and you can safely work on a ladder, then DIY may be fine. There are numerous DIY solutions available such as using bleach or vinegar mixtures.
However, if there’s significant growth or steep angles involved with your roof structure, it’s smart to hire a professional like Tri County Roof Cleaners. Professional roof cleaners not only have the necessary equipment to clean your roof safely but the expertise to remove the moss without damaging shingles.
Tri County Roof Cleaners specializes in commercial and residential roof cleaning. We treat black streaks (algae), lichen, and moss. A local company, we serve Summit, Portage, Medina, Wayne, Stark, and Cuyahoga Counties, as well as other parts of Northeast Ohio. What separates us from our competitors is personal, attentive service. While many roof cleaners use satellite photos to provide estimates, Tri County visits each home for a free quote. We make sure to understand what’s happening on your roof and the extent of the problem before we estimate the cost to clean it. Our in-person estimates also give you the opportunity to ask questions and for us to explain our processes. There is no one-size fits all approach to roof cleaning. We inspect each roof before developing a plan to remove dirt or growths like moss, algae, or lichen.
Don’t put off cleaning your roof. Taking action today will save you money tomorrow — and restore your roof’s appearance.
