How to Get Rid of Moss on Your Roof

10/15/2022

Have you noticed a fuzzy green substance growing around your roof shingles? If so, there may be moss on your roof.

Moss is a non-vascular, flowerless plant that absorbs water through its leaves, not its roots. Moss seeds are called spores. Spores are small, one-celled reproductive units that become airborne and make their way onto roofs via wind, birds, squirrels, and other animals.

While some people think moss growing on roofs gives a house an almost quaint, country look, roof moss can create a lot of damage. Although a little moss can be harmless, if left untreated, moss can degrade the structure of your roof.

Why Is Moss Growing on My Roof?

Is your roof shaded by nearby trees? If so, that’s likely the reason moss is growing on your roof. Moss is commonly seen in cool, damp environments. Shade from trees allows moisture to linger, making it an ideal place for moss to grow. Once it appears, moss absorbs rainwater and will spread across the entire roof, eventually growing a few inches thick.

Roof Moss Remover

It is strongly suggested to leave roof moss removal to professionals. Moss can create slippery surfaces, making climbing the roof unsafe for homeowners. Moreover, lifting the roof shingles alone without professional assistance can cause damage.

If you do decide to take on the task yourself, proceed with caution and do the following:

• Wet the moss by spraying it with your hose. Use a low-pressure setting on your spray nozzle to avoid damaging the shingles.
• Create a mixture of half chlorine bleach and half water. Spray this generously on the moss. Wear rubber gloves to avoid skin damage. As a substitute, you can also use vinegar.
• Wait for 30 minutes to let the liquid sit on the moss. The mixture will run off the roof and into your garden below, so remember to protect your plants by covering them.
• After 30 minutes, make sure to rinse off the liquid with a low-pressure water setting. Results will take a few days, but with wind and some patience on your part, it will dry up and blow off. However, if after a few days the roof is still well covered in moss, you may need to use a leaf blower to get rid of any remaining moss.

As an alternative to making your own, you can also purchase moss removal products online or in a hardware store.

Can Roof Moss Be Composted?

While composting leftover roof moss may seem like a good idea, it’s not recommended. Moss can potentially spread if used in compost. Some believe that moss makes an excellent compost, but there is a risk.

If you decide to compost roof moss, remember that moss on roofs decomposes much slower than most materials and can take up to several years to break down completely. But you can speed up the process by layering moss with grass clippings.

Let CertainTeed Handle Your Roofing Needs

If you’re a homeowner looking for roofing experts to help you with your roof moss removal, contact your local CertainTeed professional for expedited roofing services. We are a family-owned roofing company dedicated to complete customer satisfaction. We offer 24/7 emergency services and can assist you with all your roofing needs.