Moss on roof areas looks unsightly and can lead to grumbling by neighbors, family and friends. Yet there are a number of other reasons why moss removal makes sense. You may need to clean moss off roof space anywhere in the country, although this problem is more prevalent in humid climates.

Moss on roof surfaces can lift shingles on roofs, allowing water to enter and cause leaks. Cleaning roof moss can significantly reduce how long a roof lasts, so it makes sense that homeowners should take the problem seriously.

Reasons for Removing Moss Off Roof

Other than the aesthetic reasons for moss removal, there are a number of financial and technical reasons for getting moss off roof surface:

• Dead moss on roof allows more moss to grow unless treated.
• Downspouts are sometimes plugged by roof moss, causing gutters to overflow.
• Insurance companies may not renew homeowner insurance policies if there is substantial moss on roof.
• Moisture caused by moss on roof will causes shingles to wear more quickly.
• Moss collects dirt, allowing other plants to grow on the roof.
• Moss on roof can cause gutters to overflow, which may weaken the foundation.
• Moss on roof collects water, and water damages a roof.
• Moss roof removal may help when refinancing or trying to sell your home.
• Roof moss causes water to collect on the roof, leading to leaks.
• Without moss removal, any shape of roof is indistinguishable.

Moss Roof Removal Methods

Cleaning roof moss with zinc sulfate will kill the moss and even prevent more from growing, but it will not remove it. Zinc is also extremely toxic to the environment, so preventing moss from forming in the first place is preferred.

It is best to wait until the moss has been dead for a few weeks before cleaning roof moss. Removing live moss off the roof will damage the shingles or tiles. Here are a few suggestions for cleaning roof moss once it has died:

• About 90 percent of moss removal can be done by brushing, also making your roof look better.
• Moss on roof can be rolled off alive like a carpet, without too much damage to the roof.
• Moss will naturally weather off from the wind; alternating cycles of cold/heat and wet/dry weather will hasten moss off roof surfaces.
• If you decide to proceed with moss roof removal, use a blower to blow it off.

Preventing the Need for Moss Roof Removal

The best way to keep moss off roof areas is to prevent the factors that allow it to develop in the first place. While using zinc strips to prevent moss growth, zinc’s toxicity makes this a less environmentally sound method. Metal roofs and other types of roofing material with smooth surfaces tend to resist the growth of moss.

Thinning tree branches that shade parts of a roof where moss tends to form may help prevent moss on roof. Keeping a roof free of leaves, branches, and other debris will also help a homeowner from the chore of cleaning roof moss.