Moss seems to grow everywhere here in the Pacific Northwest, from sidewalks, lawns, and even cars. The cool, wet climate in our region provides the perfect breeding ground for moss, so some gardeners grow them on purpose. One example is the Seattle Japanese Garden in Washington Park Arboretum.
In the Northwest, roofs often make hotbeds of moss, especially ones that are north-facing or heavily shaded. Mosses growing on your roof needs immediate attention because they can cause various problems for your house and your family.
Dangers of Moss on Roofs
Mosses keep the surface of your roof damp, attracting decay organisms like fungi. A consistently damp roof can also lead to water leaks and damaged shingles, compromising the structural integrity of your house.
Moss can also pose health risks to the residents of the house. Some types of algae and mold can trigger reactions among those with allergies and respiratory conditions. When the spores from the roof get inside the house, they can be inhaled by your family and cause health problems.
As such, moss removal should be part of your roof maintenance routine. The best way to deal with moss on your roof is to prevent them from growing in the first place.
Moss Prevention Tips
- Trim overhanging branches. Branches from adjacent trees often leave debris and dried leaves on your roof. These give mosses the nutrients they need to thrive. Plus, overhanging branches shade your roof, creating the perfect environment for moss to grow.
- Clear out rain gutters. The breeze can still blow leaves and twigs onto your roof and into your gutters. As your gutters become more clogged, the debris collects more moisture, allowing moss to grow. The moss from your gutters can overflow onto your roof if you don’t clean them out regularly.
- Use anti-moss strips. Zinc is known for killing moss, so it’s often used as an anti-moss strip for roofs. Be sure to have a professional install them. Nailing the strips can puncture the roof seal, causing damage and leaks.
Sometimes, the weather is just too wet for your moss prevention strategies. In these cases, you want a reliable technique for removing moss from your roof, so you’re always ready to treat the problem.
Roof Moss Removal Tips
- Use a garden hose. If the moss isn’t that heavy, you can easily wash it away using a garden hose. Unless you have ceramic roof tiles, don’t use a pressure washer because this can loosen the shingles and erode the tile finish.
- Use a chlorine bleach solution. For a dense moss growth, mix a solution of equal parts chlorine bleach and water. Spray the mixture onto the moss and allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before hand-scraping the moss. Rinse your roof afterward. Remember to dilute the solution with water. Bleach is extremely corrosive and can cause discoloration on your roof.
- Hire a professional moss removal service. If these techniques aren’t enough to eliminate the moss on your roof, it’s time to call a professional service. Moss removal specialists use the right tools and techniques to eliminate moss and suppress its growth while making sure your roof isn’t damaged.
Moss is a persistent problem among homeowners in the Northwest. Routinely clean your roof and gutters to prevent moss from growing. Just give us a call and we’ll come out and do the dirty work for you.
Professional Moss Removal Services in Seattle
Renova Exterior Detailing specializes in all things exterior — from your windows and outside walls to your roof and gutters. We keep your home exterior in top condition, maintaining its visual appeal and preventing structural damage. We offer window, gutter, and roof cleaning services and moss removal and pressure washer cleaning to homeowners in Seattle.
Contact us today to get a quote.
