Prevent Unsightly Moss With These Cleaning Tips For Your Roof

A bit of moss on your roof may not seem like a big deal. But the more it thrives, the bigger risk it poses to your home. By cleaning your roof annually and keeping it clear of debris, you can eliminate any moss that's grown on your roof and prevent new moss from taking its place.

If you haven't noticed any moss, don't assume you're in the clear — moss can develop out of sight underneath shingles and take root while you remain oblivious. It thrives in shady, moist areas, so if your roof has trees over it or has accumulated debris, it's an ideal spot. As moss spreads, it strips the protective oils from the shingles, leaving them more vulnerable to damage in the sun. It may eventually break down the shingles or cause them to lift up, as well as leading to potential wood rot, mold growth, and critter problems. Here's how to take care of your roof to prevent these problems.

Clean your roof once a year to prevent moss growth. Never clean with a pressure washer or harsh scrubbers or chemicals. Even if you need to remove moss from your roof while cleaning it, these methods risk damaging the shingles. Instead, use a sprayer on a regular garden hose to apply a bleach cleaning solution with 25% to 75% bleach, depending on how dirty your roof is. Apply an even coat from top to bottom, wait about 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off.

It's also key to remove debris from your roof on an ongoing basis, including fallen leaves, branches, and twigs. Trim any trees with branches that create shade on your roof, and clean your gutters twice a year. It may also help to install a metal strip on your roof, which will oxidize and make the surface inhospitable for moss (as well as lichen and algae).