Remove Moss From Asphalt Shingle Roof

The roof growth gave character to many seaside and forest cottages.

Remove moss from asphalt shingle roof.

Once moss has adhered to wood shingles the moss can be harder to remove than it is from the relatively smoother planes of composite or asphalt shingles. Yes roof moss can shorten the lifespan of untreated wood and asphalt roofing materials. Apply a storebought or diy cleaning solution to remove the moss. Moss itself is a plant while lichen conisist of a fungus and a photosyntheizing plant living together.

Lichens and moss loosen the granules on the shingle surface exposing the asphalt and fiberglass base materials. The damage can reduce shingle lifespan. Moss build up can lead to roof damage or shingle blow off if left unchecked. When leaves and other material collect on your roof a perfect bed is formed for moss and lichens to grow.

You can remove moss and lichens from your roof by using vinegar as a environmentally friendly weedkiller. One of the most common solutions to remove algae or moss is to lightly spray wash the roof with a 50 50 mix of water and bleach to remove the algae or moss no pressure washers they will strip off the granules and may cause. If the shingles are wood this process can happen at an alarming rate. Once the moss has been thoroughly eradicated from the roof take steps to keep moss from returning.

Using bleach is recommended by most shingle roof manufactures and the arma asphalt roofing manufactures association. Keeping branches trimmed back from the roof and removing any debris that begins to accumulate should be part of a regular roof maintenance program. The high powered water jets can damage shingles and remove the shingle granules that protect the roof. Lichens and moss accelerate.

Algae and moss growth on roofs at a minimum is an unsightly nuisance. Wood s porous surface is prime real estate for moss growth. We recommend a long handled brush to make this task as safe as possible. If you have a large amount of moss build up you will first have to scrub it off with a brush.

The thick moss growth with its shallow root system keeps the roofing materials damp for extended periods of time and this moisture promotes wood rot and can and does erode the asphalt in shingles. The most effective method of cleaning algae and moss from a roof is with a 50 50 mix of laundry strength liquid chlorine bleach and water. There are many ways to remove moss that tends to grow in shaded areas.