How to Prevent Moss Growth on Your Roof
Is your roof slowly turning green from moss growth? You may be surprised to learn that moss can survive – and even thrive – on roofs in Arizona’s climate, but it’s true! Many homeowners across the Valley and greater Arizona are looking for ways to moss growth from their roof. Check out these tips from your Mesa roofing company to learn how to effectively eradicate moss and growth and prevent it from coming back.
Why is Moss in Your Roof a Big Problem?
If moss is starting to cover your roof, it’s time to get it removed, but you might be wondering why. Moss growth on roofs can be very problematic. When moss grows, it adheres to the surface of your roof, quickly filling in the small gaps or spaces between shingles and tiles. As it continues to grow, moss will reach underneath roofing materials and even pull them up off the frame of the house. This leaves room for rain and other moisture to slowly seep into your roof and attic, eventually causing serious decay and rot in your home. If you see any moss on your roof, don’t delay in getting it removed.
How to Effectively Eliminate Roof Moss in Arizona
Before you get ready to clean the moss of the roof of your Arizona home, you’ll need to decide how to kill the plants and how to remove them. You’ll also need to consider some techniques to prevent the growth from coming back. Some homeowners will prefer to remove the moss with a stiff brush and some elbow grease, while others will prefer a chemical solution. For many situations, a combination of both methods may be most effective. If you opt for a chemical solution, you may want to cover nearby plants and trees with plastic sheeting to protect them. Additionally, it’s usually best to spray down plants, shrubs, and nearby trees with water from the garden house once you’re finished to make sure that any diluted chemicals which may have spilled are completely gone.
Your residential roofing contractor recommends a readymade mold remover cleaner available at big box or home improvement stores for the most effective mold remove. Alternatively, there are multiple other cleaning options:
- Homemade bleach solution made with one quart of bleach, ¼ cup of heavy duty cleaner, and 1 gallon of water
- 8 ounces of dish soap mixed with 2 gallons of water
- 3 cups of white vinegar mixed with 2 gallons of water
- 1 cup of oxygen bleach and 1 gallon of water
Whichever solution you choose to use, pour it into a pump garden sprayer for a backpack sprayer for increased safety while you climb a ladder to your roof. Your roofing contractors recommend choosing a cloudy day for moss removal because roof cleaning products will need time to absorb into the moss and will evaporate more slowly on cloudy days than on sunny days.
Techniques to Effectively Remove Moss from Roof Tiles
Moss growth on roofs can be a serious problem, as it can lead to leaks, damage, and even structural problems. If you have moss growing on your roof, it is important to remove it as soon as possible.
Here are some techniques that you can use to remove moss from roof tiles:
Preparation
Dress for the job and protect yourself from bleach or chemicals with old clothes, safety glasses, rubber gloves, and sturdy shoes. Use a safety harness if you’re going to be climbing on your roof. Cover nearby plants with plastic sheeting for protection.
Spray Water
Spray all of the mossy areas of your roof with water through your garden hose, starting at the highest point of the moss growth.
Scrape the Moss
Weaken the moss and remove the larger chunks by using a scrub brush to gently scrub it off from your roof shingles or tiles. Use a gentle, downward motion to protect the shingles from damage.
Apply Your Solution
Once the largest areas of moss have been manually removed, it’s time to use your chemical or cleaning solution. Soak the moss using your pump sprayer and let it sit for at least 20 minutes to allow the solution to penetrate into the moss.
Rinse Everything Off
After 20 minutes or longer, rinse off the dead moss with your garden hose, starting at the top and allowing everything to be washed down. Any remaining moss should be removed with a scrub brush and rinsed again.
Some homeowners may prefer to use a power washer to eliminate moss. Although this can work, it’s only a good idea if you are sure that no moss has grown underneath any shingles or tiles so that you don’t spray water into your home or roof deck. Stand on the roof above the moss so you can wash everything downward.
Moss Prevention Tips for Arizona Homeowners
Maintaining the longevity and appearance of your roof is crucial. Moss growth can compromise the structural integrity of your roof over time. To combat this, follow these proven moss prevention techniques:
- Trim overhanging branches near your home. Branches close to your roof can shade areas and trap moisture, creating an ideal environment for moss growth.
- Clean gutters regularly. A clean gutter allows for efficient water drainage, reducing the chances of moss development from stagnant water or dampness.
- Remove debris such as leaves, seedpods, and branches. These can trap moisture on the roof’s surface, providing a breeding ground for moss.
- Install zinc-coated metal flashing on peaks and ridge caps. This metal flashing slowly releases zinc when it rains, which inhibits moss growth. Plus, it ensures better water flow off the roof.
- Ensure effective water flow off the roof. Proper water runoff prevents the pooling or accumulation of water, reducing the conditions favorable for moss growth.
After implementing these moss prevention techniques, it’s essential to routinely inspect your roof for any signs of moss, mold, or mildew. Regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your roof but also helps in preserving the aesthetic appeal of your home.
Protect Your Home with Arizona’s Leading Roofing Specialists
Arizona Roofing Systems is Mesa’s leading roofing contractor, specializing in tile, shingle, metal, and foam roofs. We are also experts in flat roofs, which can be a good solution for many Arizona buildings when properly designed and executed by our professionals. Whether you’re looking for new roof installation, repair, new shingles, or a general inspection, our experienced roofing professionals are ready to provide exceptional service at an affordable price. Contact us today to schedule your free estimate!
ARIZONA ROOFING SYSTEMS
935 E. Sorenson
Mesa, AZ 85203
Tel: 480-218-8888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.azroofingsystems.com