If you are a homeowner in a city like Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, or the East Coast of a place like Boston or New York where wet weather is common, dealing with Moss’ growth is a sustainable and costly issue. Certainly, moss-covered roofs may look attractive, but moss retains moisture, weakens the material of the roofing material, and can lead to expensive repairs if left untreated.
To protect roof health and life expectancy – Whether it’s a cozy cottage, modern townhouse or detached house, we interviewed industry experts who shared their insights in this Redfin article.
Why Moss grows on the roof in the first place
If your roof doesn’t get a little sunlight, you’re more likely to see moss buildup over time, especially if you’re under a tree or heading north. “Moss thrives in cool, humid areas with limited sunlight, like shaded roofs where moisture is retained.”
Moss spreads through wind-blown spores. This means that even if you clean the roof, the new spores can still settle. Roden also points out that leaves and branches trap moisture and fuel moss growth. Certain roofing materials, such as shingles on asphalt filled with calcium carbonate, are particularly vulnerable to moss. “Moss can hold water by clinging to shingles and other materials, which can lead to fungal growth and accelerate roof collapse,” he warns.
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Is Moss really that bad for your roof?
Moss may seem harmless, but it can cause serious damage to the roof. Chris Sloan of Sloan’s Home Solutions said, “Moss retains moisture and can degrade the roofing material faster. Over time, it can lead to leaks, rot and structural damage.” As moss begins to grow, “you can lift the shingles and tiles. This allows water to penetrate the bottom. This damages the waterproof barrier on the roof and shortens the lifespan.”
Sloan also highlights the importance of safety during moss removal. “Safety is always your priority. Use fall protection, work with your buddy, and avoid walking on the roof when it’s wet or slippery.”
Common methods to remove moss from the roof
Moss removal is essential to maintaining both the aesthetic and integrity of the roof. Joseph Mollo from Atlantic Home Services advises using a soft bristol brush for manual removal: He warns against aggressive scrubs that can strip off the shingles of protective granules, and emphasizes that pressure washes should be avoided. “Pressure washes can remove iron granules and reduce the life of the roof,” says Moro. For chemical treatments, Mollo recommends that they are designed specifically for roofing, and be careful to avoid bleach-based solutions for homeowners.
Moss removal is not just about appearance. It is very important to maintain the health of your roof. Sandy Prisak from Roof Shampoo® highlights the importance of roof cleanliness for curb appeal. Moss accumulation can damage the marketability of your home, so it’s essential to deal with it quickly.
Roof Moss Aaron emphasizes the importance of following industry guidelines when cleaning your roof. “The Asphalt Roof Manufacturers Association (ARMA) says that the roof should be cleaned with a mixture of 50% water and 50% sodium chlorate.” While DIY moss removal is an option, Aaron advises that homeowners only take it on if they are professionally trained to ensure safety and effectiveness.
How much does it cost to remove moss from the roof?
The cost of moss removal varies based on the size of your home and the extent of moss buildup. Alex Sirotinskiy of Surface Renewal estimates that professional moss removal, including application of liquid moss treatment, will cost between $350 and $1,200. “A home with a large moss buildup or larger roof surface will naturally fall to the upper price range,” he points out.
Regular roof inspections and cleaning are key to preventing moss from coming back. “The minimum amount is at least every 15 months to two years,” advises Sirotinskiy. Routine maintenance can save you money in the long run by reducing the risk of expensive repairs and complete roof replacements.
Avoid these common mistakes when removing moss from the roof
Adam Newton of Moss Removal in Olympia is taking caution against the use of pressure washers that can damage shingles and invalid warranty. He also warns him to be careful of DIYers when climbing the roof.
Newton advises using soft wash methods that include low-pressure washing solutions that effectively remove moss without damaging shingles. If damage occurs such as torn pieces of iron or exposed nails, Newton suggests using rubber sealants for minor repairs. For wider damages, he recommends contacting a roofing contractor.
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What happens if Moss is removed late?
Ignoring moss can have long-term consequences. Newton said, “The moss acts like a sponge, trapping moisture in place. This can wear out the topper of the iron pieces and affect the life of the roof.” In severe cases, professional soft wash services may be required to restore the roof.
Proactive measures to prevent moss growth and deal quickly will help you extend the life of your roof, maintain the value of your home, and avoid expensive roof replacements on the line.
