How to Remove Moss on Asphalt Shingles

Moss is the green covering that is seen in wooded areas or less populated areas because there is nothing to disturb the growth. This is found on rocks, trees and soil as well as concrete and any other surface that allows water contact on a regular basis. The growth of moss on a roof begins due to a lack of sunlight and becoming overly wet on a regular basis. While the moss itself will not do any harm to the roof, the amount of water it traps within it will damage to your shingles.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drop cloths or plastic covering
• Protective eyewear
• Water hose
• Ladder
• Powdered laundry detergent
• Gloves of any type
• Scrub brush or push broom

1. Use drop cloths or a plastic covering to cover any bushes or flowers that will be below the roof's water runoff.

2. Put on protective eyewear. Turn on the water hose and carefully climb the ladder.

3. Thoroughly wet the area that you are going to clean. Sprinkle an ample amount of laundry detergent (approximately 1 cup for every 3 feet) onto the affected shingles and allow it to sit for two minutes.

4. Put on gloves and scrub the area with a scrub brush or push broom. To remove the moss and build up a sudsy appearance, use short and fast strokes from one direction only. The suds will help to repel any further moss growth on the area you are cleaning.

5. Spray off the entire area, making sure to remove any residual soap suds. Repeat steps 1 and 2 as many times as necessary to completely rid the shingles of moss.

Tips & Warnings

• When on the roof, remember to stand above the area you are cleaning. This will help avoid slipping when soap gets on the area. When placing the ladder, put the feet at a 45 to 90 degree angle from the house; this will help steady the ladder. For added safety, have another person hold the ladder from the bottom as you climb to the top.

References

• Danny Lipford
• Roof Moss from Asphalt Roof Tiles