How to Treat Roof Shingles Covered With Moss
Moss often is found growing on roofs made of all sorts of material including wood, asphalt, clay, etc. Moss especially loves damp climates and areas with heavy rainfall, or on roofs that are well shaded. Left unkempt, moss can shorten the life span of your roof leading to future replacement. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Bristle brush with pole attachment
- Large paint brush
- Nontoxic oxygenate bleach powder
- Water
- 5 inch by 10 foot copper strips (optional)
- Ladder
- Bucket
Instructions
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Cleaning Moss from Your Roof
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1
Find a dry area on the roof to stand. Take bristle brush (with pole attachment) and brush down the roof to remove the moss. Do not brush toward the top of the roof to prevent breaking the shingles.
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2
Prepare solution of water and nontoxic oxygen bleach in a bucket. Avoid chlorinated bleach, as it can discolor your roof shingles.
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3
Brush bleach mixture onto roof with paint brush, and let sit for 20 minutes. After, scrub roof with a clean bristle brush.
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4
Inspect areas between the shingles to ensure that the slots are in place. If not, the area of the roof may need to be replaced. If roof shingles are in good shape, you may pressure wash the roof. Wash down the roof from the top to prevent water from going underneath the shingles, and let dry.
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5
Once roof is dry, place 5-inch by 10-foot copper strips (find copper at a hardware or roofing supply store, and let professional cut metal for you) and place underneath the top row of shingles. Leave an inch of copper exposed. Now, when it rains copper residue will run down the roof and prevent moss regrowth.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not use chlorinated bleach to clean roof, as it will discolor the shingles. Zinc may be used instead of copper, but copper is more effective for moss growth prevention.
Be careful while working on a wet roof. Wear shoes with good traction, and avoid loose clothing. Try sitting while working to prevent a fall, and work on the driest part of the roof.
