How do you get rid of moss growing on shingles?

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How do you get rid of moss growing on shingles?

January 29, 2021

One of the most puzzling mysteries for homeowners in northern Virginia is when you start to notice moss growing on your shingles. This is common here because Virginia’s humid climate and year-round rain create the perfect conditions for plant growth, even on your roof. Neglecting the first signs of moss on your shingles can later result in water intrusion and irreversible damage to your roof’s underlayment. If your roof is affected by moss, keep reading for moss removal causes and tips.

A homeowner in nearby Fairfax, Virginia called us with concerns about the moss growing on a large section of their roof. It did not surprise us to learn that he had a 3-tab shingle roof that was over 15 years old. That is plenty of time for moss to cultivate and extend its roots deep into the roof.

To understand the cause, we asked the following question that’s key in determining why your roof is growing moss, “How much sunlight does your roof get?”

If your roof does not receive a lot of sunlight during the day, its highly likely that your roof will be affected by moss. The shaded sections of your roof that are consistently dark, damp, or covered by leaves are ideal locations for moss growth. Sometimes it is due to building design that your roof does not get a lot of sunlight and other times, shading is a result of the surrounding trees.

Trimming tree branches once a year or whenever needed helps your roof get more sunlight and avoid new growth. This also helps lessen the amount of leaves and branches that sporadically fall on your roof and hold in water and ice.

Moss is removed by scraping, but before you do anything consider safety. How comfortable are you working on a ladder? Can you reach the mossy areas safely?

Start by spraying the moss with a roof cleaner or 50/50 bleach water solution. This will kill and loosen the moss that is tightly rooted in your shingles. The following day you should have an easier time scraping the dead moss off your roof.

Never use a power washer to get rid of moss growing on your shingles. It might seem like a quick fix, but you risk lifting your shingles out of place. Avoid water intrusion in areas of missing or lifted shingles by scheduling Emergency Service.

If the moss growth on your roof is significant, scraping may not be possible. Contact a professional roofing company and speak to an estimator about your options for repair or replacement.

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