Excess moss on roofs is a frequent difficulty among those living in Ontario because the climate is so conducive to its growth. It may not seem like something scary at first sight, but when moss starts to develop, you will notice that you have a serious problem and that unresolved damage can cause very expensive repairs. Knowing how to clean moss off a roof and the right methods and tools will help keep the structural integrity of your home and its external cosmetic appeal intact. In this guide, we’ll look at the best way to remove moss while keeping it from coming back.
Understanding Moss Growth on Roofs
Ontario’s weather is just the place moss thrives in damp, shaded environments. Roofs exposed to little light, which usually includes roofs off the side walls of buildings under trees or roofs on the north wall of a house, are prone to retain accumulated moisture in which mosses flourish. Moss will grow thick and spongy over time lifting shingles, blocking drainage, and increasing the risk of leaks. Prevention and removal of moss depends upon the knowledge of what causes their growth.
Moss is formed due to poor ventilation, lack of sunlight, and an increased retention of moisture. For instance, clogged roofs will often have standing water building underneath, which is the perfect time for moss to root itself in. Older roofs with worn out shingles are susceptible to moss infestation because moss tends to grow better in absorbent roofs and also the older the roof the more the chance people also aged shingles on there.
The Best Time to Clean Moss Off Your Roof
The cleanest time of year to remove your roof in Ontario is in the late spring or very early fall, with mild temperatures and dry weather. Cleaning moss during the winter can be a dangerous task because of ice and slippery conditions, and summer heat can cause shingles to be brittle and crackleable.
Cleaning your roof on a dry day lowers your risk of slipping from the roof and is more effective at working with cleaning solutions. This ensures that any moss that has been loosened during the process can be easily brushed away so that any build-up of moisture is not created.
Safe Methods for Moss Removal
Even when moss needs to be removed from your roof, care must be taken to remove it without damage. The use of harsh chemicals or power washing will do more harm than good, and for this, you should opt for gentler methods that will take out the moss without damaging your roof.
Manual Cleaning
Manual removal by simply using a soft-bristled brush or a roof rake is one of the simplest and most effective methods. At the top of the roof, gently brush down moss in a downward motion away from the roof and try not to lift or damage any shingles. Avoid exerting too much pressure as it can damage protective layers of the roof.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions
To treat more stubborn moss, you can apply an eco-friendly cleaning product that will attack the growth but not harm the environment. An easy one to use is a one-to-one mix of water and white vinegar which you trowel onto the moss compost. After 30 minutes, allow the solution to sit and gently scrub it or put it under a garden hose. One more effective solution is a mixture of water and dish soap or a special moss remover intended for roofs. Make sure the product you use for your particular roofing material will not damage it by accident.
Commercial Moss Treatments
If manual cleaning or eco-friendly solutions do not perform, most hardware stores have commercial moss treatments as well. They are generally in liquid or powder form and have been created to kill moss on application, but not return. Do not use bleach-based products or any chemical product that can discolor the roof and also damage plants growing near the roof.
Preventing Moss Regrowth
Prevent future return of moss successfully after it is removed from your roof. Moss stays away from your roof by regular maintenance and minor adjustments to your roof’s environment.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Organic debris drops from protruding branches and spreads shading that also serves to foster moss growth. Trimming back these branches also allows more of the sunlight to reach the roof, making it dryer and not as inviting to molding.
Clean Gutters and Improve Drainage
If your gutters are clogged, they’ll hold a lot of moisture which is the perfect situation for moss to flourish. To ensure that your gutters don’t become clogged with debris preventing water from flowing freely it can help prevent the build-up of water on the roof. Keeping your roof and your gutters free of moss can be as simple as regularly cleaning gutters, and if you can’t tackle the gutters yourself, installing gutter guards can also be effective.
Install Zinc or Copper Strips
Placing zinc or copper strips along the ridge of the roof can have a huge impact on how much moss grows. In this case, trace amounts of metal are released when rainwater runs over these strips, creating an environment that naturally inhibits the formation of moss. The efficacy of this long-term solution is particularly good for roofs with a history of moss issues.
Schedule Regular Roof Inspections
Routine roof inspections can prevent the growth of moss before it becomes a larger infestation. Professional roofers like The Eavestrough Guy, will assess your roof’s state, give you preventive measures to prolong its lifespan, and do maintenance on your roof. Moss, along with inspecting for potential roofing problems before they get expensive, can be kept at bay with regular inspections.
When to Call a Professional
DIY moss removal can be done for minor cases as long as the moss is not severe and the roof isn’t very steep or high. Moss removal by expert roof cleaners is safer and more efficient than any tool or technique, and they have the necessary training and tools to do the job safely. Help is also available for professionals to apply protective treatments to stop the growth altogether in the future.
Engaging the services of a reputable roofing company such as The Eavestrough Guy ensures that you will be well provided for by a professional and safe job. While their team has the equipment and experience to handle even the toughest moss infestations, they will protect your roof from any damage they inflict in the removal.
Conclusion
Moss may appear harmless, but it can seriously damage your roof if left unattended. Fortunately, Ontario homeowners can remove and prevent moss growth with the help of proper techniques and tools. Regular maintenance and preventative measures will play an important role in the health of your roof, regardless of whether you do the work yourself or have the experts come out.
If you are seeking professional help, The Eavestrough Guy provides expert moss removal and roof maintenance services to give your home protection from the elements. A roof that is moss-free is not about looks but is a matter of having a safe, dry, and secure home for years to come.
FAQs
Why is moss growing on roofs?
Ontario’s climate is ideal since moss grows in damp, shaded environments. It grows in places where limited sunlight and moisture retention exist and there are overhanging trees.
Is moss harmful to my roof?
Yes, moss can stop the drainage from the shingles increasing the chance of leakage because it traps the moisture against the roof surface as well as damaging shingles.
When should I check my roof for moss?
At least two times a year, which we recommend you do in the spring and fall, inspect your roof to look for early moss signs.
Can a pressure washer remove moss?
Pressure washing can’t damage shingles. Safe and more effective is that by combining gentle brushing with eco-friendly solutions.
When should you remove moss?
The best time is when it is dry, and the temperature is mild, late spring or early fall.