If the region where you reside experiences lots of moisture, then moss growth on your home’s roof is quite inevitable. It tends to cling to shingles, thereby causing lots of damage, thus requiring expensive replacements and repairs. You cannot control moisture. But yes, you can remove and prevent further growth at least for some time. Moss requires shade for growth. Hence, trim nearby trees to allow easy penetration of sunlight to hit freely your roof surface.

About Mosses

These are considered to be flowerless, primitive plants that are of about 12,000 species. It can perhaps be Bryum capillare and Dicranoweisia cirrate that could be growing on your roof. According to industry experts, moss growth generally does not cause any direct damage to surfaces. Rather, it traps debris and soil, which in turn, retains water, thus making the roof to be wet for a much longer time. It boosts fungi growth, thus hastening the rapid decomposition of wooden roofs.

Longevity

Moss usually clings to metal and asphalt roofs. However, such materials are not degraded. But shingles are lifted up, allowing the penetrating of water through the underlying materials to cause further damage to the structure. Whatever your roof material, moss if grown should be cleaned to increase roof longevity. Moreover, if it grows in areas like steps and decks, there are high chances of accidents and injuries taking place. This again requires its immediate removal.

How to start cleaning moss from the roof?

Clean the roof thoroughly first. You may use a pressure washer to clean if experienced. Otherwise, hire knowledgeable moss removal Hassocks professionals to perform this task. Long handled scrub brush will be useful to scrub the place properly. If doing the task on your own, you need to know what solutions to use for the purpose. Make sure to research the same to derive the best results and to be safe.

Solutions to use

  • Potassium salts having fatty acids: They are soap-based biodegradable products that can destroy moss. It is best done by penetrating within the cell walls, thereby changing the membranes in a way that cells leak, thereby killing the moss. This product is said to be safe for animals and humans as well as non-corrosive.
  • Monohydrate (Zinc sulphate): Use a pump sprayer to use this solution as required based on the wood’s present condition. Places that favour moss growth or has heavy growth should be cleaned thoroughly with this solution. However, copper downspouts and gutters should not be provided with this treatment as zinc sulphate is found to corrode copper.

Take precaution

Whatever the solution you plan to use to remove moss growth, make sure to take proper precautions. Do not spray on adjacent plants that are otherwise likely to burn. If any plants get treated accidentally, rinse them immediately. Also, rinse properly equipment and tools used for applying such products.