Removing Moss From A Flat Roof

Removing moss and algae from a flat roof can seem like a never ending task.

Removing moss from a flat roof.

The removal of moss from a flat roof is very important as moss will cause damage to many types of roof coating if allowed to grow as well as rolling into gutters which can cause blockages. Anything that holds moisture on a flat roof is generally considered a benefit but more so in the summer. Its the heat of the sun in summer that gubbers flat roofs as the expansion and contraction is what ruins flat roofs. Letting the moss slowly roll down your roof and into the gutters just clogs up the gutters downspouts and underground drains.

Even so you will always need to mount the roof later on in order to remove the dead moss. Liquid moss killers cover the roof more evenly than dry powders and they let you stay on the ground for the application. Hose off and brush all moss loose from your roof shingles. Moss growing on a roof lifts the shingles and allows water to seep underneath and rot the roof deck.

Again many years of roof life are lost to power washing. Get a stiff bristle scrub brush and attach it to the end of a pole if you don t have a random pole hanging around a broom will work as well. In my experience kill the moss let it die and in a few weeks manually remove the dead moss with a soft cedar shingle it s not easy but it works. Apply cleaning solution only after the roof and moss are thoroughly wet.

Mix the bleach with the water in a large bucket. Carefully place a ladder near the area of moss growth and don slip resistant shoes old clothes rubber gloves and eye protection. Carefully get up to your roof and brush downward to knock the moss. To remove moss you first have to kill it.

How to remove moss from an asphalt roof a reader wants to get this moss cleared off an asphalt roof without damaging the shingles. When the moss is dead scrub it off then install zinc flashing to prevent more moss growth. Use a solution of bleach vinegar or dish soap for this. But in most cases the solution used on roof moss is bleach.

If you re going to use one of these solutions to remove moss climb down from the roof and cover any landscaping that s in the line of fire with a plastic tarp. The grit is spread over the roof to do exactly what the moss is doing ie shielding the felt. More importantly as many types of roof coating start to age they will slowly form small bumps and impressions. Most homeowners will have noticed that their flat roof is regularly invaded by the green pest and while it does no damage to flat roofing materials it can retain moisture which will accelerate wear and tear on the flat roof.