For some people, seeing moss growing on a roof is kind of delightful. It looks pretty and adds a little character to the whole house. Unfortunately, despite the pretty looks, moss growing on your roof can be destructive. Left unchecked, the moss will cost you a lot of money in roof repairs. Here some guides to remove moss from the roof.
How Does Moss Get on Your Roof?
Moss likes cool, damp places that lack in the sunshine. If your roof is not fully exposed to the sun, then it stands a good chance of developing a moss problem. It does not matter the type of shingles you have on your roof, wood, asphalt, etc., If the roof is cool, damp and dark, then moss will take advantage of the situation.
At first, the moss may not seem like a problem. But as it grows, it becomes a natural jack and lifts up your shingles. This action can help water to get under the shingles and cause leaks. These leaks will lead to further damage to your home other than the roof.
The worst type of roof to have is the wood shingle style. Since the wood is porous moss can get a good hold on the shingle and not let go.
The Best Ways to Remove Moss From Roof
There are several ways to remove moss from your roof. Some are cheap, and others are expensive. Hiring a professional cleaner to do the job may sound expensive but it is cheaper than paying for a new roof or fixing the water damage.
Here are some methods you can use:
1. Dry Chemicals
These come in the form of a powder. It takes a courageous person to climb up on their roof and spread the powder around. You need a lot of dry powder chemicals to achieve the complete removal of moss from your room.
One disadvantage of using dry chemicals is that they leave streaks on your roof. One advantage is that they work if used in the right quantity.
2. Liquid Chemicals
You do not need to be as brave with these solutions. All you need is to be able to balance yourself on a ladder. These chemicals can be attached to your hose and sprayed onto the roof. You will get more even coverage with this option than with dry chemicals.
One disadvantage will be the wind. You may need to compensate for wind power or wait till there is no wind to spray. One advantage is that they are easier to apply. It may be easier to use but harder on your pocketbook. They are a little more expensive than dry chemicals.
3. Pesticides Designed for Killing Moss
These are much like the dry and liquid solutions described above except that they are specifically designed to kill moss. The good thing is that they come in a bottle that attaches directly to your hose. The bad news is that these bottles do not last very long.
One problem with the dry formulas is that once they mix with water, they may form cake-like rocks. You may have a lot of problems with this version of moss killing agents.
4. The Homegrown Method
Sometimes the old-fashioned way is the best way. You save money, do not have to worry about harmful chemicals and you may already own it. We are talking about the good old-fashioned bleach and water mixture. Not only is it inexpensive to use, it is also quick and easy to apply.
All you need to do is mix enough bleach and water to cover your roof. Make sure you get a 50-50 mix. You do not even have to rinse the mixture off the roof. You can let it sit there till the next heavy rain. The only drawback to this method is that when the mixture finally comes down from the roof, it may damage your treasured plants and grass around the house.
An Ounce of Prevention
It is always wiser and cheaper to stop a problem before the start. If you do not want to tackle the moss on the roof problem, then fight the moss before they get a foothold. All you need to do is climb up on your roof and apply some zinc strips. These strips will protect your roof and stop moss before it starts to grow.
Final words
Of course, the easiest way to get rid of moss from your roof is to hire a professional and let them take all the risks. But in this case, the best way to remove moss from your roof is to use the old-fashioned method. It is the cheapest and most efficient way of removing moss from your roof.
You can be a proud homeowner by doing it yourself.
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