By Mel Dorman, April 28, 2021
Moss may look pretty, but it can cause a lot of damage, if left unchecked. This is not ideal, especially if a bit of simple maintenance can help you avoid a costly roof replacement later on. This is what you should do if you see moss on your home’s roof.
Do I Need a New Roof now?
If you see green algae or moss on your roof, not all is lost. This does not necessarily mean that you need a new roof, or that your roof is permanently damaged or leaking. You will just want to catch it early.
Moss forms on aspects of the roof which are shielded from the sun or are under heavy tree cover. In Oregon, moss is especially common, due to the temperate and wet climate.
What You Should Do if You See Moss
If you see small spots of moss, you can remove it. Some homeowners try this themselves, but it’s also an option to hire a professional, especially if there is a lot of moss. If you go the DIY route, just do NOT powerwash your roof. You’ll inadvertently damage the shingles and can take years off of the life of your roof.
You can use a mixture of 50-50 water and household bleach to kill the moss (gently spray off after 15 minutes). Or you can buy commercial products and powders, such as MossOff, and sprinkle it on the ridgeline of your house, as directed on the specific product. The moss will turn white or yellow as it dies, and then it will loosen and fall off. You may need to rinse or brush away the moss after it has died.
When to Hire a Roofing Professional
Sometimes, moss can cause serious damage. If your roof has been covered in moss for a long period of time, don’t try to remove it. Hire an experienced roofing professional for an evaluation. They may suggest professional moss mitigation, or otherwise you may need repairs (or in worst case, a roof replacement). Additionally, mossy roofs can be slippery and dangerous. Get a professional opinion on your mossy roof before you put yourself at risk.
Mel Dorman
Broker | OR & WA
She/They
Ten years ago, Melissa was living in a slum in Kolkata, India, helping over 200 women escape sex trafficking by providing alternative work at a social business...
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