Getting Rid Of Moss On Roof?
We have small patches of green moss growing on the composite shingles of our roof that we'd like kill without damaging the roof. Does anyone now how to get rid of the moss without damaging the shingles? We probably have a couple more years on the roof and don't want to replace it just yet. Thanks! :-?
Moss is a plant, kill it like you would any other plant you don't want. Round-up.
Since you are going to replace the roof shortly, I won't go into any warnings about what this moss means, you already know.
I'll try the Round-up. Do you know how long will it take for the moss to die and will it just leave dead/brown moss in it's place? Thanks!
Zinc is great for killing moss on roofs, but it doesn't remove it. If you are going to reroof I would suggest going up and scraping the moss of and sprinkling zinc powder across the roof which should keep it from growing back for awhile. If it is going to be awhile before you reroof then nail zinc strips on the top of your ridges (after scraping it off) and that should stop it from coming back for 10+ years. Both zinc powder and strips are available at your local home depot/hardware store.
Speance
Great idea. I had no idea that zinc killed moss. I know that it helps fight colds, but who knew it could help ailing roofs too!
Take a push broom up and sweep off the moss then spray with round up. Need to take care of the problem with a more permanant fix though in the near future.
Ed
Playa del Rey
I am shocked that you have a moss problem on your roof. When I lived there I could not get anything to grow. My flowers died shortly after planting. My trees just stood there and withered. Zinc in solution is the answer and what I suggest is send a nice workman up on the roof. Small bucket zinc in solution and a semi stiffy brush. Starting at the ridge line you work your way down. Upon completion you then if you like make up another batch and attach it by container to your hose line and hose the roof www.down.Let the sun dry everything out and you are home free.
I do so hope you have a layer of plywood, like a strut 1 underneath your shingles. When and if you remove your old roofing tiles at some latter date, look for the dark lines of mold. Frankly our local sun should have handled this problem. I must speak to god about this. Slacking again.
I could send you over my gardner he can kill any living plant with just a touch of his thumb.
Are you surrounded with trees and large climbing bushes? Is your sun line blocked by buildings? Most unusual, also you get salt spray coming in from the ocean.
If you private post me with your address I shall come down and look, rather curious. So if you see an elderly strange man on your roof, why it is only me.
Lucius 8-)
N. Hollywood,
Yes, I'm surprised by the moss myself. Why is it that it's the only green thing I can grow? I also have the magic touch of aiding my neighbor's tree roots to grow through my driveway and foundation, but that's a whole nother discussion. Anyway, there's a tree in front that has lost it's leaves so I suppose the leaves were left on the roof (before I bought it) and maybe the recent rains have provided enough moisture for the moss to grow? I am perplexed too.
Thank you so much for the zinc suggestion. I will try that. At some point soon, I'm considering a metal roof. Do you have any experience with that type of roofing material?
The property is a bit of drive for you -- it's in Long Beach; however if curiousity has the best of you, you are welcome to driveby anytime and feel free to bring your gardener too!
Home Depot and Lowes both sell a product called Moss off I works great it takes about 5-6 weeks but it works great i paid about 10 dollars for the concentrate and sprayed it on with a pump sprayer.
Mike
Here in northern NH where the winters are 6 months long and we have snow on the ground as I type, Metal roofing is the way to go.
No ice dams either, but I dont think you and Lufos worry about them.
Best of Luck
JohnNH
I've used a pastey solution of bleach, TSP, and water. Paint it on with a wallpaper brush, let it sit, then remove with a low volume garden hose and a soft bristle patio broom....
[addsig]
Hey Lufos,
I enjoyed your post greatly but there is no way I can't mention one BIG (maybe it's just to me) oversight you made in your post. You didn't capitalize God! Now you can fail to remember to capitalize my name anytime but I would watch out for that one! Oh well, the rest of the information was very helpful as always.