Best Time Of Year To Remove Moss From Roof

Do you see green patches on your roof? Chances are these are nothing but moss. Moss is a category of plants that tend to grow rapidly under moist and damp conditions. Many homeowners think that moss gives your roof a unique, fairyland appearance and do not take the time to remove it. However, you must note that this type of greenery does not help your roof at all.

If you spot moss on your roof, it is best to start thinking about removing it ASAP. If you are wondering about the best way to remove moss from your roof, we are here to help! This blog post answers this question in detail and provides some tips for removing the moss without damaging your roof. But first, let’s first start with the basics. 

How Do You Know If You Have Moss On Your Roof? 

Moss, though it can adapt to any environment and thrive on any surface, generally grows in moist, damp, and shady areas. If there is a neighboring tree or structure that shades your roof, there is a higher chance moss might grow on your shingles. 

Unlike other plants that reproduce using seeds, moss uses spores. Spores are small, airborne capsules that often settle on damp and wet surfaces. This is why you might see new moss growth on your roof after heavy rain.

Moss absorbs water like a sponge, which, as a result, adds more weight to the roofing shingles. Therefore, removing it from the roof’s surface becomes necessary to protect your roof’s integrity and longevity. That’s not the only issue. Moss can also reduce your home’s aesthetics and, in return, make it unappealing to prospective buyers. 

Best Time Of Year To Remove Moss From Roof

Dry moss only needs one or two days of rain to thrive and continue growing, so the best time of year to remove moss from roofs is at the first instance you notice it.

1. Spring or Early Summer

As mentioned above, moss grows faster in wet and damp areas and dries out in dry and hot weather, as in summer. Therefore, the favorable time of year to remove moss from the roof is spring or summer. During these seasons, the moss is more likely to be dry and brittle. Moreover, in summer, it can be easily removed with a broom or soft bristle brush. 

Pro Tip – Don’t use a pressure washer to remove moss. By doing so the moss may settle further into the roofing shingles and cause them to lift.

2. Late Summer or Early Fall

This time of the year is also considered a suitable time to remove moss from your roof. Removing the dried moss in late summer is often easier than wet moss in winter. 

The scorching summer in Wisconsin can dry moss out and make it brittle, which makes it easier to remove. Eliminating moss in summer can also halt its growth, reducing the amount of time needed to clean and maintain your roof. 

3. Avoid Winter Removal

Removing moss from the roof in winter is generally not recommended. Since moss has a tendency to thrive on wet surfaces and in any weather, it can grow year-round, even in the cold Wisconsin winters. Moreover, the decrease in temperature can make removing the wet and frozen moss from the roof more difficult. Therefore, it’s best to wait until the weather becomes more favorable.

Why You Should Remove Moss From a Roof 

1. Decreased Curb Appeal

One reason homeowners choose to remove moss is that it doesn’t look good on a roof. Moss can make a roof appear blotchy and unkept, taking away from the overall aesthetic of your property. Plus, if you remove it without the proper care or tools, it can leave marks on your shingles, making them look dull and scuffed. 

2. Obstructs Water Flow

As the moss grows, it forms a thick green and sponge-like layer on the roof, which obstructs and absorbs the water running down towards the gutters. On top of that, the moss saturated with water adds weight to shingles and makes them susceptible to damage. While moss is relatively light when dry, it can be 10x its weight once it becomes wet. 

Steps To Ensure Complete Roof Moss Removal

Spring is here and it is the best time of year to remove moss from the roof. It will help to keep your roof perfect for the upcoming summer season. Here are some of the steps you can take to keep these deterring little plants away.

Step 1: Safety First

Before you get on your roof and begin the process of removing the moss, it is important to prepare yourself well. You need to ensure that your roof is in good condition and that you have taken all necessary safety precautions before doing any work.

Place a strong and sturdy ladder near the affected area to remove moss from the roof. Here are other things you can do to be safe.

• Wear necessary harness
• Wear safety goggles so that you can work in sunlight
• Start with rubber gloves to ensure better grip

Step 2: Clean The Roof With Water

This is the most important step in the roof moss removal procedure. First, you need to make sure that your roof is clean and dry before starting this process. You can clean your roof by spraying it down with a garden hose. A downward angle is important to ensure that the water falls down easily from the roof. This will help to remove any loose debris and soften up any moss that is in place.

Note that you should not use a powerful sprayer as these can do more harm than good. Power sprayers can damage the roof shingles, allowing water to seep in.

Step 3: Use A Roof Moss Removal Tool

If the moss on your roof has occupied a larger area than you expected, it is unlikely that it can be cleaned just by water or even scrubbing. In these cases, you need to use a moss remover to keep your roof in good condition. There are a lot of solutions available that can help you to remove moss from the roof.

Moss removal solutions are broadly divided into two categories: dry and liquid moss killer. A variety of these solutions are typically available at your local hardware store. It is important to read the instructions carefully before applying any moss removal product to your roof. Generally, these solutions require time, and may require multiple applications to remove the moss from your roof.

Here are some of the top moss remover solutions available in the market.

• Moss B Ware
• Moss Out! For Roofs
• Moss and Algae Killer

Step 4: Final Touches

After you apply the roof moss remover solution, it is time for you to wait for the solution to set in. This will take anywhere from 20-50 mins depending on the solution you purchase. After this, it is time for the final cleaning. Use a hose to clean the moss remains and give your roof a clean look.

Prevention Tips

Prevention is better than a cure. We have all heard this saying before, and it is true regarding moss growth on your roof. To ensure that you do not experience moss growth on your roof again, you can try the following.

Clean The Roof: Keep the roof clean and free of leaves, twigs, and other debris that could block water from flowing off your roof. Moss thrives in shady areas, so you also want to keep those areas dry.

Ensure Clear Gutters: Most people do not realize that gutters play an essential role in keeping your roof clean and in good condition. By keeping your gutters clear and in good condition, you will ensure that water can flow freely from your roof to the ground.

Maintain Ventilation: The temperature difference between the inside and outside of your home can greatly affect moisture levels. If you live in a region where this is a problem, consider improving ventilation to ensure warm, moist air escapes through the area beneath the roof deck.

Install A Copper Strip: If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, consider installing copper or zinc strips at the top edge of your roof. These work by releasing small amounts of copper or zinc ions as it rains, washing away moss as it grows.

DIY vs. Professional Roof Moss Removal

This task isn’t just about removing the moss alone, it is also about protecting the integrity of the roof, preserving its color, and preventing the shingle granules from coming loose. So, if you are new to DIY moss removal, it’s important to look for professional assistance. Hiring professionals will cost you more initially, but it will save your roof from being damaged by the moss, or your own mistakes during the removal process, which may require more extensive repairs later on. 

Hire Professionals In Mayville, Wisconsin To Take Care Of Your Roof! 

Now that you know that removing moss from the roof isn’t always a DIY project, hire our team of professional roofers to take care of your roof. Contact BRH Enterprises in Wisconsin to remove moss from your roof and maintain its durability for the years to come. We are a team of experienced and professional roofers known for our expert roof repair and roof replacement services. Call us today at (920) 249-4228!