Cleaning Moss Off Shingle Roofs

Replace or install slip resistant pads on the feet and steps of the ladder before getting to work.

Cleaning moss off shingle roofs.

The most effective method of cleaning algae and moss from a roof is with a 50 50 mix of laundry strength liquid chlorine bleach and water. Then spray the cleaner onto the shingles photo 1. Of dish soap to help the vinegar cling to the moss and lichens. 1 slide a margin trowel under shingles to unstick them from the ones below.

Have gloves with good grip material on the palms and fingertips to help you keep steady while removing clumps of moss from the asphalt shingles. Hose off and brush all moss loose from your roof shingles. 3 secure the strip with roofing nails. Climb up to the roof and begin scraping off dead moss from the shingles using a putty knife or painter s 5 in 1 tool and working from the bottom up.

That ll prevent the cleaner from drying out too quickly. The vinegar should be labeled with its acetic acid strength which shouldn t be more than 5 percent. Use the tool to gently lift away matted moss that has gathered on the flat sections of the shingles. Before applying a moss remover cleaner use a scrub brush 3 15 the home depot or a long handled soft bristle brush to gently scrape or pluck moss from the roof shingles or tiles.

Before applying the cleaner spray the roof with water to cool it down. Work on one small section at a time which allows you better control of the brush and your scrubbing motions. Check the ladder feet for defects cracks or corrosion. In this video this old house general contractor tom silva explains how to remove roof moss and prevent it from coming back.

Wait about 20 minutes then rinse. After 15 to 20 minutes rinse the solution off with a sprayer that has enough force to dislodge algae and moss without damaging the shingles. In the seams use the sharp edge of the scraper like a dental pick to force out the moss. While an occasional cleaning might not harm your roof repeated use of harsh chemicals or the erosive effects of pressure washing can damage or shorten the life of asphalt shingles.

Apply with a sprayer and allow the solution to dwell on the roof surface for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with low pressure water. Pour distilled white vinegar into a bucket. Roof moss removal is naturally slippery work. For deep stains let the roof dry then reapply the cleaning solution and rinse it off again after no more than 30 minutes.

Pour the mixture into the spray bottle. To learn how to prevent moss and algae from getting on your shingles keep reading.