Steps for Preventing and Removing Moss from Asphalt Shingles
By Mark J. Donovan
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Moss, algae, and lichen have the tendency to grow on roof shingles with north facing exposures. They also have the tendency to grow in regions that have high annual rainfalls. Removing moss from shingles can easily be done with a brush and a solution of equal parts water and bleach. It is important, however, to remove moss from roof shingles before the moss roots work their way too far into the asphalt shingles. Waiting too long to remove the moss could lead to irreparable damage to the roof shingles.
Consequently, if you have a roof that is susceptible to moss growth, you should plan on inspecting and removing any moss annually. |
Though lichens and algae can make a roof look ugly, unlike moss they will not threaten the integrity of the roof. To remove moss from roof shingles, first mix up a 50/50 ration of bleach and water. Next, spray the grass and shrubs below the roof line with a water hose to protect them from being damaged by the bleach solution.
| Use a brush to apply the bleach solution onto the roof shingles, and allow the solution to sit on the roof shingles for about 30 minutes. Then rinse the roof off and you’re done. If the moss and algae growth are minimal, alternatively you can use a garden sprayer to apply the bleach solution.
I do not recommend, however, a pressure washer to remove moss from roof shingles as it could damage them. |
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To prevent moss, algae, and lichens from growing on your roof shingles, you can install Zinc strips near the peak of the roof. The Zink strips are installed by fastening them along the length of the roof line, just underneath the shingle tabs, nearest the roof peak.
For more help on Shingling Your Home’s Roof, see HomeAdditionPlus.com’s Asphalt Shingle Roofing Bid Sheet. The Asphalt Shingle Roofing Bid Sheet will help to ensure that your roof won’t end up with a blue tarp over it and a dumpster sitting in your yard for weeks as you wait for the roofing contractor to come back and finish roofing your home.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing Cost Estimator
Related Roofing Information
- Removing Moss from Roofs
- Using Wet and Forget to Remove Moss from Roofs
- How to Perform Roof Maintenance
Additional Roofing Resources from Amazon.com
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