In order to effectively eliminate the occurrence of moss in your roof, it is important to first understand what moss are and what causes these substances.

People often mistakenly interchange moss from algae. While these two organisms may share a couple of similar living environments and are both non-vascular plants, moss and algae are actually two distinct species with various different characteristics.

Moss belongs to a higher group of plants that are primarily characterized by their water conducting tissues. Unlike most plants, mosses have thin root-like cells called "rhizoids." Mosses are often characterized as clumpy green plants that can cause moisture damage on the exterior surface of your roof. Furthermore, these organisms can also degrade any surface of your roofing material, as it eventually shortens its overall lifespan.
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Algae on the other hand, are the visible black-green discoloration that are often present in the roofs of different countries such as Canada and the United States. These discolorations often start as small dark patches, then eventually transform into widespread streaks on the surface of your roof after some period of time.

Unlike algae, the occurrence of moss can be harmful to the exterior surface of your asphalt shingle.

​The edges of your asphalt may be curled or lifted, which can make your roof vulnerable to strong winds events. In other cases that involve severe moss build-up, moisture damage that has occurred on the roof deck may lead to the risk of wood rot and water leaks.
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How To Remove Moss From Asphalt Shingles

Materials and tools that you'll be needing:

• Water
• Safety rope
• Spray bottle
• Garden hose
• Rubber gloves
• Chlorine bleach
• Extension ladder
• Soft-bristle brush

The best perceivable way to remove moss from your asphalt shingles is to mix a 50:50 ratio of water and chlorine bleach in a spray-type container.

​This solution should be sprayed and gently scrubbed using a soft-bristle brush on the exterior surface of your asphalt shingles for 15-20 minutes before you rinse it thoroughly with water. It is important to be extra careful in scrubbing the mixture on the surface of your roof, make sure that you do not pound, scour, or scrape the surface of the asphalt shingles.

In rinsing your asphalt shingles, it is important to be mindful of the water pressure, since high pressure water can bring more harm than good to the finish of your asphalt shingles.

​High pressured water can remove the sandy granules on the surface of your roof deck, which will lead to an inefficient roof system. So it is advisable to use a garden hose instead of a high pressure one.

Here are some alternative D.I.Y. moss removal options:

• water + oxygen bleach
• water + distilled vinegar
• water + dish washing soap

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Whichever moss removal option you choose, it is important to wet the exterior surface of your roof deck first before you begin with the application of your D.I.Y. moss removal solution on your asphalt shingles.

​You may also want to trim nearby trees, in order to allow the sun to directly reach the surface of your roof--which is very helpful for moss prevention.

Roof cleaning is an integral part of exterior maintenance.

The answer behind this question lies on what type of roof you have, because different types of roof have different maintenance and cleaning requirements.

Furthermore, you should also take into consideration the environmental factors such as weather, lifetime of your roof, condition of your roof, as well as the trees and plants surrounding your house.

According to roofing contractors, it is advisable to clean your roof every 3-5 years.However, it is important to keep in mind that when you wet concrete tile roofs with barrel, brushed, s-tile or flat rough finish, the surface of your roof may take quite some time before it completely dries.

As a result, concrete types of roofs may require cleaning every 2-3 years, unlike new tiles which would only require cleaning after 5 years.

As for the fragile asphalt shingle type of roof, they would only require cleaning after every seven (7) years. Moreover, these asphalt shingles tend to dry faster compared to the latter type of roof.

However, one perceivable downside of this type of roof is that high or low pressure washing may destroy their fragile surface, and remove its sandy gravel exterior finish. This will result in the exposure of tar paper under the heat of the sun, which will only make it more brittle and dry after some period of time.

According to the Roof Cleaning Institute of America, It is advisable to use a spray-type biodegradable solution in cleaning your roof. These biodegradable solutions are made to adhere with the surface of the roof, in order to minimize the runoff.

You can also call a roof cleaning service, to help you in appropriate roof cleaning method.

Importance of Cleaning Your Roof

Dirt and natural elements:

• Moss
• Algae
• Lichen/fungus

The appearance of green and dark stains are the result of these substances. The growth and spread of these substances can shorten the overall lifespan of your roof.

Moreover, these organisms can cause damage to your roof as it eats up the material of the surface of your roof.

With proper cleaning and maintenance

You can avoid roof repairs and unnecessary expenses from piling up, as a result of insect invasion and various organisms on your roof.

The good news is, these substances can be spotted easily. So it is important that once you have noticed any signs of moss, algae, lichen or fungus on your roof, make sure to find a reputable company that offers roof cleaning using a biodegradable solution. Another option would be a do-it-yourself roof cleaning which involves a mixture of bleach and water. However, this method can cause damage to nearby trees and plants.

Helpful Tips:

• Regularly clean your gutters
• Regularly trim the branches of nearby trees
• Clear off the accumulated debris in the surface of your roof

Can you use a pressure washer on a roof? Though most homeowners often remember to clean their home's exterior with a pressure washer, they usually overlook their roofs. According to many folks, pressure washing is not a good way to clean a roof. This is because they believe that pressure washing can cause water to penetrate the space between the roof and cause significant damages.

Others believe that it's not safe to pressure wash a roof, which is because their roofing may have been damaged as a result of irresponsible roof cleaners doing a poor job. However, it is safe to pressure wash your roof provided the process involved is handled right.

How Often to Pressure Wash Your Roof

Over the years, your roof accumulates dirt and moss. These things if left for long can easily damage your roofing, and hence make the entire value of your home to reduce drastically. One of the best ways to maintain a roof is removing dirt and moss with high-pressure water.

For your roof to stand the test of time and service you for many years if not decades, on average, it is recommended to clean it using a pressure washer once every two years. However, if you are in an area that experiences heavy storms more often, you may need to pressure wash your roof at least once per year or more frequently.


Benefits of Pressure Washing a Roof

Keeping your roof in good shape is very important if you want to improve or maintain the value of your property. Several benefits come along with pressure washing your roof including:


1. Higher Property Value

If you are planning to sell your home soon, cleaning your roof with a pressure washer can make a great difference. Pressure washing the roof will give your home curb appeal and make your property attractive to potential buyers.


2. Increasing Your Roof's Life Span

Pressure washing is an incredible way to get rid of debris, leaves, and bacteria that can make your roof wear and tear up quickly. If you pressure wash your roof regularly, it means you are keeping the roof clean and well-maintained to give you more years of service.


3. A Polished Appearance

Pressure washing your roofing is a cost-effective method to give your property a renovation without necessarily spending a lot of money. Cleaning your roof with a pressure washer will transform how your home looks to your neighbors and hence stand out.


4. Avoid or Eliminate Damage

Growth patches and stains caused by mildew, mold, fungus, and algae can wear down a roof through wood rot and shingle deterioration. Both lead to costly repairs but frequently pressure washing your roof can help eliminate or minimize this potential damage.


Wrap Up

Pressure washing a roof also has its negative effects. With some types of roofs, using a pressurized machine to directly apply, super-charged spurts of water is not often a wise decision. Therefore, it is important to consult a pressure washer expert to find out if pressure washing is a good alternative to clean your specific kind of roofing.


The best way to pressure wash your roof is to hire experienced cleaning experts to handle the process involved. This because they know the best washing techniques and are equipped with the right tools.