Getting to the roof of the problem

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/03/2012 (4962 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Spring has sprung and for homeowners, the sunnier and longer days make the perfect recipe for outdoor spring cleaning and maintenance projects.

For many homeowners in milder climates, the concern is moss building up on exterior surfaces such as decks, siding and rooftops. Some people view moss as unsightly and others are concerned the prolonged wet surface will decay shingles resulting in water leaks and premature replacement of the roof.

The challenge for homeowners is how to safely get rid of the moss that builds up on the roof.

Over the years, zinc sulphate has been a popular choice but today there is more awareness about the products that we use in and around our home and how they affect the environment around us.

Although zinc sulphate is effective in controlling mosses, when used in large doses, it can pollute local rivers and streams and is potentially toxic to fish and other aquatic life.

A moss control product that is used as an alternative to zinc sulfate products is zinc strips, which are available in many garden centres. These are metallic zinc strips that are nailed near the top of the roof just below the peak of the roof. The strips have the advantage that they are long-lasting and release only a small amount of zinc at any one time. The primary concern with them is that they take a long time to remove the moss or algae.

It’s easy to understand that any product designed to kill vegetation of any kind, including moss, can have negative impacts on other elements of the surrounding environment. However there are more environmentally conscious products that can be effective for cleaning your home’s exterior. There are types of low-toxicity moss killers available. One effective product is my Home Cleaning Formula which is ideal for cleaning algae from porous surfaces such as concrete and stucco. It was formulated phosphate-free as phosphates promote excessive algae growth.

Pressure washing to remove moss can damage roofing and should be avoided. When it comes to moss removal from your home’s roof, the first thing you should be concerned with is your own safety. Make sure that you have the proper safety harness on, as well as protective eyewear. A wet roof is very slippery. Don’t get up on your own roof if you’ve never gone up there before, or if you are not completely comfortable doing so. Leave it to the professionals who are trained in working on roofs and more specifically in moss removal.

Here are some additional tips on preventing moss buildups:

• Keep your roof clean. Sweep off debris such as leaves, needles, or small branches that slows drying of the roof.

• Remove and thin out overhanging branches. Trim or thin out any overhanging branches to reduce shade and falling leaves and needles to reduce the shade and moisture that are breeding grounds for moss.

• Physically remove as much moss as possible with a broom or rake then apply the least-toxic moss killer to the problem area. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instruction on the container.

• It is recommended to use moss control products just on the parts of the roof most prone to moss problems. These will probably be on areas that don’t get direct sun such as north-facing slopes and areas shaded by trees or other buildings.

• Consider your roofing material in moss prone areas. Moss is not able to grow on the smooth surface. Cedar shake roofs are more prone to moss problems than composition asphalt or metal.

• When installing a new roof consider installing zinc strips, galvanized flashing, or a zinc-impregnated roofing material.

For more home improvement information, to send Shell an email or to find a reliable roof cleaning company in your area visit www.askshell.com.