Roof Cleaning: Two Best Methods for Homeowners
As I’m sure you’ve noticed, we’ve got moss up here in the PNW. Try one of these two methods out next time you need to stop it from growing on your roof.
Method #1: Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate (Powder Method)
While Zinc sulfate monohydrate lacks the stopping power of our preferred method, it is a cost effective alternative to professional cleaning which is why most homeowners opt for it when it comes time to treat the moss on their roof.
Step 1:
Wear appropriate safety gear such as a harness, gloves, goggles, and a mask to protect yourself from inhaling the powder. (At least wear a mask, this stuff is not fun to breathe in).
Step 2:
Gently sweep the loose moss off with a deck brush, careful not to damage or scrape the shingles. Excessive brushing can cause premature granule loss and damage the roof.
Step 3:
After brushing as much loose moss off as you can, ensure the roof surface is dry and free from debris. Sweep away any loose dirt, sticks or leaves using a broom or leaf blower (yes, much of this will end up in your gutters which will need to be cleaned out to be cleaned to ensure proper water runoff).
Step 4:
Once the roof is clear of debris, it’s time to apply the powder either by hand, or using a mechanical spreader. Apply the moss powder generously and evenly across each ridge of the roof by shaking the container side to side creating a zig-zag pattern across the roof line. Start from one end and work your way to the other, ensuring thorough coverage. Think about how water will run down your roof as you apply to make sure all moss infested areas will get treated when the rain comes.
Quick tip: Your moss killer container will likely say it covers much more surface area than it actually does. By rule of thumb, a container that advertises “Up to 3,000 sq ft coverage” will only effectively treat half that, in actuality.
Step 5:
Once the powder is applied, you’re all done. You can climb back down to safety and let the rain take care of the rest! Do note that you will likely need to re-apply this method every 6-12 months depending on the various environmental factors of your property (foliage, sunlight exposure, etc.).
Method #2: Sodium Hypochlorite (Softwash Method)
Our preferred method of roof cleaning, sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is what roof manufactures reccommend for treating organic growth on your roof.
Step 1:
Wear appropriate safety gear such as a harness, gloves, goggles, and a mask to protect yourself from inhaling the powder. Gloves and a mask are highly recommended as sodium hypochlorite can irritate the skin and lungs.
Step 2:
Gently sweep some of the loose moss off with a deck brush, careful not to damage or scrape the shingles. Excessive brushing can cause premature granule loss and damage the roof.
Quick Tip: You do not need to brush as much with this method as you would with the powder method. Softwashing will do a better job of killing moss that is still in place on your roof.
Step 3:
After brushing, ensure the roof surface is free from debris. Sweep away any loose dirt, sticks or leaves using a broom or leaf blower (yes, much of this will end up in your gutters which will need to be cleaned out to be cleaned to ensure proper water runoff).
Step 4:
Once the roof is clear of debris, it’s time to spray your roof. Take 1 part bleach (10% or higher) to 1.5 parts water in a pump up sprayer and apply an even coat to all the infested areas. You will see the moss change color almost immediately. Once it has turned a nice popcorn color (whitish/brown) it is dead. Be patient when spraying. It can take up to 30 minutes for the sodium hypochlorite to kill the moss.
Quick Tip: You will need approximately 5-7 gallons of bleach for every 1000 sq ft of roof depending on the severity of your moss infestation.
Step 5:
After all affected areas have been sprayed, you’re all done! The dead moss will release from the shingles and flake off with the rain after 4-8 weeks. The bleach will break down into NACL (salt) over the next 24 hours and harmlessly wash off your roof into the gutters. This method is much easier on your roof, as it requires far less brushing.
Should I clean my own roof?
As you have learned, cleaning your own roof is very possible for the average, able-bodied homeowner. That said, this article is not exhaustive. Roof cleaning can be dangerous and if done improperly, may cause more damage than good. If you decide the risk is not worth trying yourself, please reach out to us for a free quote. We can make sure your roof is cleaned properly and keep you on the ground where it’s safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover answers to frequently asked questions about our roof cleaning services.
How often should I have my roof cleaned?
Regular roof cleaning is recommended every 1-2 years to prevent the buildup of debris, moss, algae, and other contaminants that can damage your roof over time. However, certain factors such as the surrounding environment and weather conditions may influence how frequently you need to clean your roof.
What are the benefits of hiring a professional?
Professional roof cleaning offers numerous benefits, including enhancing the curb appeal of your home, preventing potential structural damage caused by debris accumulation, extending the lifespan of your roof, improving energy efficiency by reducing heat absorption through a clean surface, and maintaining a healthy environment free from mold and algae growth.
Will cleaning my roof help extend it’s lifespan?
Yes, regular roof cleaning can significantly extend the lifespan of your roof by removing harmful substances like moss, algae, lichen, and debris that can deteriorate roofing materials and cause granule loss over time. By keeping your roof clean and well-maintained, you can avoid costly repairs or premature replacement.
Is roof cleaning safe for all types of roofing materials?
Professional roof cleaners use specialized techniques and eco-friendly solutions tailored to different roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, metal roofs, tile roofs, and more. They ensure that the cleaning process is gentle yet effective to protect the integrity of your specific type of roofing material without causing any damage.
At Evergreen Pro Clean, we use the softwash technique for moss removal. We start by gently removing any loose moss by hand with a brush. Next, we apply a sodium hypochlorite solution to kill any remaining moss. The dead moss turns white and flakes off with the rain after 4-6 weeks. Not only is it safer for your roof’s lifespan than other methods, but it results in a much more thorough cleaning.
Can cleaning my roof prevent mold and algae growth?
Yes! Regular roof cleaning helps prevent mold and algae growth on your roof by removing organic matter that provides a breeding ground for these harmful microorganisms. By keeping your roof clean and free from moisture-trapping debris, you can minimize the risk of mold infestations and maintain a healthy environment for both your family and your home’s structure.
Contact us today for a free quote
Let’s work together to safeguard your home and shape a brighter future for your living environment.