
You can also use lime to change the pH of your roof’s surface. These products can kill moss on your roof by combining them with water or applying them directly to it. These products can be corrosive on some roof surfaces but diluting the mixture can prevent corrosion.Īmmonia, liquid soap, bleach, and baking soda are all readily available alkaline products that can be used to raise the pH of the roof. pH scaleĬommon household items with a pH level of 3.5 include orange Juice, Lemon Juice, tomato juice, and Apple Cider Vinegar (White distilled vinegar). which means that increasing the acidity (pH level of below 3.5) or alkalinity (pH level of more than 8.5) of the roof surroundings will make it difficult for moss to survive. Most mosses are thought to grow in an environment with a pH of 5.0, 5.5 or 6.0. There was a difference in the growth of moss confirming that the pH level limits moss growth and kills it.


According to Margaret Dieter, a bryologist, some species of moss have optimum growth at PH 8.0 -8.5, but at the PH of 3.5 there is no growth.Īnother study, by Armentano et al., published in The Bryologist Journal, observed the effect of pH levels of 3.5, 5.8, 6.4 and 7.8 on moss growth. Lowering or increasing the PH level is a limiting factor restricting the moss habitat and killing moss. As you continue, rub gently-don’t scrape, scour, or pound on the roof-and work in one small section at a time to avoid ripping, cracking, or breaking the shingles. Then, use a long-handled soft-bristle scrub brush to remove the moss from the roof, scrubbing from the top down to avoid lifting shingles. Hose off the area with plain water, spraying at a downward angle. For non-metal roofs, you might require secondary preventive measures since this does not do away with all the moss.Īvoid air-blowing a composition roof, because it can lift self-sealing shingles and cause leaks. If you have a metal roof all this method on its own can do away with the moss.

All you need is a blower or a broom to blow or sweep out the moss. This is method works when the moss on your roof is loose and dehydrated particularly when the weather has been hot and dry. Therefore, it should be done in conjunction with a water hose/sprayer to rinse remnants off the roof because moss, in the presence of moisture organic matter, can quickly grow back into your roof and spread quite fast.īrushing especially, during a dry and windy day, can also easily spread the moss spores to the surrounding environment which means the moss will likely grow back in a matter of days if the conditions are right. Scrapping or gentle brushing however isn’t effective on its own because it may leave some moss in cracks and areas where the brush/scraper can’t reach. To avoid damage while removing moss from your roof, be gentle and use a plastic scraper or brush that is specifically designed for the type of roofing material you have. Start with the brush to remove loose and dried moss then use a scraper or trowel for the remaining tough and stuck moss. Remember to scrub the roof from top to bottom end with the edges close to the gutters. With this method, you can easily remove any gunk or debris, without damaging your roof shingles or tiles. One of the easiest and most cost-effective natural ways to get rid of roof moss without chemicals is to manually brush and scrape it away using handheld tools including a long-handled brush, plastic scrapers/knives or trowels. Safety Gear- Gloves, Goggles, Slip-resistant shoes, helmet, Harness, Lifeline.

Natural roof moss removal methods include manually scrapping and scrubbing, blowing and sweeping, hosing and brushing, soft power/pressure washing, eliminating moisture and shade, changing the PH level, etc. There are several ways you can do away with moss on your roof naturally without having to use harsh cleaning chemicals and procedures that might not only damage your roofing but also harm animals or plants around your house and the entire environment.
Best moss killer for roofs how to#
Safety Precautions How to Remove Moss from Roof Naturally without Chemicals
