Would Malarkey shingles survive a solar-powered zombie apocalypse?

Zinc strips are a decent call, especially if you’re in a spot with constant shade and damp. I’ve seen them slow down moss, but not stop it completely - nature’s persistent, gotta give it that. Pressure washing is brutal on shingles, totally agree there... I’ve had to fix more than a few roofs after someone got overzealous with the sprayer. If you’re set on keeping the “fuzzy blanket” look for the zombie apocalypse, just be ready for some patchwork after a couple wet seasons. Malarkey can take a beating, but moss is sneaky.

Pressure washing is brutal on shingles, totally agree there... I’ve had to fix more than a few roofs after someone got overzealous with the sprayer.

Yeah, pressure washing seems like a shortcut but it’s just asking for trouble. I tried it once on my old place and ended up with granules all over the driveway. With Malarkey, I’ve noticed they hold up better than the basic 3-tabs, but moss still finds a way in the shaded corners. Anyone tried copper strips instead of zinc? I’ve heard they last longer, but not sure if that’s just marketing. Also, does anyone actually leave moss for the “fuzzy blanket” look, or is that just a joke? I couldn’t stand the idea of water getting trapped under there...

Copper strips actually do seem to work better than zinc, at least in my experience. I put copper up on the north side of my roof about five years ago and the moss has barely come back, whereas the zinc I tried before needed replacing after a couple seasons. Not sure if it’s just the weather here (PNW, lots of rain), but the copper’s holding up. It does get a bit of a patina, which doesn’t bother me, but some folks might not like the look.

As for leaving moss, I’ve seen a few neighbors who just let it go wild - maybe they’re into that Hobbit aesthetic, but I can’t imagine it’s good for the roof. Every time I’ve pulled up moss, there’s always dampness underneath, and that can’t be great for the shingles long-term. Malarkey does seem tougher than the cheap 3-tabs, but I still wouldn’t risk it. The “fuzzy blanket” thing is probably a joke, but hey, to each their own. I’d rather spend a Saturday brushing it off than deal with leaks down the line.

I’ve inspected a lot of roofs in the PNW, and honestly, moss is a silent killer. Folks think it’s just cosmetic, but I’ve seen rot set in under that “fuzzy blanket” more times than I can count. Malarkey shingles do hold up better than most, but even they’ll lose the fight if you let moss camp out too long. Copper strips are pricier up front, but they really do the trick - zinc just doesn’t last in our rain. If zombies ever show up, I’d rather be on a dry roof than one caving in from moss rot… just saying.

I had no idea moss could do that much damage until I bought my place last year. I’m in Tacoma and the north side of my roof is already getting green. Is it worth paying for copper strips if I’m planning to add solar panels soon, or will that mess with the install?

Moss is relentless up here, I hear you. I’d hold off on copper strips if solar’s in your near future - installers usually want a clean slate and might just pull them off anyway. Panels can actually help shade out moss, at least where they’re mounted. Hang in there, you’re not alone with the green roof blues.

Panels can actually help shade out moss, at least where they’re mounted.

That’s the silver lining, right? Moss is like the boss level up here - my neighbor’s roof looks like a chia pet. But yeah, solar panels do double duty: power and partial moss shield. Just gotta watch those edges... moss loves a sneak attack. Hang in there, the green roof blues hit us all eventually.

Funny thing - I’ve seen more moss growing right along the panel edges than anywhere else, almost like it’s plotting. The panels definitely help keep the main area clear, but those little gaps and shaded spots are prime real estate for moss to sneak in. Last spring, I inspected a place where the homeowner thought the panels would end his moss woes, but he ended up with a green fringe around every panel. If you’re up for it, a quick brush or even a leaf blower along those edges every few months can make a big difference. Just watch your footing - wet moss is slipperier than it looks.

I’ve noticed the same thing with moss creeping in around the edges of my panels, especially on the north side where it stays damp. I’m curious - does anyone know if that moss actually damages the shingles over time, or is it mostly just cosmetic? I keep hearing mixed things. Also, has anyone tried those zinc or copper strips to keep moss at bay, or do they mess with the solar setup?

I’ve actually had moss do more than just make the roof look a little green around the edges. On my old house (asphalt shingles, not Malarkey, but similar idea), I let the moss go for a few years thinking it was just cosmetic. Turns out, it started to lift the shingles a bit and trap moisture underneath. That’s when I noticed some of the granules coming off faster than usual, and a couple spots where the shingle edges got soft. Maybe it’s worse in our rainy climate (I’m in western Oregon), but I’d say it’s more than just an eyesore if you leave it long enough.

About those zinc or copper strips - tried both. The copper worked better for me, but here’s the thing: if you’ve got solar panels up there, you have to be careful where you put them. I put a strip above my panels and didn’t notice any issues with output or weird interference, but I’ve heard some folks say copper can cause staining on lighter shingles if there’s a lot of runoff. Zinc didn’t seem to do much unless it rained hard enough to wash down over the whole roof.

One thing I’ll push back on is the idea that moss is harmless if you keep an eye on it. In my experience, even a thin layer can hold moisture against the shingle surface for weeks at a time, especially on those north-facing slopes that never really dry out. That’s when you start seeing premature wear - maybe not right away, but over five or ten years it adds up.

If you’re worried about messing with your solar setup, maybe try one of those long-handled brushes first and see how much comes off before going for chemical treatments or metal strips. Just don’t wait too long like I did... replacing shingles under panels is a pain and not cheap either.

You nailed it - moss is way more than just ugly in the Pacific Northwest. I learned the hard way too, letting it go on my last place and ended up with curling shingles and a soggy mess underneath. I’m curious though, has anyone tried those spray-on moss killers that claim to be “eco-friendly”? I’ve heard mixed things, but if they actually work without wrecking the panels or runoff into the garden, I might give them a shot.

I've tried a couple of those eco-friendly moss sprays and honestly, results were mixed. One brand barely touched the moss, but another worked after a few weeks - just had to be patient. My main concern’s always been if it’ll mess up the solar panel frames or drip down onto my veggie beds. Has anyone had issues with stains or residue on panels after using these sprays?

- Seen similar results with moss sprays - some just don’t cut it, especially on older roofs or in damp climates.
- I’ve noticed a few brands can leave a chalky residue if you overspray, but nothing that stuck around after a good rain.
- Panels themselves seem fine, but I’d watch for runoff if your veggie beds are right below. Had a client with tomatoes get some white spots, but they washed off.
- If you’re worried about stains on frames, maybe try a test patch first? Sometimes the eco stuff is gentler, but not always perfect.
- Patience is key...but yeah, not all sprays are created equal.

I get what you’re saying about the sprays, but I’ve actually had the opposite issue with runoff - especially after a heavy rain. Even if the residue washes off panels, it can still leave streaks on lighter shingles or metal flashing. Maybe it’s just my area (super rainy, lots of moss), but I’ve seen some stains stick around longer than expected. Also, not sure all “eco” sprays are as gentle as they claim...had one that left a weird film on composite shingles for weeks. Just something to watch for if you’re picky about how your roof looks.

Even if the residue washes off panels, it can still leave streaks on lighter shingles or metal flashing.

That’s been my experience too, especially with lighter colors and after a big downpour. Here’s what I’ve tried: first, I always check the label for any mention of “safe for composite” or “no residue,” but honestly, that’s hit or miss. If you’re picky about appearance, I’d suggest testing any new spray on a small, hidden patch first. Also, after application, I’ll hose down the area lightly to dilute runoff - seems to help with streaks. For moss, manual removal (scraper + soft brush) is tedious but avoids weird films. Not perfect, but it keeps things looking decent between rainy spells.

For moss, manual removal (scraper + soft brush) is tedious but avoids weird films.

I’ve seen the same - manual’s slow but at least you know what you’re getting. Curious if anyone’s had luck with those “eco-friendly” moss treatments on Malarkey shingles? I’ve inspected a few roofs after folks used them and sometimes the streaking is worse than the moss was. Maybe it depends on water quality or how much sun the roof gets?

sometimes the streaking is worse than the moss was

That’s been my experience too, especially on the north-facing side where it stays damp. I tried one of those “green” sprays last spring - looked fine at first, but after a few rains, there were odd white streaks that stuck around for months. I wonder if the granule coating on Malarkey shingles reacts differently to these treatments compared to standard asphalt? Anyone notice if the age of the shingles makes a difference with how they handle moss or streaking?

I hear you on the streaking - sometimes I think my roof’s trying out for a zebra look. I’ve got Malarkey shingles too, about 8 years old, and honestly, the older they get, the more stubborn the moss and streaks seem. Tried a cheap spray mix (vinegar and dish soap, don’t judge) and it actually made the streaks worse. I do wonder if the granule coating is just more sensitive. Maybe it’s like my hair - gets weirder with age and weird products. At least the zombies won’t care what color the roof is, right?

At least the zombies won’t care what color the roof is, right?

Honestly, I think you’re onto something with the “zebra look.” My uncle’s place has Malarkeys too (Pacific Northwest, so moss central), and his roof’s got more stripes than a referee’s shirt. He tried that same vinegar and soap trick - ended up with weird streaks and a smell that lingered for days. I’m starting to think these shingles just get moodier with age, like you said about your hair.

I wouldn’t stress too much about the granule coating unless you’re seeing bald spots or leaks. The streaks are mostly cosmetic, and yeah, the zombies will be way more interested in what’s inside than what’s growing on top. If it makes you feel better, I’ve seen roofs twice as old still holding up, just looking a little “distinguished.”

If you ever figure out a magic fix for the moss, let me know. For now, I’m just embracing the “aged gracefully” vibe… or at least trying to.

That zebra look is honestly everywhere up here - seems like every other roof in my neighborhood has those streaks, especially after a wet winter. I’ve always wondered if the moss and algae actually do any real damage, or if it’s just an eyesore. Have you noticed any spots where the shingles seem softer or crumbly under the moss? I’ve seen a few cases where folks ignored it for years and then had to deal with rot underneath. Makes me question if “aged gracefully” is just code for “secretly falling apart.”