I’m always surprised how many folks go straight for the pressure washer—seems like a shortcut but ends up costing more in the long run.
I hear you, but I actually used a pressure washer once when we moved in—just on the lowest setting and with a wide spray. It got rid of the thick moss, but I had to be super careful not to damage the shingles. Not saying it’s the best method, but in my case, it bought me a couple years. As for zinc strips, I tried them on a north-facing section. They slowed moss a bit, but honestly, not a miracle cure. Keeping gutters clear and trimming trees helped more than anything.
I’m with you on the zinc strips—not a magic bullet, but they help a bit. For me, regular checks every spring and fall made the biggest difference. I just walk the roofline, look for loose shingles, and clear debris. It’s not glamorous, but catching stuff early means I haven’t had to shell out for major repairs yet. Pressure washing always made me nervous... I just stick to a stiff brush and patience.
- Totally agree on the pressure washing—always seemed risky to me, especially with older shingles.
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That’s my routine too, though I’ll admit I sometimes skip the fall check if it’s pouring rain.“I just walk the roofline, look for loose shingles, and clear debris.”
- I’ve got asphalt shingles in a pretty windy spot, so I’m always finding a couple loose ones after storms.
- Anyone here ever try those roof sealant sprays? Curious if they actually help or just a gimmick.
- For me, the biggest surprise was how much moss can sneak up on you... one year it was everywhere before I noticed.
Pressure washing always made me nervous too—seems like a quick way to shorten the life of old shingles, especially if you’re not careful with the angle. For moss, I tried the baking soda trick last year (just sprinkled it on after a dry spell), and it actually helped slow things down. Haven’t used any of those sealant sprays yet, mostly because I’m skeptical about how long they last versus just fixing the problem. Has anyone noticed if the sprays mess with shingle warranties or is that just a rumor?
Pressure washing always made me nervous too—seems like a quick way to shorten the life of old shingles, especially if you’re not careful with the angle.
I’m right there with you on pressure washing. Tried it once on my old asphalt roof and ended up with a handful of granules in the gutters... lesson learned. The baking soda trick is underrated, honestly. I’ve used it a couple times after a dry spell and it really does slow down moss growth, at least in our damp Pacific Northwest climate.
About those sealant sprays—my neighbor swears by them, but I’ve always been wary. From what I’ve read, some shingle manufacturers will void the warranty if you apply anything that isn’t specifically approved. It’s buried in the fine print, but it’s there. I guess it makes sense since some sprays can mess with how the shingles shed water or even cause them to curl over time.
I’d rather just keep up with regular checkups and spot repairs. It’s not glamorous, but catching a cracked shingle or loose flashing early has saved me a ton of hassle. Roofs are expensive enough without risking the warranty for a quick fix that might not last.
