Those shaded roofs really are moss magnets—totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve managed a few properties with similar issues, and honestly, zinc strips help a bit but never fully solve it, especially under big trees. I’ve tried moss-killing sprays a couple times. They work, but you do have to be careful about runoff. I usually lay tarps over shrubs and direct the gutters away from garden beds for a day or two. Haven’t had any plants die yet, but I wouldn’t risk it on delicate stuff.
Checking for spongy spots by hand is still my go-to, tech or not. Sometimes you just need to feel for those soft patches—caught a leak that way last spring before it got into the attic insulation. My advice: keep up with what you’re doing, maybe combine a gentle spray with manual removal, and always rinse the roof down well after. It’s not glamorous, but it beats replacing half your roof.
- Had a similar thing last winter—noticed a soft spot near the gutter, poked around, and sure enough, water was pooling under a patch of moss. Didn’t expect to find it that way, but saved me from a bigger headache.
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Same here. I’m all for gadgets but sometimes you just gotta get up there and feel around.Checking for spongy spots by hand is still my go-to, tech or not.
- Tried the zinc strips too. They slowed the moss a bit, but honestly, for my north-facing roof under maples, it’s a losing battle. I do a gentle scrub with a broom and rinse—never tried the sprays because I’m worried about my veggie beds down below.
- Manual removal is a pain, but it’s free (minus the time and sore arms). I’d rather do that than shell out for a pro every year.
- Anyone else notice moss seems worse after a mild winter? Maybe it’s just me, but last year was rough.
- Not glamorous at all, but catching those leaks early definitely saved me a chunk of change. Still, wish there was a truly low-maintenance fix...
I get the appeal of just feeling for soft spots, but I’ve seen plenty of issues that don’t show up that way—especially with older composite shingles or low-slope roofs. Sometimes water finds its way in through flashing or nail pops you’d never notice by touch alone. I’m not saying everyone needs a moisture meter, but a closer look with a strong flashlight (or even a drone camera if you’re into gadgets) can catch stuff you’d miss otherwise. Manual moss removal works, but if you’re seeing it come back every year, maybe it’s time to check attic ventilation or overhanging branches too. Sometimes the root problem isn’t just on the surface.
