Sometimes I’ll just leave a stubborn patch if it’s not spreading, since aggressive cleaning can do more harm than good.
Is it just me, or does moss have some kind of vendetta against certain roofs? I’ve seen spots where you clear it off and it’s back in a month, but other patches just chill for years. Anyone ever try those copper strips instead of zinc? Wondering if they’re any better, or just hype. Also, how do you all decide when to call it quits and let a pro handle it? I always worry about damaging the shingles more than the moss ever could...
I always worry about damaging the shingles more than the moss ever could...
Honestly, I get that, but leaving moss too long can start curling the shingles or even rot the edges, especially up here in the Northwest. Copper strips worked better for me than zinc—seems to last longer, but it’s not magic. I usually give it a shot myself unless the roof’s gotten too steep or slippery. If it feels risky, I’d rather pay someone than end up sliding off.
I get the worry about damaging shingles, but honestly, I’ve had moss eat through the edges way faster than I expected. Tried DIY with a soft brush and some diluted bleach—saved a chunk of cash, but yeah, it’s not for every roof. If you’re careful and don’t overdo it, it’s doable. Just gotta know your limits... I’m not risking it on my 12/12 pitch, though.
Just gotta know your limits... I’m not risking it on my 12/12 pitch, though.
Yeah, same here. I did a DIY clean on my old place, but that was a single-story ranch with a pretty gentle slope. Used a pump sprayer with diluted bleach and a broom, took it slow, and honestly, it worked out fine. Saved a few hundred bucks, which was huge at the time. But now I’ve got a two-story with a steep roof, and there’s just no way I’m getting up there myself. Not worth the risk for me—one slip and it’s hospital bills instead of moss removal.
I get the temptation to save money, but I’ve seen neighbors do more harm than good, especially with pressure washers. Those things will shred shingles if you’re not careful. For flat or low-slope roofs, DIY can make sense if you’re comfortable, but anything steep or high up... I’d rather pay a pro and keep my bones intact.
That 12/12 pitch is no joke—honestly, I get vertigo just looking at those roofs. I’m with you on the “know your limits” thing. I used to be all about DIY, too, but that was back when my roof was basically a glorified sidewalk. Now I’ve got a two-story colonial with a slope that feels like it’s trying to launch me into orbit. No way am I hauling up buckets of cleaner or a broom anymore.
Funny thing, I tried the pressure washer route once (on a friend’s house, not mine) and yeah... let’s just say we both learned what water under the shingles looks like. Not pretty. Those things are great for driveways but can absolutely wreck asphalt shingles if you’re not super careful. Plus, if you’re using any kind of chemical cleaner, you gotta watch where that runoff goes—some of that stuff isn’t exactly eco-friendly and can mess with your landscaping or even local streams.
I’ve switched over to using more gentle, plant-based cleaners when I do spot cleaning on my shed roof. They take longer to work but don’t fry the moss—or the environment—quite as much. Still, for anything up high or steep, I’d rather pay someone who knows what they’re doing and has the right harnesses and gear. Hospital bills are way pricier than hiring a pro.
One thing I wish more people talked about is prevention. Zinc or copper strips along the ridge can help keep moss and algae from coming back in the first place. Not a miracle cure, but it slows things down a lot and means less cleaning overall.
Anyway, totally agree—DIY makes sense for some roofs, but there’s no shame in calling in backup when things get sketchy. Gravity always wins in the end...