if you skip the brushing, the moss seems to come back way faster
Yeah, skipping the brushing is like skipping leg day—looks fine for a minute, but you pay for it later. I’ve tried those copper strips up near the ridge, and they actually slowed down the moss a bit. Not a miracle, but better than nothing. The eco sprays are hit or miss for me too... Pacific Northwest weather just laughs at them. It really does feel endless sometimes, but hey, at least you’re not blasting your shingles into orbit like your neighbor.
the eco sprays are hit or miss for me too... Pacific Northwest weather just laughs at them.
That’s been my experience as well. The moss just shrugs off most of those treatments, especially with all the rain we get. I’d add that if you’re doing it yourself, be careful with pressure washers—seen more than a few folks strip granules right off their shingles. Brushing’s tedious, but it’s the least damaging. Copper strips help, but only where the runoff actually hits. If you’ve got a steep roof or any storm damage, sometimes it’s safer (and cheaper in the long run) to call in a pro.
Brushing’s tedious, but it’s the least damaging. Copper strips help, but only where the runoff actually hits.
Yeah, I’ve noticed the same thing with copper—works great in a narrow streak, then the rest of the roof just keeps going green. Tried zinc strips once too, but honestly didn’t see much difference. Maybe it’s just our endless drizzle up here.
Pressure washing is tempting, but I learned the hard way that it can do more harm than good. Lost a bunch of shingle grit on my old place and ended up with patchy spots that aged way faster. Now I just stick to a stiff brush and a harness if I have to get up there.
Curious if anyone’s had luck with those enzyme-based moss removers? I keep seeing them at the hardware store, but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Wondering if they’re any better than the “eco” sprays or just another thing that gets washed away by the next rain.
I’ve tried those enzyme moss removers on asphalt shingles, and honestly, they’re hit or miss. Worked okay during a dry spell, but after a week of rain, most of it washed off before it did much. I just stick with brushing too—less mess, less risk.
I just stick with brushing too—less mess, less risk.
That’s been my go-to as well. Tried one of those “miracle” enzyme sprays last spring, and I swear the moss just looked at me and laughed. Maybe it works better in places that don’t get sideways rain every other day, but here? Not so much. I ended up on the roof with a stiff brush and a podcast, which honestly wasn’t the worst way to spend a Saturday.
I get the appeal of the sprays—no ladders, no elbow grease—but like you said, half the time it’s just a slippery mess. Plus, I’ve seen what happens when folks get too enthusiastic with pressure washers... let’s just say shingle bits in the gutters aren’t a good sign.
Brushing’s not glamorous, but it gets the job done. And hey, at least you know exactly what’s coming off your roof (and what’s staying put).