Pressure washers on roofs make me cringe a bit too—my neighbor did that and you could literally see granules washing down the gutter. I get wanting to save money, but sometimes the “quick fix” ends up costing more in the long run, especially if you’re dealing with older shingles. I tried tackling my own roof mess a couple years back (asphalt shingles, not super steep, but enough to make you nervous), and even with a harness it felt sketchy. Ended up with a sore back and a newfound respect for anyone who does this for a living.
On the flip side, I’ve seen folks use those eco-friendly moss treatments you just sprinkle on and let the rain do its thing. Didn’t totally clear everything, but it helped slow the green takeover without much risk. Anyone else tried those? I’m always a little skeptical about what’s actually safe for the roof and the yard. Anyway, I’m leaning more toward hiring pros these days, at least for the big stuff. My knees aren’t what they used to be...
“my neighbor did that and you could literally see granules washing down the gutter.”
That’s what gets me—those granules are your roof’s armor, and once they’re gone, you’re basically inviting leaks. I tried one of those moss powders a while back (the kind you just toss up there), and it worked okay for a season, but the moss came back. At this point, I’d rather pay someone with better balance than risk another weekend of sore muscles and worrying about slipping off the edge.
I see this all the time—folks mean well, but those “quick fix” moss powders can be rough on shingles, especially if you’re not careful with how much you use. Did you notice any extra granule loss after using it? Sometimes I wonder if the cure’s worse than the disease. I get the appeal of DIY, but honestly, unless you’re super steady on a ladder and know what to look for, hiring out isn’t a bad call. Ever seen what a pressure washer does to old shingles? Not pretty...
I’ve seen people dump those moss powders thinking more is better, but it really does a number on the shingles over time. I manage a few older places and the granule loss is real—sometimes you’re trading moss for premature aging. And pressure washing? I’ve had to replace sections after someone got overzealous. Honestly, unless you know exactly what you’re doing, it’s usually cheaper in the long run to let a pro handle it.
I get what you’re saying about the moss powders and pressure washing—seen a neighbor blast half his shingles off trying to “freshen up” his roof, and the next rainstorm basically turned his attic into a water feature. But I dunno, I’m not totally sold on always calling in the pros either. My roof’s not huge (basic asphalt, nothing fancy), and I’m in the Pacific Northwest where moss is basically our state flower. If I paid someone every time it started looking fuzzy, I’d have to start renting out my garage just to cover the bills.
“Honestly, unless you know exactly what you’re doing, it’s usually cheaper in the long run to let a pro handle it.”
I mean, yeah, if you’re up there with a pressure washer set to “obliterate,” you’re asking for trouble. But I’ve had decent luck with a garden sprayer and a gentle moss killer—just the right amount, not dumping it like I’m seasoning a steak. Takes a bit of patience, but I haven’t noticed any extra granules in the gutters, and my shingles are still hanging in there after 18 years. I do avoid the wire brushes and all that, though. That’s just asking for a patch job.
Honestly, half the battle is just keeping the roof clear of debris and trimming back tree branches. My neighbor’s got a maple that likes to drop half its leaves on my roof every fall, and if I let that sit, the moss comes back twice as fast. I just get up there with a broom (carefully—my balance isn’t what it used to be) and sweep it off. Not glamorous, but it works.
I get that not everyone’s comfortable on a ladder, and if your roof’s steep or you’ve got fancy shingles, maybe it’s worth the money to call someone in. But for a basic roof and a little elbow grease, DIY’s saved me a chunk of change. Just gotta know your limits and not go full “Home Improvement” disaster mode.