Has anyone tried switching to a lighter color tile? I’ve heard that can help dry things out faster, but not sure if it’s worth the hassle.
I swapped to light gray shingles a few years back, mostly because the old ones were shot. Honestly, didn’t notice a huge difference with moss—still gets patchy under the big oak. Tree shade just wins every time. Trimming branches and those copper strips do more for me than the shingle color ever did. If you’re already replacing the roof, maybe go lighter, but I wouldn’t do it just for moss.
Tree shade just wins every time. Trimming branches and those copper strips do more for me than the shingle color ever did.
That’s been my experience too. I tried going with a lighter tile on the garage roof, hoping it’d help with the moss, but the big maple nearby just keeps things damp no matter what. Cutting back branches made a bigger difference than anything else. If you’re already redoing the roof, sure, maybe try lighter—but I wouldn’t go through all the trouble just for that. Sometimes it’s just about managing expectations, especially with lots of trees around.
I’ve seen the same thing time and again—branch trimming makes a bigger dent in moss and debris than any shingle color swap. I’ve had customers who spent extra on “moss-resistant” shingles, but if there’s heavy shade and overhanging limbs, it’s just a matter of time before things get messy again. Copper strips help, but honestly, nothing beats letting in more sunlight. Sometimes folks expect a new roof to solve everything, but with big trees, it’s always a bit of an uphill battle.
Copper strips help, but honestly, nothing beats letting in more sunlight.
Totally agree—had a client with a gorgeous old oak shading half their roof, and even after installing copper, the moss came back. Ever tried tackling the trimming yourself, or do you usually call in the tree folks? For me, heights and chainsaws don’t mix well...
I’ve tried trimming branches myself, but honestly, it wasn’t worth the stress—or the near miss with my neighbor’s shed. Hiring pros cost a bit, but I’d rather pay than risk a hospital bill. Plus, they cleaned up way better than I ever could.
