Pressure washer made me nervous. Not even because of slipping (though that’s a real fear), but more about blasting water under the shingles and causing leaks I’d never find until next spring.
That’s a legit concern. I’ve seen a few folks end up with hidden water damage after going too hard with a pressure washer. If you’re set on DIY, I usually suggest a gentler approach—like a pump sprayer with a moss killer, then a soft brush (on a dry day, if you can get one). But honestly, once you’re dealing with a steep pitch and slick moss, it’s not just about the right tools. It’s about footing, harnesses, and knowing when to back off.
I get the temptation to save cash, but on anything steeper than a walkable ranch roof, the risk goes up fast. Even pros use roof anchors and ropes for that reason. If you’re ever tempted to try again, maybe start with the low edge from a ladder, not up top. But yeah, sometimes paying for peace of mind is worth it—especially if your “surefooted” shoes are just sneakers in disguise.
Even pros use roof anchors and ropes for that reason.
That’s the part that really hit home for me. I tried cleaning moss off my old 12/12 pitch with just a broom and sneakers—never again. Ended up sliding halfway down before catching myself on the gutter. I’ll pay for pros now, no question. The cost of a harness setup alone was more than the cleaning.
That’s a wild story—12/12 is no joke. I’ve seen folks underestimate how slick even a little moss can make things, especially after some dew or rain. Out of curiosity, did you look into renting safety gear at all, or was it just not worth the hassle? I know some places rent harnesses and anchors, but honestly, even with that, I’d be nervous on a steep roof like that. Wondering if anyone’s actually tried the rental route and felt safe doing it?
I know some places rent harnesses and anchors, but honestly, even with that, I’d be nervous on a steep roof like that.
I get where you’re coming from. I tried the rental route once for a 10/12 pitch, and honestly, just figuring out how to anchor everything safely took longer than the actual cleaning. The gear itself was fine, but trusting my own setup on a wet roof made me pretty uneasy. If you’re not used to working at heights or with harnesses, it can feel sketchy fast. For anything steeper or mossy, I usually suggest calling in the pros—peace of mind is worth it.
That’s a totally fair call. Even with the right gear, steep or slick roofs can be a real confidence-tester. I’ve seen folks get halfway up and realize it’s just not worth the risk, especially if there’s moss or wet leaves. No shame in handing it off to someone who does this every day—sometimes peace of mind is the best investment.