Moss is like that one neighbor who just won’t take a hint and leave—shows up every year, no matter what you spray. I’ve seen folks try copper strips along the ridge, and honestly, that seems to slow things down more than the sprays ever did on my clients’ roofs. Still, nothing beats getting up there with a broom every few months, even if it feels like a losing battle. Has anyone actually had luck with those zinc strips, or is that just another “as seen on TV” gimmick?
Copper strips have definitely worked better than sprays in my experience too, but I get what you mean—it’s never a total fix. I’ve seen zinc strips slow moss down a bit, but they’re not magic. On some roofs, especially the north-facing ones here in the PNW, moss still creeps back. Honestly, nothing I’ve tried has fully replaced just getting up there and sweeping every few months. It’s a pain, but it keeps things under control. At least you’re not alone in the struggle...
Yeah, I hear you on the moss battle—especially up here where shade and rain just won’t let up. Copper strips slow it down, but like you said, nothing beats regular hands-on cleaning. It’s tedious, but honestly, that’s what keeps my own roof from turning into a science experiment. At least you’re keeping ahead of it... some folks just let it go and end up with way bigger headaches.
Copper strips slow it down, but like you said, nothing beats regular hands-on cleaning. It’s tedious, but honestly, that’s what keeps my own roof from turning into a science experiment.
I get what you mean about copper strips—they do help, but in my experience, they’re more of a “slows the moss down” thing than a real fix. I’ve tried zinc strips too, and honestly, didn’t notice much difference. Maybe it’s just the amount of shade I’ve got on the north side. Have you ever actually seen those strips make a big difference, or is it just one of those things people swear by because it sounds good?
The hands-on part is brutal, especially if your roof’s got any pitch to it. I’m always worried about slipping when I’m up there with a brush. I’ve heard some folks use a pressure washer, but I’m not convinced that’s safe for shingles—seems like you’d risk blasting off granules and shortening the roof’s life. Anyone here actually tried that? Did it cause any damage, or am I just being paranoid?
My neighbor let his roof go for years and now he’s got leaks and rot in the sheathing. Makes me wonder—how often are you all getting up there to check things out? I try to do it every spring and fall, but sometimes I skip a season if the weather’s bad or I just don’t feel like dealing with it. Is twice a year enough, or am I pushing my luck?
One thing I haven’t figured out: is there any real way to make moss less of an issue long-term? Or is it just something we have to live with in wet climates? I keep thinking about switching to metal when this roof finally gives out, but that’s a whole other can of worms (cost, noise, etc). Curious if anyone’s made the switch and found it worth it.
Anyway, just trying to figure out if there’s a smarter way to stay ahead of this stuff, or if it’s always going to be a pain.
I hear you on the strips—honestly, I’ve never seen them do more than slow things down either, especially on the shady side. What’s made a bigger difference for me is trimming back trees to get more sun on the roof. Not always possible, but even a little helps. As for pressure washing, I tried it once and regretted it... lost a bunch of granules and had to patch up some shingles after. Twice a year checks seem fine unless you’ve got a ton of debris or moss—then maybe a quick look after big storms too. About metal roofs, yeah, they’re pricey upfront but the folks I know who switched barely have to touch them now, and moss just slides off. The noise isn’t as bad as people say if you’ve got decent insulation.