How to Get Algae and Moss Off a Roof

A moss-covered roof may make you think of a fairy tale featuring a cozy little house in a wooded setting, just waiting for Little Red Riding Hood or the three bears to stop by. However, homeowners in fairy tales don’t have to worry about whether the moss damages the roof or not. In real life, this is something to be concerned about.

Overland Park homeowners who spot moss or algae growing on the roof need to take action. If left unattended, these pesky intruders can cause damage to your roof and make your home look bad. Moss and algae are living organisms, and as such, they feed on roofing materials, causing decomposition and degradation that will eventually destroy your roofing in Overland Park and other parts of the city.

Moss vs. Algae – What’s the Difference?

Moss and algae are different, but neither should be left to grow on your roof. Moss presents itself as a fuzzy green growth. It’s often deceptively pretty when you first notice it. Algae, on the other hand, show up as black, discolored streaks on the shingles. Many homeowners often mistake algae for mold or mildew, but algae are much easier to treat.

Why are Moss and Algae So Bad?

Moss often starts growing between roofing shingles, making it hard to spot initially. Once it gets going, it applies pressure between the shingles, pushing them up and out of place, leaving space for moisture to creep in around and under the shingles. The more moisture that gets in, the more damage to the roof and the ceiling below.

Algae show up as dark streaky stains on the roof. While there’s no evidence yet that algae actually damage asphalt shingles, the jury is still out on the long-term effects it may have on other types of roofing materials in Overland Park. Since it’s so unsightly, homeowners should take steps to remove it as soon as possible.

How to Get Rid of Moss and Algae

Fortunately, removing moss and algae is one Overland Park roofing chore that most homeowners can tackle on their own. If caught soon enough, it won’t be necessary to replace any shingles.

Here’s how to remove moss and algae from the roof:

• Hose off the roof, then brush all the loose moss off (if applicable to your situation).
• Spray the roof with a 50/50 mixture of water and chlorine bleach. This is effective for both moss and algae. Wet the roof before applying the solution.
• Let the solution sit for 20 – 45 minutes. Scrub lightly to remove moss and algae, then rinse off.

Alternatively, there are chemical solutions available at the hardware or home supply store for this purpose. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions.

Call in Roofing Contractors in Overland Park, KS

If all this seems burdensome – or if you’re nervous about climbing up on your roof – consider calling in Overland Park roofing professionals to help out. Shamrock Roofing and Construction is one of the your roofing contractors in Overland Park, KS. We’ve been in business for over 55 years, and we can get rid of that moss and algae in no time. Give us a call at 913-850-6556 for a free roof inspection today!