How to Get Rid of Moss on a Concrete Tile Roof
A roof with moss growing on it can be dangerous as well as unsightly. Moss grows best in moist, shaded areas such as areas of your roof covered by tree branches. Moss can grow between the cracks in your concrete roof tiles, get down to the plywood sheeting and framing underneath and cause damage. It will also cause your roof to be slippery and dangerous if you ever have the need to walk on it.
What You’ll Need
- Tree pruners
- Hand saw
- Gutter scoop
- Extension ladder or tall A-frame ladder
- Scrub brush on a pole
- Metal scraper
- Zinc Strips
- Hammer
- Nails
- Trim back any branches that are hanging over your house creating shade. Moss grows most on the north side, so any tall trees that create shade on the north part of your roof will need to be trimmed back as well. The more sunlight that reaches your roof, the less moss growth you will have.
- Clean your gutters with a gutter scoop. It is important to keep leaves and debris off of your roof and out of your gutter to allow water to drain easily and help prevent moss from growing. Clean your gutters several times a year, especially in the fall.
- Set the ladder up safely in an area that allows you to reach your roof. If you have a two-story house you may need an extension ladder. Make sure the ladder is sturdy before you climb it.
- Scrub the moss with the scrub brush, working from the top of the tile down to avoid loosening any tiles. If scrubbing the tiles isn’t enough, you may have to get up on the roof and scrape them. Be very careful if you have to get on the roof because the moss will make it slippery. If the roof is too steep or you don’t feel safe, you should avoid this step and hire a professional.
- Place zinc strips at the roofline in areas where the moss is particularly heavy. Nail the zinc strips in place with a hammer. The zinc will slowly run off when it rains and help kill the moss.