This news item expired on Friday, July 1, 2005 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
If your roof is looking more like your front yard, there are some steps you can take without dragging the mower on the roof.
- Scrape away as much moss as possible. A power washer works to remove moss, lichen and algae but be careful not to damage your roof with the tools.
- Keep all organic debris such as leaves and branches off your roof, deck or patio.
- Remove branches that overhang your roof and decks to allow direct sunlight and good aeration to reach your roof.
- Use commercial moss removers to keep moss and algae from returning. These are best applied when the moss is actively growing. If possible, apply them during a dry spell.
Substances containing Zinc Sulfate are relatively safe around plants and are available for home use. It comes in a granular form for dry application. Since Zinc will corrode copper it should not be used if gutters or downspouts are made of copper. Always read the label for directions and to make sure it controls the fungi you're trying to eliminate.
Once you have eliminated the problem, zinc galvanized ridge caps, copper flashing or copper wires on the roof can be used to help prevent moss and other growth from reoccurring. As it rains, small amounts of the metal will leach down the roof to help prevent moss, lichen and algae from taking hold. The metal flashing or wire protects from the roof ridge to 10 -15 feet down the roof. For larger roofs, wire may be strung at points across the peak of the roof and across the halfway point. This will help protect the entire surface from growth.
For more information please call the Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 255-5522.