How To Clean Moss Off Slate Roof

Hose off and brush all moss loose from your roof shingles.

How to clean moss off slate roof.

Cleaning asphalt shingles of clumps of moss or algae that have taken root in the roof can feel like an overwhelming endeavor. Set up a ladder so you can access the roof. With moss and algae type growth a soft brush a hose sprayer and a lot of elbow grease will get it off. Clean slate roofs in hot weather so they dry fast or at least on a clear day with plenty of sunlight.

If you have moss mold or rust spots that are reachable gently scrub them with a medium stiff brush and a solution of 1 4 cup general household cleaner to one gallon of water. Use the tool to gently lift away matted moss that has gathered on the flat sections of the shingles. A vinyl leaf rake can clean harder to reach spots. Take hold of the soft bristle brush and scrub away any remaining moss.

Run a hose fitted with a spray nozzle up to the roof. Climb up to the roof and begin scraping off dead moss from the shingles using a putty knife or painter s 5 in 1 tool and working from the bottom up. Point the hose towards the top of the roof and rinse off the moss killing solution along with the dead moss. With more severe environmental staining from tree sap and or pollution you may need a pressure washer 3800psi.

There are many ways to remove moss that tends to grow in shaded areas. We ve heard that a 24 ft extension pole and a 12 5 inch wall washer can work well when attached to a pressure washer. Rinse the roof again with the hose to remove any remaining loose moss sitting on the roof. Once the moss has been thoroughly eradicated from the roof take steps to keep moss from returning.

Moss can tear through slate shingles with its roots and can promote excess dampness that rots the wood beneath your slate shingles.