Power Washing and Roof Cleaning Forum

Patrick G · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Moss.... Lichen...........

Capital Roof Wash · Approved Exterior Cleaner

I don't run into moss that often but when I do, it turns white instantly and kills it but it takes a few weeks for the roots that are embeded in the asphalt shingles to become brittle and be able to be safely removed or washed away during a good rain. I use this brush I bought from the local pool store along with a 16 foot extention pole to lightly brush over the moss with the weight of the brush itself (no pressure). It doesn't completely remove the moss but it certainly speeds up mother natures process.

I also use this to remove leaves from valleys on roofs that are un-walkable and roofs that are walkable, it's pretty handy to brush off gutter guards. Whole set up is about $40.

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-- Edited by Capital Roof Wash on Tuesday 5th of November 2013 10:46:13 PM

Zach Maynard · Approved Exterior Cleaner

We tell everyone it could take up to 6 months. We have not had any calls about any issues.

Liberty SoftWash · PWS Vender

No we spray it with a heavy mix and let them know it will time time to come off. We have never rinsed a roof.

Ed Thompson · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Pat, we figure 1 in 12 will need a return. I even tell customers this may happen and if it does we will come out within a week at our convenience. It's easy for me because I just send the nearest truck there that week. It sucks 100x more when you personally have to go yourself.

It reminds when I was plumbing. This old guy Jack would put like 10' of snake in the sewer then tell the people it will clear up in a few days. He would collect the check and drive away leaving the sewer still backed up.

Patrick G · Approved Exterior Cleaner

My problem with the Lichen and moss this year was we just didn't get enough rain......it all dies but just sat there....I aske Art to rinse it but he said no....I had to do it!

Dave · Approved Exterior Cleaner

We have a lot of roofs we do that have moss and lichen on them. What I have noticed is the moss and lichen comes off in 3-4 weeks, unless it is under tree branches, or a lack of rain. We will rinse the part of the roof that is under heavy branch growth because these areas never seem to come clean even after heavy rains.

Capital Roof Wash · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Dave, we have a lot of huge oak trees that overhang roofs around here that are covered in ferns. The ferns thrive in humid, shady areas and migrate to the roof shingles. I had one roof that was partially covered with small ferns and in some areas, you could not even see the shingles. Two doses of a hot roof mix and they didn't stand a chance. I just left it alone and in a few weeks the ferns became so brittle they washed away with a few good rains.

Dave · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Ferns growing on roofs, haven't seen that up here. I have seen certain moss stems growing a couple inches high, but no ferns..

Capital Roof Wash · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Tree ferns, along with Spanish Moss is very common here in Tallahassee. If there are Live Oak trees that are overhanging any type of structure, than be rest assured there are going to be tree ferns covering the roof if it had not been taken care of.

Here's a picture of a Live Oak that's branches are coved with "tree ferns" and a link to another covered tree. They are very invasive and only need a pinhole to propagate and start multiplying as long as they have a humid environment. They can actually break down concrete block over time.

http://www.canstockphoto.com/live-oak-canopy-10562828.html

lkendall · Approved Exterior Cleaner

We get a ton of moss in the one neighborhood that has 8,500 homes in it.. If we were to leave the moss on the roof it would look like it had just snowed, and I can't imagine getting paid if I leave it like that. Most of the time we coat it heavy once, its thick enough that you get 0 runoff. Then if it is to steep we rinse it all off with a hose. If not we can go over with a light brush and then treat one more time. It does take and extra 2-3 hours, but we bid accordingly and let them know ahead of time why the price is so much higher than others.. Usually land all of the moss jobs.

Eric Schnaible · Approved Exterior Cleaner

I had been wanting to try a Moss/Lichen brush that I saw used for carpet cleaning but it was a bit pricey. I found one cheaper at Ewing and gave it a try.
Its epic, I'm totally stoked. I strongly suggest giving one a try. Here is a link to the cheapest price I found.

Art O · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Looks like a good brush Eric. I will have to put that on my winter list of things to buy.

Patrick G · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Eric do you have a photo of that roof after brushing it?