There is roof moss buildup on my 3 tab comp roof. I have heard that putting copper along the ridge line will kill the moss and keep if from reoccurring. I realize that copper flashing would be the best, if I can afford it. The other option I can think of is to string copper wire along the roof every 3 or 4 feet. Can someone give me clear guidance on this? Thanks.
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Leave the moss there.
Otherwise, it won't be a "green" house. ;)
Solar & Super-Insulated Healthy Homes
will it lift the shingles by undergrowing?
I likewise heard different opinions. One of our neighbors has a T&G roof with about 6" thick moss layer. It does not seem to do any harm.
Other neighbors scrape the moss off but in the process remove much of the granular material from the shingles which in m y opinion will do more damage than the moss.
Spraying chemicals to kill the moss would only be good for one season, then more moss would grow on the old organic base.hmmmm
i don't know the answer but i'm going to tag along as i have a wood roof that may need a lawn mower this summer.... larry
if a man speaks in the forest,and there's not a woman to hear him,is he still wrong?
Larry, Thanks. I found this site http://www.roofbeclean.com/page/page/853837.htm
and I will continue on for a bit more. Stay tuned, Bob
in my area i see all kinds of houses with metal strips on the roof, i believe it is zinc. a lot cheaper than copper i'm sure.
To all, I found this in reference to the copper question. Here is the link.
http://www.askthebuilder.com/539-Removing-Moss-and-Algae-From-Roofs.shtml
the copper flashing will make a big difference
the copper wire won't ....not enough material will leach out of the wire
zinc is more traditional, but not as effective as copper
Edited 2/27/2008 7:59 pm ET by MikeSmith
Mike, thank you for the input. It sounds like you have had some experience with this. It must be a timely topic as there seems to be a lot of interest in this today. Now I'm off to find the best deal on flashing. Bob
a lot of the shingle mfr's are adding copper ganules to their higher end roofing
it's an option with most of them... commonly called AR ( algae resistant )Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Mike, you're a font of knowledge today! Just offhand, do you know if these granules can be applied to older comp shingles? Somehow, I don't think they can but one never knows. With the price of Copper being what it is, where would be the best place to begin looking. Thanks Again, Bob
if you could buy the granules, they'd all wind up in the gutter or on the ground after the first big rain
the flashing doesn't have to be waterproof, or even big pieces. it can be 3" strips
and it can be used, doesn't have to be new, nu ?
if you find a good source for zinc... that'll work almost as good.... whichever fits your budgetMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Thanks Mike, I get the picture, and now I need to get some copper flashing. Bob
How about painting a strip across the ridge with bottom paint, the type used on boats. Ablative copper finish...should work, right?
Saw this stuff at my local True Value, looks interesting. Plan to try some on sone surfaces here.
Sprayandforget.com
Sprinkle a small amount of Tide clothes washing detergent across the mossy areas and the roof.
It will take care of the problem.
I am assuming that Tide liquid diluted in a garden sprayer wouldn't work. Is that correct?
I couldn't say for sure. My roofer tol dme about the use of the detergent, I tried it with success using the powder or granulated, no scented style. Several others here at BT have also heard of this solution and have also said it works.
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
Thanks, It's certainly worth a try. Bob
I have heard of the zinc strips never the copper. Had a roof with the same problem tried a hose end wash Mossicide? (is that the correct term) it did not do much at all. I think the answer is something on going like zinc or copper strips try both report back. We replaced the roof last fall it was ten years past its time.
Wallyo
Zinc strips are readily available here for this purpose from the real roofing / siding supply houses - not likely to find them at the big box. I suspect they are way cheaper than copper.
Can be retrofitted or during re-roof. Directions on bundle said to run a row of strips as near the ridge as possible.
No first hand experience.
Jim
PS: Went to a scrap metal yard last week with about 70 lbs of aluminum siding to sell - got $0.50 / lb for my aluminum. Same day, they were buying scrap copper for $3. / lb.