Moss might look harmless—or even charming—on old stone walls, but when it starts growing on your roof in Englewood, it’s bad news. The humid, coastal climate here creates the perfect breeding ground for moss, which can trap moisture against your shingles, leading to rot, leaks, and expensive repairs.
If you’ve spotted green patches creeping across your roof, don’t wait—here’s how to get rid of moss before it wrecks your shingles.
Key Takeaways
- Moss spreads fast in shady, damp areas and can damage shingles if left untreated.
- A soft-bristle brush, garden hose, and moss-killing solution help remove moss without harming the roof.
- A second treatment may be needed for stubborn moss, especially on older or heavily shaded roofs.
- Trimming trees, cleaning gutters, and adding metal strips help keep moss from coming back.
How to Remove Moss from Your Roof in Englewood: 7 Steps to Protect Your Shingles
The sooner you tackle moss, the easier it is to remove—and the less damage it can cause to your roof. If your Englewood home is surrounded by trees or located in a shaded area, moss buildup can happen faster than you think.
Follow these seven simple steps to clear it and keep your roof in top shape.
Step 1: Assess the Damage
Before tackling the moss, take a good look at your roof.
Moss typically thrives in shaded, damp areas, so check spots where trees hang over your home or where the morning dew lingers the longest. If the moss has been there a while, you might also see signs of damage, like curling or lifting shingles.
If you notice missing shingles or water damage inside your attic, it’s best to call a professional for a roof inspection before proceeding.
Step 2: Gather the Right Tools
To remove moss safely, you’ll need:
- A sturdy ladder
- Safety harness (for steep roofs)
- Soft-bristle brush or broom
- Garden hose (low pressure)
- Moss-killing solution (store-bought or DIY)
- Protective gloves and eyewear
Avoid using pressure washers—while they might seem like a quick fix, they can strip away the protective granules on your shingles, leading to premature wear.
Step 3: Gently Remove Loose Moss
Using a soft-bristle brush or broom, gently sweep away the moss. Start at the highest point of the affected area and work downward to prevent shingle damage.
Avoid heavy scrubbing—moss may seem harmless, but aggressive brushing can loosen the protective granules on your shingles, making them more vulnerable to Englewood’s harsh sun and afternoon rain showers.
For thicker moss, lightly mist it with a garden hose on low pressure before brushing. This softens the moss and makes removal easier without forcing water under the shingles.
If you live near Lemon Bay or in tree-covered areas like Overbrook Gardens, moss buildup can be more stubborn due to high humidity and shade from large oaks and palms.
In these areas, regular roof checks can help catch moss early before it spreads and causes costly damage.
Step 4: Apply a Moss-Killing Solution
Once you’ve removed the bulk of the moss, it’s time to kill off any remaining spores.
You can use a commercial moss killer or make a DIY solution with equal parts water and white vinegar or water and bleach (50:50 mix).
- Apply the solution with a garden sprayer, letting it soak for about 15–20 minutes.
- Rinse gently with a garden hose on low pressure.
Never over-saturate your roof, as excess water can seep under shingles and cause leaks.
Step 5: Rinse and Check for Residue
After rinsing, check for any remaining moss.
Some stubborn patches might need a second application.
If you live in Old Englewood Village, where historic homes often have aging roofs, you might need to repeat this process more than once to fully clear the moss.
Step 6: Prevent Future Moss Growth
Getting rid of moss is one thing, but keeping it from coming back is just as important.
Start by trimming back overhanging branches so your roof gets more sunlight—moss thrives in damp, shady areas.
Another great solution is installing zinc or copper strips along the roof ridge; when it rains, these metals release tiny amounts of moss-killing particles that help prevent regrowth. That said, ARMA warns that adding them to an existing roof can cause issues—like exposed nails or breaking the sealant bond—which may lead to leaks or wind damage.
They’re better added during a full roof replacement.
You’ll also want to keep your gutters clean since clogged gutters trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for moss to spread.
And finally, don’t skip regular maintenance—a quick annual roof inspection can catch moss before it becomes a bigger problem.
If you live near Manasota Key, where the sea breeze brings extra humidity, you may need to clean your roof more often to keep moss under control.
Step 7: Know When to Call a Professional
If moss has already lifted or damaged shingles, it’s time to call in the experts.
A professional contractor can safely remove moss, inspect for underlying damage, and make necessary roof repairs.
At Galloway Roofing, we specialize in roof cleaning, moss removal, and shingle repair in Englewood. Whether you’re in Bay Harbor Estates or Englewood Isles, we’ll help keep your roof in top shape.
Don’t wait until moss causes costly damage.
Call us today at 941-697-3737 for a free estimate!
