Moss brushing
The bulk of the growth is cleared without pressure washing to protect the granules.
Exterior Services
Roof Moss Removal Ridgewood, NJ
A roofing contractor in Ridgewood can clear moss off shingle, cedar shake and tile roofs without pressure washing, then repair any shingles the moss has lifted, and check for damage hidden under thick growth. Call (551) 370-0363 to reach a local roofer.
Moss is a sponge that sits on the roof, soaking up rain and keeping the shingles, shakes or tiles under it wet long after the rest of the roof dries. Moss grows into the joints and keyways between shingles and slowly pries them apart. On wood shakes it speeds up rot, and in freezing weather the water it holds can freeze and lift the roofing even more.
Moss grows wherever a roof stays damp and shaded for long stretches. It usually starts on the side of the roof that gets the least direct sun, under trees and along shingle edges where water lingers. Once it takes hold, moss spreads quickly from patch to patch.
It helps to note what you see from the ground before the visit. Write down where the moss is heaviest and whether you have noticed leaks or stains inside below those areas. Say whether the roof is asphalt, cedar shake or tile, and how much shade it gets.
If the problem goes deeper than it first looked, a Ridgewood roofer may also recommend roof cleaning or cedar shake roof repair.
Need roof moss removal in Ridgewood? Call (551) 370-0363 to talk to a local roofer.
Call nowThe process
How roof moss removal works
Good moss removal clears the growth and kills the roots without hurting the roof.
Check the damage
An inspection shows the extent of the growth and what repairs might follow. Mossy roofs are slippery, and safe access is set up first.
Brush it off
Loose moss is brushed or scraped downward from the top of each course, never pushed upward against the laps. Pressure washers are not used, since they strip granules and drive water under the roofing.
Apply moss treatment
What remains after brushing is treated so the roots die instead of regrowing. Runoff is directed away from landscaping where possible.
Clean up debris
Moss and debris that fell into the gutters and downspouts are cleared out. Clearing the gutters keeps water moving off the roof.
Repair the roofing
Any damage is repaired, and preventive strips go in below the ridge cap. Trimming back branches that shade the roof also helps.
What is included
Moss work a roofer can handle
Moss treatment
A moss killer is applied to the roof surface and washes away with rain.
Downspout flushing
Clogged gutters are emptied after the moss comes off to finish the job.
Zinc strips
Zinc or copper strips are installed just below the ridge to keep moss from returning quickly.
Shingle repair
Damaged roofing under the moss is repaired once the moss is gone.
Related service
Roof Moss Treatment Ridgewood, NJ
A moss treatment is a solution sprayed on the roof to kill the moss and the spores left in the shingle gaps. Products based on zinc or on potassium salts of fatty acids are common, and the roofer picks one that is safe for the roof type. Treated moss usually browns and detaches over time.
Many Ridgewood roofs need a combination of removal and treatment for lasting results. Treatment also protects the roof after removal by killing spores before they can regrow. Metal strips under the ridge keep treating the roof every time it rains.
Related service
Moss Removal From Roof Ridgewood, NJ
Moss removal from a roof is careful work, because brushing or scraping the wrong way can lift shingles and break seal strips. Moss is cleared from the top of the slope downward so tabs are not pried up. High-pressure spray is not used on roofs with moss, since it causes more damage than the moss.
If you see moss on your Ridgewood roof, do not climb up to scrape it yourself, since moss on a roof is extremely slippery. Never get on a roof that is wet or covered in moss. A roofer will also check what the moss was hiding and fix lifted shingles or rotted shakes while up there.
Local help
Roof Moss Removal Near Me
Around Ridgewood, moss usually takes hold on roofs that sit under trees or face away from the sun. Across Ridgewood and nearby communities including Glen Rock, Midland Park, Waldwick and Hawthorne, roofs near tall trees and on shaded lots are the ones that grow moss fastest, so dealing with small patches early keeps the roof from needing repairs later.
Need roof moss removal around Ridgewood? Call (551) 370-0363 for a Ridgewood roofer who serves the towns around it too.
Roofs in this climate
Winters here are long and cold, with snow on the roof for weeks at a time and plenty of nights below freezing. When warm attic air melts the snow, the meltwater runs down and freezes again at the eaves, which is how ice dams form and back water up under the shingles. Coastal storms and heavy spring rain drive water sideways into flashing, valleys and old chimneys. Most homeowners in Ridgewood, NJ have the roof checked in the fall and again after the snow melts.
Why call
Why fix it now
Less damage
Small roof problems caught early usually stay small repairs.
Familiar with local homes
Roofers in Ridgewood know the roof types and weather wear common in local homes.
Clear next steps
Ask the roofer about the cause, the options and the estimate before work starts.
Common questions about roof moss removal
How do I keep moss off my roof?
Keeping moss away depends on sunlight, airflow and prevention strips. Trimming branches and keeping gutters clear also help the roof dry faster. Catching regrowth early keeps it from spreading.
Does moss mean I need a new roof?
Moss on its own does not mean a roof needs replacing. Long-term moss can damage shingles or shakes, which may need replacement in spots. If the roof is old and badly damaged, replacement may be worth considering.
Does moss damage a roof?
Moss damages roofs by holding water against the roofing and lifting shingle edges. It can also clog gutters and speed up rot on wood shakes. Small patches are easy to deal with before they spread.
What is the right way to remove roof moss?
A roofer brushes off the bulk of the moss and then applies a treatment to kill what is left. Pressure washing is avoided because it damages shingles and shakes. Metal strips near the ridge slow regrowth.
Is it safe to scrape moss off my roof?
Getting on a mossy roof is dangerous, even when it seems dry. Brushing upward or using high pressure can cause leaks. Call (551) 370-0363 to have a roofer handle it.
More questions? Call (551) 370-0363
Other services that may help
Roof Cleaning
Cleaning black algae streaks, lichen, dirt and debris off shingle, tile and metal roofs, so the roof looks clean without being damaged.
Learn moreCedar Shake Roof Repair
Repairs for split shakes, rot at the butts, moss buildup and leaking valleys on wood roofs, matched to what a close look at the roof actually finds.
Learn moreGutter Cleaning
Clearing clogged gutters and downspouts so rain drains away from the house, before overflow rots the fascia.
Learn moreShingle Roof Repair
Shingle by shingle repairs that keep a sound roof in service, matched to the shingles already on the house.
Learn more
Looking for something else?
See all roofing servicesGet roof moss removal help in Ridgewood
Call (551) 370-0363 to talk to a roofer serving Ridgewood, NJ.