Managing Moss on Your Roof, Without Toxic Chemicals

During the rainy season, moss is revived on roofs as it soaks up and stores excess rainwater. The stored water can seep under to the shingles and then through the roof underlayment and sheathing, leading to growths of mold and costly repairs from rot. This video shows 3 key tips for preventing and treating moss on your roof, without using chemicals that are highly toxic to fish and other aquatic life. Get more pesticide-free solutions at www.pesticide.org
This video was created with support from Mountain Rose Herbs and the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District.

[@rebeccajohnson1368]

So glad to see ways to treat moss not harmful to the environment

[@derphyn]

I'm so glad that Mountain Rose Herbs contributed to the making of this video. Such symbiotic relationships between businesses and organizations create winning situations for the planet and all who dwell upon it. :-)

[@elyrexo]

Every time I do some electrical work or plumbing, I chip the copper leftovers and chuck them on the flat roofs (I have 3). They are are completely moss and lichen free.

[@DianeMEmerson]

Thanks for this informative, short and clear video!

[@pestandpollinator]

I am wondering if you can just mix the baking soda in water and spray it on the roof?

[@dwizzle672]

Do not use a wire brush if you care about the warranty on your roof

[@NCAPVids]

Thanks for this important point! Yes, if you use a brush to remove remaining moss be sure to use it gently. A stiff, non-metal bristle brush is best.

[@warrentrout]

Why would you drain roof water to a storm drain? Let it soak into the yard and recharge the aquifer

[@moons4768]

I thought moss also good for insulation..didn’t know it can creates rot.

[@helenskinner5647]

What a shame people are still killing off moss when we know this wonderful plant sequesters carbon from the atmosphere more efficiently than trees.

[@foxmocs6443]

Moss is great but just not on your roof (assuming it’s not built to be a live roof)

[@meadowfjordside2825]

A wire brush on an asphalt shingle roof is pure idiocy.
Moss is not a "pest" (e.g. pesticide???)

[@NCAPVids]

Thanks for watching, and for your comments. If you use a brush to remove moss, be sure to use it gently so it doesn't harm the roof. You are right that a stiff, non-metal bristle brush is best.
Regarding your point about moss not being a pest, at NCAP we often use the broad term "pesticide" to mean any agent (for example: insecticide, herbicide, rodenticide or fungicide) that is designed to kill living organisms. Unfortunately, people often use chemical moss killers on their roofs, which then runs off into storm drains and harms aquatic organisms in waterways.