What products remove moss from a roof?
Short answer. Roof moss removal takes two kinds of products: a killer labeled for roofs (zinc sulfate powder, soap based spray, quaternary ammonium spray, or diluted bleach) and gentle removal tools such as a soft brush, a plastic edged pusher, and a garden hose. Pressure washers and metal scrapers are not moss removal products for asphalt shingles.
Killing products
- Zinc sulfate powder or granules: slow, long lasting, easy to spread along a ridge.
- Soap based sprays: fast acting on visible moss.
- Quaternary ammonium sprays: spray and leave; rain removes the dead growth over weeks.
- Diluted bleach: immediate kill plus stain removal.
Removal tools
- Soft bristle brush on a handle or extension pole.
- Plastic putty knife or blunt plastic pusher for stubborn edges, used downslope only.
- Garden hose at normal pressure for rinsing.
- Gutter scoop to clear moss that washes down.
Application and safety gear
- Garden pump sprayer with a wand, or a hose end sprayer.
- Goggles, chemical resistant gloves and soft soled shoes.
- Plastic sheeting or tarps for plants.
- A stable ladder with standoff arms so it does not rest on the gutter.
What to leave on the shelf
- Pressure washers, even with a soft wash nozzle, unless the operator uses true low pressure application.
- Wire brushes and metal scrapers.
- Iron sulfate lawn products, which can stain shingles.
Prevention products
Zinc or copper strips near the ridge and algae resistant shingles at replacement keep moss and algae from returning as quickly. See moss and lichen on roofs and trees and your roof.