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Moss-backs In Washington State

There are people who refer to those of us in the wet northwest as "moss-backs." It is not really such an inaccurate description -- even if it is not so flattering. We get lots of rain and we have many shade trees. You put that together and we end up with moss on roofs and lichen too.

The photo below is a roof that is only seven years old. It is good quality material but it needs to have the moss removed. Even if a homeowner cannot safely get on a roof to get the moss off, it is very important to have the job done by someone. Around the Bellingham and Whatcom County area, there are many companies that will go up on a roof and, at a reasonable fee, take care of this job. If anyone local needs the name of a reliable party, give me a call. There is a fellow that I recommend, and whom I hire for some of my rental properties. The job needs to be done every year at most houses, and can often be tied in to gutter cleaning.

Thanks for stopping by,

Steven L. Smith

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Posted by Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector on 10/26/2009 09:42 PM

Comments (12)

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Originally posted at: Steven L. Smith's Blog: Moss-backs In Washington State

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12 Comments on Moss-backs In Washington State

OCT

It takes years for our houses to have moss. Imagine! Every year you have to get it off? WOW!

Steven - What, in your opinion, is the best and most environmentally friendly way to remove the moss without shortening the life of the shingles?

Hello Steve, I agree we do get a lot of moss -- some years even on the sunniest side of the roof! The darn stuff is slippery too when wet. Thanks! John

Steve, so what you are saying is that you are not lichen the moss that grows on your back?

i am so glad that i have moved away from the rain

OCT

Definately see lots of moss around here. Sometimes the roofs have so much moss its hard to see any roofing material.

Finally! We found Nutsy's real calling. Why that squirrly headed assistant of yours can clamor all over the roofs with agility. Besides that, he will work for peanuts☺☺☺

Helping you live your American dream...

I have a neighbor who spends over a week every year on her roof with a broom and a leaf blower, ensuring every last bit of moss is gone, and her roof isn't that mossy. She makes me crazy. I think she's really just avoiding her husband.

Barbara, usually. If the house has no trees or shade around it, then less problematic.

John, how they remove it depends on the quantity. Personally, I usually just recommend a light application, following manufacturer's guidelines of a moss killer made for roofs. I suggest a powder. Works very well but I know that it is a chemical.

Alexander, it can make a roof unwalkable.

Charlie Bee, you ever see moss down there?

Heather, I do not know much about your weather over therein ML. You get more snow right?

Charles, often that is the case here too.

Michael, you got it figured. Charle gets mad when I say it, but you are the smartest guy in the rain.

Marcy, hopefully she is careful about it.

No wonder that Nutsy character is so soft in the head.

The powder is a Zinc Sulphate. If used according to directions it is relatively safe (as long as you don't fall off the roof. It can be toxic to animals and fish, so don't dump it where it will get into these critters (except for nutsy. I hear he is a big druggy!) Of course, the best time to use this stuff is now. Moss grows during the rainy season and is dormant in the summer.

So out there do you lichen moss to roof carpet or spore bog?

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