Downspout flushing
Moss and debris are cleared from gutters and downspouts to finish the job.
A roofing contractor in Millburn can clear moss off shingle, cedar shake and tile roofs without pressure washing, then repair any shingles the moss has lifted, without stripping granules or breaking the roofing. Dial (973) 858-1841 to talk with a local roofer about the moss.
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. As clumps grow thicker, they push up the bottom edges of shingles, which lets wind-driven rain and melting snow wick back under the laps. On cedar roofs, constant moisture from moss leads to soft, rotting shakes, and freeze-thaw cycles add more damage.
Shade and moisture are what moss needs, so it follows the parts of a roof that see the least sun. North-facing slopes, sections under overhanging trees, areas below a taller roof or wall and roofs near standing water tend to grow it first. Spores spread easily, so a few tufts this year can cover a slope in a few seasons.
It helps to note what you see from the ground before the visit. Note which slopes have moss, how thick it looks and whether any shingles appear lifted, curled or missing. 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 Millburn roofer may also recommend roof cleaning or cedar shake roof repair.
Dealing with this in Millburn, NJ right now? Call (973) 858-1841 to talk to a local roofer.
Call nowGood moss removal clears the growth and kills the roots without hurting the roof.
Before removal, the roof is checked for damage the moss may be hiding, such as lifted shingles or soft shakes. Moss on a wet roof is slick, so roof access is planned with fall protection.
Loose moss is brushed or scraped downward from the top of each course, never pushed upward against the laps. No pressure washing, which would tear up the surface.
The roof is sprayed with a moss killer suited to the roofing material. Gardens under the eaves are soaked ahead of time.
Downspouts are flushed and gutters cleaned after the removal. Clearing the gutters keeps water moving off the roof.
Shingles the moss pried up are reset, and metal strips are added to slow regrowth. Trimming back branches that shade the roof also helps.
Moss and debris are cleared from gutters and downspouts to finish the job.
Damaged roofing under the moss is repaired so water stays out.
Zinc or copper strips are installed just below the ridge to keep moss from returning quickly.
A moss killer is applied to the roof surface to slow regrowth.
The bulk of the growth is cleared without pressure washing without lifting the laps.
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.
In Millburn, the best approach for heavy moss is to brush off the bulk and treat what remains. A treatment after brushing kills the roots left in the shingle keyways. Zinc or copper strips near the ridge add ongoing protection as rain washes over them.
Taking moss off a roof the right way means working gently and always downslope. The roofer uses soft brushes or plastic scrapers and pushes moss down the roof, never up under the shingle edges. High-pressure spray is not used on roofs with moss, since it causes more damage than the moss.
If you see moss on your Millburn roof, do not climb up to scrape it yourself, since moss on a roof is extremely slippery. Stay off any roof that is wet, mossy or icy. After removal, the roofer can repair any shingles the moss damaged.
In Millburn, moss tends to grow first on the slopes that stay damp longest after rain. From Millburn out to neighboring towns such as Vauxhall, Springfield, Short Hills and Union, older roofs often need moss removal plus shingle repair while newer ones usually just need the growth cleared and treated, so dealing with small patches early keeps the roof from needing repairs later.
For roof moss removal in Millburn, NJ or nearby towns like Vauxhall, Springfield, Short Hills and Union, call (973) 858-1841 to reach a roofer who covers your street.
Cold winters bring snow, ice and a long stretch of freezing nights. Heat escaping from the attic melts snow on the upper roof, and the water refreezes at the colder eaves, building ice dams that push water up under the shingles. Strong coastal storms push rain into every weak spot at the flashing and valleys. Most homeowners in Millburn, NJ have the roof checked in the fall and again after the snow melts.
A roof problem fixed early rarely spreads to the decking, the insulation or the ceilings.
Roofers in Millburn know the roof types and weather wear common in local homes.
Ask the roofer about the cause, the options and the estimate before work starts.
More questions? Call (973) 858-1841
Low-pressure roof cleaning that removes dark streaks without stripping granules, with plants and gutters protected along the way.
Learn moreRepairs 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 moreHand-cleaned gutters and flushed downspouts, with debris bagged and hauled away, so the next storm drains the way it should.
Learn moreShingle by shingle repairs that keep a sound roof in service, matched to the shingles already on the house.
Learn moreLooking for something else?
See all roofing servicesCall (973) 858-1841 for a local roofer in Millburn and nearby towns.