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If you’ve got a roof moss problem, zinc strips for roof moss ( or an actual entire roof made of zinc) may solve all your problems. Zinc strips have been used for decades to keep moss from growing on roofs, as rain rolls over the metal in the strip, stopping water from collecting on your roof – which leads to roof moss.
Before you start applying the strips to your roof, it’s essential to understand how they work and whether there are risks associated with using zinc strips for your roof. It’s good that you’re on this article because we’ve got your ultimate guide to using zinc strips for roof moss, which will cover all your burning questions.
Disclosure
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.
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What Are Zinc Strips?
Zinc strips have been used for years to prevent roof moss. This is because the metal in the strips is poisonous to moss – and any other kind of plants, for that matter.
Roofs tend to get a lot of moisture, especially in rainy climates and winter (think snow on your roof). This moisture is the perfect environment for plants like moss, algae, and mold – as they thrive off moisture.
Over time, once these get a hold of the moisture on your roof, they can spread quickly, which can jeopardize the quality and structure of your roof. Not to mention the awful stains they leave behind on your beautiful roof!
How Do Zinc Strips Work?
Zinc strips for roof moss work by slowly releasing zinc particles when rainwater hits the strips. Instead of collecting on the roof, the water runs off and stops moss and other plant growth on your roof.
The metal is poisonous to the moss; once the strips are applied, the growing moss will gradually die and fall off, leaving your roof moss free. You may be left with some stains, but this isn’t as bad as having an overgrowth of moss on your roof.
Do Zinc Strips Work To Prevent Roof Moss?
The short answer to this is a resounding YES! Unfortunately, though, they won’t get rid of your moss problem permanently. Studies have found that zinc strips are effective, but this wears off soon after it’s applied. This means you’ll have to use the strips often and multiple layers to control the roof moss problem over the long term effectively.
The studies showed that zinc strips lose effectiveness after about five years, so they must be maintained. This is something you need to factor into your decision as to whether to use zinc strips for roof moss or another option.
Disadvantages Of Zinc Strips
Including the need to be maintained, zinc strips for roof moss have a couple of disadvantages.
1. Principles Of Good Roofing
The nails will be exposed if you install the zinc strips after the roof is constructed. Though this doesn’t sound like a big deal, the nail hole will loosen over time, and rainwater can seep in as this happens. This is the start of erosion which is a bigger nightmare than roof moss as it means your roof won’t be viable anymore.
2. Uneven Treatment Of The Roof
Initially, when installed, you’ll have some beautifully even flat zinc strips for roof moss. However, after some time, the flat zinc will start bending slightly and won’t be consistent.
This will cause an uneven treatment on your roof, where some parts help with the roof moss while others don’t. The uneven flow creates inconsistent effectiveness, which will be visible. This means that you’ll have to replace the zinc strips again after some time.
3. Zinc Cracks And Breaks
Although zinc is highly durable, like the irregular bending of the zinc strips on your roof, within five years, the zinc strips will weaken and break in irregular places. Especially if not installed properly, the strips will move around and even cause slight damage to your roof.
4. Requires Large Roll Of Zinc Strips
If you’ve got a large house with a lot of roof space, you will need a large roll of zinc strips for roof moss to help cover the surface area. You’ll also have to install it in a zebra effect to ensure it’s effective and worth the time you put in.
Skimping on the material will mean that your treatment won’t be effective, and you’ll find spots of roof moss on your roof. Not a great look.
5. Requires Safety Equipment
Roofs aren’t safe to be on, let alone installing zinc strips for roof moss. If you’ve got a beautiful home with a complex roofing structure, you’ll need to consider how steep your roof is and how to scale the side of your roof to get into the corners. Many homeowners who choose to do this have been seriously injured or killed when attempting anything on their roofs.
Heights over 10 feet require full safety gear, with certified anchors, ropes, lanyards, and body harnesses. So make sure that you consider your safety seriously when you’re looking to install zinc strips on your roof. You will need to look into your local health and safety rules to ensure that you have the right equipment.
Risks Associated With Zinc Strips
We’ve discussed the disadvantages of using zinc strips, but there are also risks to your roof that will have a more lasting impact than the zinc strips themselves. First, zinc strips require being nailed into your roof.
Doing this could break the shingles or cause gaps on your roof, leading to potential leaks. This will be far trickier to fix than finding an alternative treatment to zinc strips for roof moss.
Applying Zinc Strips To A Roof
Once you’ve secured your safety equipment, the strips must be installed under all ridge caps, whether straight or on an angle. You’ll need to do this for about 15 feet, and another 15 feet will need to be installed further down.
We recommend getting in touch with a professional if you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself.
Other Options For Moss Control
Zinc strips for roof moss aren’t your only option for moss control on your roof. The most cost-effective way to control moss and algae on your roof is to make sure you periodically clean your roof. Some other options include:
- Use metal roofing like steel. This is the most expensive option, but it guarantees no moss will ever grow on your roof.
- Trimming trees nearby will prevent moss on your roof. This is because moss spores can be found on mature trees, which then land on your roof, starting the moss growth.
Another reason is pruning your trees will increase your roof’s sunlight exposure. This helps with the moisture on your roof: the more sun, the less moisture, meaning the less moss will grow.
- Use a chemical treatment. These can be found at your local hardware store and involve regularly cleaning your roof and applying the treatment.
Zinc Strip Options
If you’re unsure which zinc strips for roof moss you should buy, here are some options you can try. Remember, you must ensure you have the right measurements for your roof before making a purchase.
Do Zinc Strips Work To Prevent Moss Growth On Your Roof?
In a nutshell, zinc strips can be somewhat effective for controlling moss growth. When rainwater hits the strips, they slowly release particles that inhibit moss growth. This stops the growth of the unsightly moss on your roof. However, as mentioned above, this isn’t a permanent fix and will require upkeep over time.
Where Do You Put Zinc Strips On Your Roof?
Zinc strips will need to be installed along both sides of the roof ridge, with most of the strip left exposed. This is because the exposed strip will oxidize and form zinc oxide. As it rains, the zinc oxide will run down the roof and help inhibit moss and mildew growth.
Is Zinc Or Copper Better For Roof Moss?
Zinc is highly durable, which makes it an appealing option. However, copper lasts for over 200 years, making it an even better solution. Copper strips are installed the same way the zinc is, so they still come with the same risks and disadvantages as the zinc strips for roof moss.
Why Would You Put Zinc On Your Roof?
Zinc is a roofing material because it can last up to 100 years. Zinc is fire-resistant, insect-proof, and prohibits the reproduction of mold, mildew, and fungus.
So there you have it, our ultimate guide to zinc strips for roof moss. We’ve discussed the advantages, disadvantages, and risks of installing zinc strips.
This should help you make an informed decision on whether zinc strips for roof moss are the best option for your roof or whether you should explore one of the other options, like a chemical treatment (for existing roofs) or installing a metal roof (for a new home).
Either way, you have a couple of options at your disposal, so take a look at your roof and decide which is the best way to go. Remember, your safety is paramount, so make sure that whatever option you choose, you do it safely.
