Moss-covered roofs might look charming on a cabin in the woods, but in Fargo, they spell trouble. With our cold winters, heavy snowfall, and humid summers, moss can take root on shingles and lead to moisture damage, rot, and even ice dams when temperatures drop.
If you’ve noticed green patches creeping across your roof, it’s time to act before the problem worsens.
Want to keep your home looking better than the rest of the block?
Here are 10 expert-approved ways to remove moss from your roof—and stay ahead of your neighbors in curb appeal!
Key Takeaways
- Moss can harm your roof, but a soft brush and DIY solutions help remove small patches before they spread.
- Zinc or copper strips and store-bought moss killers offer long-term protection against regrowth without damaging your shingles.
- Clogged gutters, overhanging branches, and poor attic ventilation create moisture, making roofs a perfect place for moss to grow.
- Heavy moss damage may require shingle replacement or professional cleaning to keep your roof looking its best.
How to Remove Moss From Your Roof in Fargo Like a Pro
If you’re ready to restore your roof and prevent moss from coming back, these 10 proven strategies will do the trick—while keeping your home looking better than the rest of the block.
1. Use a Garden Hose and Soft Brush
For minor moss buildup, a simple scrub with a soft-bristle brush and water can remove patches before they spread.
Start at the highest point of your roof and work downward to avoid lifting shingles. Avoid pressure washers, as they can strip away the protective granules from asphalt shingles, causing premature wear.
Neighbor Advantage: A gentle cleaning ensures your shingles stay intact while removing moss safely.
2. Apply a DIY Moss Removal Solution
A homemade mix of half water and half white vinegar, or one part bleach to three parts water can kill moss effectively. Spray the solution on affected areas, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with a garden hose.
This method works best during Fargo’s milder spring and summer months when moss is actively growing.
Neighbor Advantage: A fast and affordable way to clear up moss without hiring a pro.
3. Install Zinc or Copper Strips
Zinc and copper are natural moss inhibitors.
By installing these strips at your roof’s peak, rainwater will wash small amounts of metal over your shingles, preventing moss from returning. Homes in West Acres and Osgood can use this method to keep their roofs pristine year-round.
Zinc’s long-lasting benefits aren’t just theory—around 80% of roofs in Paris are made with it.
The roofing material holds up so well that traditional zinc roofing techniques were even recognized by UNESCO. That kind of durability and low upkeep is exactly why we recommend zinc here in Fargo’s tough weather.
Neighbor Advantage: Long-term moss prevention keeps your roof cleaner than your neighbors’.
4. Use a Professional-Grade Moss Killer
Fargo’s Menards, Home Depot, and Ace Hardware on 13th Avenue sell moss-killing solutions specifically designed for roofs. Look for zinc- or potassium-based products, which are tough on moss but won’t harm your shingles.
Neighbor Advantage: A professional-strength treatment ensures long-term moss control.
5. Keep Your Gutters Clear
Moss loves damp, shaded areas, and clogged gutters can trap moisture, making the problem worse. Given Fargo’s heavy snowfall and spring melt, keeping gutters clean is essential.
Clear them at least twice a year, especially after fall leaves drop and before winter hits.
Neighbor Advantage: Clean gutters prevent moss while also reducing the risk of ice dams.
6. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
Moss thrives in cool, shaded areas.
If large trees around your home—like the ones lining Broadway or Rose Creek Parkway—are blocking sunlight, trimming back branches can dry out your roof and prevent moss from spreading.
Neighbor Advantage: More sun exposure dries out moss faster than on shaded homes.
7. Sweep Off Leaves and Debris Regularly
Leaves, pine needles, and dirt can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for moss.
A simple roof broom or blower can clear debris after Fargo’s frequent summer storms, preventing moss from getting a foothold.
Neighbor Advantage: A consistently clean roof looks better and lasts longer.
8. Improve Attic Ventilation
Moss doesn’t just grow from external moisture.
Poor attic ventilation can cause condensation, leading to damp shingles. Homes in older neighborhoods like Hawthorne and Madison often have outdated ventilation, making them more prone to moss issues.
If your attic feels stuffy in summer or damp in winter, you may need better airflow.
Even the City of Lancaster is addressing this—its 2025 budget sets aside funds to upgrade ventilation in municipal buildings to combat moisture problems like algae buildup.
That tells you how big of a deal proper airflow really is.
Neighbor Advantage: A well-ventilated attic keeps moss at bay and improves energy efficiency.
9. Replace Heavily Moss-Damaged Shingles
If moss has gone untreated for years, it can eat away at shingles, causing them to curl, warp, or even rot. If you’re noticing soft spots, missing shingles, or leaks, it might be time for a partial or full roof replacement.
Neighbor Advantage: A fresh roof instantly makes your home look newer and more valuable.
10. Schedule a Professional Roof Cleaning
If moss has already spread across your roof, it may require a professional cleaning.
Experts use low-pressure washing and specialized treatments to kill moss at the root without damaging shingles. Homeowners in Eagle Run and Southpointe must schedule yearly cleanings to maintain curb appeal and avoid expensive roof repairs.
Neighbor Advantage: Professional cleaning ensures a spotless, like-new roof.
Want the Best-Looking Roof in the Neighborhood?
Moss removal isn’t just about protecting your home. It’s about keeping your roof looking better than the rest of the block.
At Allstar Construction, we specialize in moss removal, preventative treatments, and full roof replacements to help Fargo homeowners maintain their home’s value and curb appeal.
Don’t let your roof be the mossy eyesore on the street!
Call us today at 701-409-2709 for a free estimate, and let’s keep your home looking its best.
