Is Hiring a Professional Worth It? A Cost Comparison of Moss Removal vs Roof Repairs

The Moss on your roof might seem like a picturesque addition, however appearances can be deceiving. While the moss may look harmless, it actually causes significant damage if left untreated. 

You may wonder whether it's worth investing in professional moss removal services or just do your best to remove it and pay for repairs? Well let’s answer those questions.

In this article, we are going to delve into the costs associated with professional moss removal versus the expenses of repairing or replacing a roof.

We wrote this to help you make an informed decision about the best course of action for your home’s situation.

Understanding the Risks of Moss on Your Roof:

Before we dive into the cost comparison, let's assess why moss can be detrimental to your roof. Moss tends to thrive in shaded and damp areas, making Alaskan roofs particularly susceptible. Once a moss growth takes hold, it causes several problems:

Water Damage: Moss retains a lot of moisture, which over time can seep into the roof's shingles or tiles as the roots grow into the materials, leading to rot and deterioration.

Structural Damage: As moss spreads, it can lift shingles or tiles. This defeats the design of the roofing materials compromising the structure and integrity of the roof.

Reduced Lifespan: A roof infested with moss is certain to have a shorter lifespan, necessitating premature repairs or replacement. Proactive maintenance and treatments can go a long way in the longevity of your roof.

Given these risks, addressing moss growth promptly is crucial to maintaining the long-term health of your roof.

The Costs of Professional Moss Removal:

Professional moss removal services typically involve a thorough cleaning of the roof, gutters and downspouts to eliminate moss, algae, and other debris. This proper maintenance ensures that your roofing components function and drain water properly, the number one cause of roof damage.

The cost of these services varies depending on factors such as the size of the roof, the extent of the moss infestation, and the location of the property. On average, Alaskan homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $1500 for professional moss removal, with larger or more complex roofs commanding higher prices.

This may seem like a significant expense, but it's smart to consider the long-term savings of investing in a proactive professional moss removal approach. By removing moss with proper treatments, you can prevent expensive damage to your roof and extend its lifespan, saving many thousands of dollars to repair or replace your roof.

The Cost of Roof Repair or Replacement:

Unchecked moss growth can lead to a host of problems that may require extensive roof repairs or eventually replacements. The cost of these scenarios varies widely depending on the nature and severity of the damage. Common issues associated with moss damaged roofs include:

Shingle or Tile Replacement:

Moss causes shingles or tiles to deteriorate, needing replacement to maintain the roof's water-tight integrity. The cost of replacing damaged shingles or tiles typically ranges from $250 to $1000 per square (a 10-foot by 10-foot area), with additional charges for labor and materials.

Structural Repairs:

In severe cases, moss growth can cause structural damage like rotting wood or compromised roof decking. Repairing these issues may require extensive work and can cost several thousand dollars, depending on the extent of the damage.

Water Damage Restoration:

If moss allows moisture to penetrate the roof's surface, it can lead to water damage inside the home. Alaska is especially prone to this, as our harsh winters cause moisture expansion making proactive treatment even more beneficial. 

The cost of water damage restoration can involve drying out the affected areas, replacing insulation or drywall, and addressing any mold or mildew growth. This also ranges from many hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Roof Replacement: 

Moss infestations if allowed to proliferate for too long may cause irreparable damage to the roof, needing a full replacement. This is obviously the worst-case scenario and we recommend you get a full roof inspection prior to replacement.  

On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $5,000 to $15,000 for a standard asphalt shingle roof replacement, with higher costs for premium materials or more extensive installations. When considering the cost of replacing a roof you need to think of factors such as the size and slope of the roof, the materials used, and the region's labor costs. 

Comparing the Costs:

Now that we've explored the various scenarios you might encounter between a professional moss removal service, roof repairs, and roof replacements. Let’s assess the best plan of action and price for you!

Roof repairs can be costly, but ultimately if you get to them before the situation is out of hand, they won't cost a fortune. Usually in the hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars. They don't tend to solve the moss problem and roofing contractors aren't usually specialized in moss treatments. 

When the moss has been left unchecked for too long, you fall into the roof replacement territory. Which should be avoided at all costs, because you're looking at a significant and expensive problem coming your way. When water starts to leak into a house, the roof is unfortunately just the start of the problems and fixing it runs into the thousands to tens of thousands very quickly. 

Finally, you have moss removal services. When done by an educated professional, you can have your roof evaluated and treated with care. Having it proactively treated will cost you significantly less and keep you from incurring the heavy costs of a deteriorating roof.

The Soft Wash process we use at The Moss Busters of Alaska not only treats the moss long term, preventing growth over time, but we also make sure to keep your roof’s warranty solid by using low pressure methods that keep your shingles and roofing material healthy and optimal for years to come!

If you got moss, we have the solution. Contact us today for a free evaluation.