If you’ve researched DIY methods for removing roof moss, you’ve probably come across zinc sulfate powder. It’s often recommended as an effective way to kill existing moss and help slow future growth, but effectiveness isn’t the only factor to consider. Before applying zinc sulfate to your roof, it’s important to understand how it works, its potential environmental impact, and whether it’s the best long-term solution for protecting your roof. Here’s what homeowners should know before using zinc sulfate powder for roof moss removal.
What Is Zinc Sulfate Powder & What Is It Used For?
Zinc is a naturally occurring metal commonly used in a wide range of industrial and household products because of its durability and corrosion-resistant properties. While zinc sulfate powder is often applied to roofs to help control moss growth, zinc is also used in many other everyday applications, including galvanized metals, alloys, paints, and sunscreens.
- Galvanizing (Shielding from the environment) metals
- Galvanizing Iron and Steel
- 50% of everyday use
- Alloys
- Alloys Brass, Nickel, and Aluminum
- Roughly 25% of everyday use
- Other Applications
- Sunblock, ointments, concrete, paints, and even as a propellant for model rockets.
- Roughly 20% of everyday use
- Money
- Prior to 1982, the United States Penny was 95% copper and 5% Zinc
- Post-1982, the penny became 97.5% Zinc and 2.5% Copper
- Roughly 2.5 – 5% of everyday use
*These are purely rough estimates for everyday use.*
How Zinc Powder Kills Roof Moss
When zinc sulfate powder comes into contact with moisture, it creates conditions that make it difficult for moss to survive. As rain washes the product across the roof, it helps kill existing moss and can discourage new growth. Once the moss dies, it can typically be removed with gentle brushing or cleaning.
However, the use of Zinc powder not only kills the moss on your roof. The run-off process creates a funnel of water that is washed back into the surrounding ecosystems. From there, the microscopic traces of zinc sulfate can work its way into water sources and wildlife, posing a hazard to the natural environment. Oregon State University states it is a toxin to aquatic vertebrates. This procedure is invasive and highly corrosive.
*While zinc sulfate powder can be effective, Roof Life of Oregon does not recommend it because of its potential environmental impact and the availability of safer, longer-lasting alternatives.*
Environmental Considerations of Zinc Sulfate Powder
As mentioned previously, zinc powder’s sulfates can pose serious harm to the surrounding environment. At a microscopic level, micronized and nano-scale zinc sulfate and titanium disulfide provide strong protection against UV rays. When residue powder comes into contact with plants, it can hinder their natural growth cycle.
Rainwater can carry small amounts of zinc sulfate from your roof into nearby soil, storm drains, and waterways, where it may affect aquatic ecosystems. It can harm “Indicator species,” which are the foundational species that determine the quality of the environment around them. Some indicator species around the Pacific Northwestern area include:
- Invertebrates (worms and snails)
- Barnacles
- Insects
- Amphibians (Lizards, Frogs)
- Fish
The presence of an indicator species is vital to nature’s food chain. Any sudden changes to these indicator species create a ripple effect all the way up the food chain. We here at Roof Life are by no means biologists or experts on the subject matter. However, we are composed of proud Oregonians who utilize environmentally friendly practices.
Get Rid of Stubborn Roof Moss
Our team can safely remove harmful roof moss and apply preventive treatments to keep your roof clean and protected year-round.
Alternatives to Zinc Powder for Roof Moss Removal
Oregano/Oregano oil
The alkaline properties in Oregano can offset the pH balance of the moss, making it neutral and impossible to grow. However, it can be a cumbersome process and smell like an Italian restaurant.
White Distilled Vinegar
The low pH levels can counteract moss growth. However, the effects are not usually noticeable until after 2-3 days of continuous spraying.
RBC (Roof Barrier Concentrate)
A proprietary concentrate created by Denco Chemical Co. and used exclusively by Roof Life of Oregon. It changes the pH balance of the shingles, which changes the composition of the moss and its roots, making it easy to wash off. The effect acts as a moss deodorant and lasts for six months to a year.
For more on safer alternatives on DIY roof moss solutions, please check out our article on How to Clean your Roof Moss with Laundry Detergent.
Contact Us for a Safe Alternative
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to eliminate your roof moss, feel free to contact Roof Life of Oregon. Using a proprietary roofing chemical (RBC), we can tackle and remedy your roof moss problem. With the expertise and experience of our roofing specialists, you can rest assured that the life of your roof is safe in the hands of Roof Life.
