By Lita Batho, June 7, 2024
If you’re seeing moss on your roof, should you worry? No.
Should you do something about it? Yes, you should. Moss is dormant in the summer, but it’s not dead: it will continue to expand, the longer you let it. The good news is, when moss is dry and dormant, it’s the perfect time to remove it.
As iconic as moss is to the Pacific NW, once you own a home, you may find that it’s also a bit of a chore. Moss looks quaint, but can shorten the lifespan of your roof, make sidewalks and steps slippery, and as a realtor I’ve found that it hurts ‘curb appeal’.
Consider this your reminder to make a plan for moss removal, and start a routine to keep it away.
As a homeowner, you can try a DIY solution, like a mix of bleach and water, vinegar and water, or a product from the hardware store (like Moss Off). You’ll spray these on the mossy roof. Once if you kill moss, it will still need to be manually brushed off the roof, or removed with a very light pressure wash. (Too much pressure, spraying, or scrubbing can harm your roof!).
You may want to hire a professional. Look for a contractor who will manually brush the roof and clean up the gutters and ground afterwards. They will typically apply a zinc product to the roof peaks to prevent future growth. Moss removal will typically last a few years, then you may need to repeat. One thing you can also do to prevent moss is to trim tree branches away from the roof, and make sure you clear any tree debris or leaves from the roof and gutters regularly.
Minimizing moss will pay off: your roof will thank you, and last longer too.
Lita Batho
Broker | OR & WA
She/Her
Lita has a genuine enthusiasm for navigating home purchases and sales with the intention of outperforming the market and making the process stress free and transparent for her clients.
"I began real estate as an independent agent, however during the pandemic, decided to accelerate my experience and build skills more quickly by serving as a listing specialist for a highly productive, all-female team. Even though there were only 5 of us we were one of the busiest teams in the city, and over 2.5 years, I helped over 60 sellers successfully navigate the sale of various property types throughout the Portland Metro area. From condos and fixers to bungalows and homes with million-dollar views, I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with a diverse range of clients, including seniors downsizing, young families seeking more space, and single women embarking on their next step.
While this experience was rewarding, having accelerated my experience, deepened my knowledge, and honed my skills, it felt natural to return to solo agency in 2024. I'd missed the autonomy and agility that come with being a solo business owner, considering that I've been a business owner for the majority of my working life, and I was eager to leverage these qualities to further benefit my clients.
I firmly believe that whether you're buying or selling a home, you deserve genuine and excellent representation. My consistent client feedback highlights my strengths in setting proper expectations, negotiating, timely communication, and efficiency -- all while being kind, direct, and a dedicated advocate.
My goal extends beyond successful sales and purchases, however; I aim to earn my clients' trust, leading to their recommendations. The highest compliment I can receive is that a past client trusts me with their own friends and family."
Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Lita relocated to the Pacific Northwest in 1995 and has lived in Portland since 2001. She has an small business background, and a zest for negotiation, having grown up in her mother's retail shops and selling Christmas trees for her dad. Lita spent several years as a steel sculptor and public artist in Seattle, as well gaining extensive experience as a yoga teacher. When not working, you’ll find her cultivating an ever-expanding flower garden, doing home improvement projects, making art, or hiking in Forest Park or the gorge.
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- litabatho@livingroomre.com
