CALL US: 01282 423 444
Local charges apply
13 Sep
Mosses are small flowerless plants that typically form dense green clumps or mats, often in damp or shady locations.
Moss growth in a garden can be slowed down by a number of methods:
Moss can be a troublesome weed with vigorous growth and can look unsightly on a roof.
If moss starts growing on your roof it can end up causing problems to tiles, gutters and even stop water draining correctly from the roof.
Moss is most likely to build upon north-facing roof areas where there is less sunlight and plenty of moisture.
Many people think that using a jet wash would be the best option for removing moss from the roof but this can cause damage very easily. The tiles on the roof could be damaged by the power of the jet wash and the force of the water could actually break through the protective membrane under the tiles and flood the loft.
Some people use copper wire. Attaching lengths of copper wire just under the ridge of your roof and this will stop moss accumulating as well as removing any moss on roof still present.
The copper will oxidise due to sun, rain, UV etc and release tiny amounts of copper oxide which will stop the moss taking hold. The wire shouldn’t be visible after a few weeks.
This can be achieved using a long-handled brush to dislodge it. Be careful not to be too forceful on the tiles in case you damage them. You can also use a small trowel to do the same job if you are confident about climbing further onto the roof and have the right equipment to do this.
After this, use a biodegradable soap moss remover that can be sprayed straight onto the moss on roof. Leave for a short time then remove following the manufacturer’s instructions. Another option is a specialty moss-killing product that doesn’t just work on roofs but also removes the stuff from paths, patios, driveways and even fences. The advantage with the latter is that it kills off the spores of moss that hide in the cracks between tiles and can be a basis for another covering of moss on roof tiles in a short time.
Another simple roof moss killer idea makes use of an everyday household item: washing powder with bleach in it. Simply sprinkle the powder onto the area where the moss is present and dampen with a gentle spray from the hosepipe or from a watering can. Leave it for around 10-15 minutes then hose again thoroughly to remove the moss and the powder.
Make sure you follow the instructions, wear the appropriate safety gear and keep everything away from children and pets. Only go onto the roof if you are confident, have the right equipment, and make sure someone else is around to help you out.
There are other measures you can take to make your roof less appealing to moss. The main one is to keep tree branches from overhanging the roof. Over hanging branches cause a darker, damp spot that moss likes and overhanging branches can cause issues if they become loose and damage a tile during bad weather.
When cleaning moss off the roof, don’t forget the gutters. A build-up of moss can be heavy and will pull guttering off the roof with its weight if left for a long period of time.