Should I remove the moss from my roof?

Is roof moss bad for my roof? Or will removing it cause more damage?

This is a common question and quite a debated topic.

Does moss cause damage to your roofing system by leaving it there? But what is the method of treating it? Can you potentially risk worse damage to your roof by removing it?

Some people enjoy the rustic appearance of moss on their roof tiles and the natural habitat it provides for a myriad of insects and birds that feed off them. Others are concerned about the damage it can inflict as moss holds moisture on the surface of a roof.

It is realistic to expect that moss will undoubtedly cause some damage to your roof over time. How it is removed and treated though is vitally important in preventing further damage to your roof, and to the local plants and wildlife nearby.

Why is moss a problem for your roof?

Moss is a non-vascular plant which means it absorbs water through its leaves instead of roots. It has a sponge-like feel and can suck up and hold a large amount of moisture. It likes to occupy shady parts of your roof and gutter. The dark cracks and crevices of the slate or tiles are the perfect home for spores to grow. As the moss swells or loses its moisture, it can loosen or lift the tiles and move them out of place. This affects the structural integrity of your roof and can exposes your roof cavity and woodwork to the elements.

Holding moisture against the tiles or slate can also erode them and rot the material.

Will removing moss cause more damage to my roof?

If you have a substantial amount of moss on your roof that needs to be removed, calling a professional would be the best thing to do, and here’s why: roofs are not designed for people to be walking around on them. Doing so, can damage, break, or loosen the tiles leading to costly work down the line. A roof care specialist will be able to safely perform the task while taking the correct precautions to protect the roofing system. Also, when the moss is removed, a roofing expert will be able to skilfully detect the subsequent movement and gaps in the tiles that need to be fixed to prevent future problems.

Some shop bought chemicals marketed to clean roofs can also destroy plants and wildlife nearby, as well as leak in between the cracks and erode other roofing materials. If you are looking to encourage biodiversity in your area, please consider more natural options or speak to your roof cleaning specialist about options.

How do you clean moss off your roof?

Do a quick Google search and you will find all sorts of information like cleaning your roof with pressure jet water sprays. This will not only damage the tiles, but it will also threaten the roof’s integrity as the high intensity of the water coupled with an inexperienced hand will cause tiles or slate to lift and move. This will cause costly problems to other parts of your house.

Cleaning moss of your roof requires specialist equipment and know-how. Apart from the safety risk of working at a height you are probably unfamiliar with it is critical you can identify gaps in the tiles once the moss is cleared. You will also need supplies and tools to fix broken tiles or slate. For a substantial cleaning job, it always pays to get a professional roof care specialist or roof cleaning expert in on the job.

How often should I clean the moss of my roof?

Moss thrives in wet and cool environments typical of a northern autumn and winter. You may notice during the hot dry months (certainly like the summer we had this year), that the moss looks brown and dry, and appears to be dead. It is just lying dormant, waiting for the weather to turn.

An annual moss clean is recommended and the best time to remove moss from your roof is in springtime. Whether you call in a professional or attempt it yourself, the safest time is in the drier and frost-free months.

Need help removing the moss from your roof? Our highly experienced team can clear and clean your roof and repair any tile movement or breakage that has occurred. Please give us a call today on 0800 2888 023 and book an appointment.

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