Your roof probably isn’t something that you give a lot of thought to – unless something goes wrong with it. Unlike your windows, patio or conservatory, you don’t really notice too often if it needs cleaning, as it being dirty doesn’t affect you. However, moss on your roof can cause a number of issues if it isn’t dealt with.
Once moss starts to grow on your roof, it isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it will start to spread quite quickly, especially on wet, shaded roofs. This means that your roof can end up turning entirely green before you know it. This is why it’s a good idea to deal with the problem of roof moss as soon as you notice it.
Can moss damage my roof?
The simple answer to this question is yes. Moss can damage your roof in several ways, depending on the type of roof. Leaving moss to grow unchecked for a long time can result in different types of damage to varying degrees, which can become expensive to repair.
Because moss can hold up to five times its dry weight in water, even a small amount of moss can end up being too heavy for your roof. This can result in leaks, especially if your roof is quite old.
In the winter, the water the moss holds can end up freezing, which can cause roof tiles to become brittle. This leaves them prone to breaking, cracking or even falling from your roof. Chimneys can also be affected by moss when it freezes, weakening their structural integrity.
Both in winter and summer, moss can fall from your roof and block gutters and downpipes. While this isn’t necessarily damaging to your roof, it can cause leaky gutters, which may eventually need to be replaced.
What causes moss to grow on roofs?
Moss can easily start to grow almost anywhere, but it really loves shaded areas that tend to be damp. UK roofs are ideal for moss growth, especially if your house gets a lot of shade due to overhanging trees or other buildings.
Once a moss spore finds its way to your roof, it can easily spread – even if you don’t see it at first. Moss spores can travel on the wind or in bird droppings, so they can easily spread. If you have a neighbour whose roof has moss on and your house sees a similar amount of shade, there’s a good chance you’ll end up with moss too.
It’s not just moss that can grow on and affect roofs though, algae and lichen-like similar conditions are also prevalent on UK roofs. These can cause damage to your roof tiles and end up with you needing repair or replace. However, cleaning moss off your roof will usually take care of algae and lichen too.
Can I clean my roof myself?
We don’t recommend trying to clean your roof yourself as it can be dangerous and it’s easy to cause damage to your roof. Not only do you need to have the right equipment to ensure your safety, but you also need to know the best way to clean your roof.
Getting moss off your roof properly and stopping it from coming back for an extended period of time takes a bit of know-how. The moss needs to be carefully scraped off your roof without damaging or loosening any tiles. You then need to wash the roof down properly to give it a good clean, using equipment and detergent that won’t cause damage to your home or the environment.
It’s best not to use a pressure washer on your roof as this can be too powerful for the roof tiles and can result in broken gutters, fascias, windows and more.
What is the best way to clean moss off a roof?
Over the years, we have developed what we believe to be the best way of removing moss from your roof to leave it clean for months.
We use scaffolding or a cherry picker to reach your roof – which is much safer than ladders – and carefully scrape the moss off using specialist scrapers, which contour to different roof tiles. Once all the moss has gone, we use our soft wash system to give it a good scrub.
To ensure the moss doesn’t come back, we use a biocide wash, which is safe for the environment. This kills off moss spores, algae and lichen. The biocide then washes away due to natural weathering over the course of 12 months, leaving your roof clear for as long as possible.
If your roof needs a bit of help, get in touch with S&E Cleaning today for a free, no-obligation quote.