Removing Moss from Tarmac/Asphalt Driveways, Paths & Car-Parks
Asphalt and tarmac are popular choices of material for driveways, paths and car-parks. They have been used for many years so we are all familiar with the products and the installation cost when compared to many other materials, making them attractive choices of material.
However the material does have a few drawbacks, one of which is the growth of moss. Tarmac driveways and paths, whilst looking great and being extremely functional, can be breeding grounds for moss, lichen and algae.
The surface, by its very nature, is rough. Moisture retention is therefore very high, which encourages moss and lichen spores to grow. Not only does the surface retain moisture but the uneven surface provides excellent protection for the moss to grow. If you look closely at the surface of a tarmac driveway you will see small pits. These provide perfect 'hidden' areas for the moss spores to slowly grow as they hold moisture and protect the growing plant from car tyres and shoes until it is big enough to look after itself. This is when we begin to see that it is causing a problem.
But removing moss and cleaning your driveway or pathway is not too difficult and can be very successful. You just need to follow some basic steps and use good cleaning products. The best method to remove moss on these types of surface depends upon the way that you wish to work and how you wish the surface to look upon completion.
Preparation
Before you start spraying your surface with a surface cleaner, we strongly recommend that you brush the area to remove as much dirt, loose growth and smaller areas of growth as possible. Our WIRE BROOM is especially good for this job as its rigid wire bristles are more effective at reaching into the pits and removing the moss growth than most brooms, making the process quicker and easier. In addition to the wire broom we have a comprehensive RANGE OF BRUSHES to help with an array of tasks.
If your surface has weeds growing, ideally a WEED KILLER should be applied; weeds and moss require different treatments as they grow and feed in very different ways. It is for this reason that we recommend using a proper weed killing solution for killing weeds and nothing else.
Finally, you should try to remove anything that casts a shadow over the area. The more sunlight that can fall upon the surface then the quicker the surface will dry. The quicker the surface dries, the less moisture there is to feed the spores and moss. Having said this, we do realise that there are many things that aren't very practical to remove such as your house, cars, large trees (and maybe even the neighbour's house), however if you are able to cut back overhanging branches and bushes then this will really help to reduce future moss growth.
TREATMENTS TO CLEAN YOUR SURFACE
Treatment options depend on the method of application and the surface cleanliness required; do you just want to remove the moss, or do you want to clean and renovate the tarmac at the same time?
Option 1 - CLEAN THE SURFACE
After brushing your tarmac surface, spray the area with BATIFAST. This cleaner should be left on the surface for 30-45 minutes before being rinsed with either a hosepipe and brushed or, ideally, a small PRESSURE WASHER. The rinsing process is required to not only wash away the product but also to help remove any staining, debris and any dirt so generally cleaning the surface. This method is especially effective when surfaces become slippery during the winter months as the BATIFACE is strong enough to get deep into the surface, ensuring everything can be rinsed away.
BATIFACE makes the cleaning of the surface easier, and you will find that once the surface has been rinsed the driveway will have been returned to near its original colour. This option is also beneficial when the task needs to be completed quickly, within hours from start to finish.
Once the area has been cleaned and is dry, we advise the application of pH Neutral Surface Cleaner - Baticlean CR. This will clean any dirt or staining that may have been missed during the initial treatment and does not require rinsing so can therefore help to keep the surface clean for longer.
Option 2
Once you have brushed the surface to remove as much moss, dirt, staining and debris as you can, simply spray the area with BATICLEAN CR. As with the previous option, the product will clean the tarmac and is designed to be left on the surface, where it can keep the surface clean for longer.
Baticlean CR should be sprayed on to a DRY surface with no rain expected.
Future maintenance of tarmac surfaces
You should always try and keep the area clean and remove leaves and anything that causes shade across the area, especially during the winter months. Brushing the surface occasionally will help and does not take too much effort. In addition, you can treat it every 10 - 14 months; simply brush the surface and, on a dry day, apply a new coat of Baticlean CR.