Why Should I Remove Moss From a Roof & How?

Is moss on my roof a problem?

Moss thrives in damp areas, particularly in shade, where the roof stays wetter for longer. Before long it will spread rapidly and can cause degradation to the roof. Plants will penetrate the surface and retain moisture against the roof surface which can expand and contract in freezing conditions, speed up wear and tear, dislodge tiles, or take over certain roofing materials such as felt completely. Growth can block effective rainwater drainage and can be a reason for insurance companies to refuse a claim. Rainwater captured by moss like a sponge which then leaks through the roof can cause mould growth on interior surfaces. Moss is also attractive to birds which may dislodge it, blocking guttering.

 

Is it expensive to clean moss from the roof or should I pay a contractor?

SPCB manufactures and supplies our solutions to both contractors and individuals. Some prefer to pay a roofing or cleaning contractor to clean the roof for ease as such companies may have the necessary materials, such as sprayers and scaffolding, and the experience.

However, it is relatively inexpensive to do the same work yourself.

You will need a brush for removing any heavy moss, a sprayer for spraying the cleaning solution, possibly a long reach lance (such as our 5.4 METRE TELESCOPIC SPRAYER LANCE). The equipment can be used again either for maintaining the roof or for other garden tasks.

Will Baticlean CR clean my roof?

Baticlean CR is a hard surface cleaner so it will remove dirt and staining from your roof. Moss can be brushed away as long as gutters are protected to prevent blockages for which we have gutter guards which are very easy to fit. However stubborn staining may need further work for which we recommend applying BATIFORT first and brushing before rinsing, then applying Baticlean CR to give longer term cleaning protection.

Could I rake or pressure wash my roof to remove the moss?

When using any manual action such as hard brushes, rakes or pressure sprayers, great care must be taken not to damage the roof, particularly if shingles, slate tiles etc are brittle, dislodged or crumbly. Often, harsh mechanical action can cause further damage to the roof. Light manual action to remove heavy growth is fine before applying our pH neutral surface cleaner Baticlean CR.

 

Are copper strips any good at preventing moss on roofs?

Copper ridge stripping is known as a potential weapon against moss on roofs. There have been reports that bacteria in drinking water stored in copper vessels are destroyed by the leaching of copper into the water. Effectively, the same thing happens; when rainwater comes into contact with copper, its oxidisation releases a residue of copper oxide. The unstable copper and oxygen atoms disrupt the cell walls of organisms such as moss. It inhibits moss growth as it is washed down by the rain. However, this can lead to green staining which can be very unattractive on anything with which it comes into contact, e.g. the roof, uPVC windows, and clothing. There is further danger if this comes into contact with other metals, such as aluminium in guttering or windows, iron in cast iron guttering or steel fixings, and even certain plants which could all be destroyed by the accelerated corrosion or electrochemical process. In addition this method is only temporary, is only effective when it rains, and leaves patches of the roof unprotected from moss.