A common question we are asked at Kidderminster Roofing Contracts ltd by clients is how to remove moss from their roof tiles or slates.
Although removing moss from a roof may seem a very simple job, the reality is that moss removal can often more damage if done incorrectly, and should only be done by a professional roofer.
What causes moss to grow on tiles and slates and what problems can it cause?
To deal with moss growth on a rooftop, first we need to understand what has caused moss to grow, and the issues it may cause.
Moss and algae likes to grow anywhere which is damp and shaded, making rooftops and gutters the ideal place to thrive. The moss that grows on rooftops can then cause damage to the tiles or slates by both retaining water, causing roofing materials to rot, or even causing trapped water to freeze in cold weather and expand, resulting in damage to the tiles or slates, making them move, slip or even break. Moss can even grow into the tiles or slates themselves, making them damaged and weak.
With excessive damage to tiles or slates as a result of constant moss damage, removing moss from a rooftop can dangerous job to the inexperienced, which should only be handled by a professional with the correct tools, equipment and knowledge.
How not to remove moss
Although it may be tempting to remove the moss yourself without the expense of a professional, what may often seem to be a simple approach to the job could cause more harm than good. Here are some of the questions we are often asked about moss removal:
Question: Can I use a pressure washer to remove the moss?
Answer: No. A pressure washer will only further damage the rooftop and tiles or slates as it is too abrasive.
Question: Can I use cleaners or chemicals to remove the moss?
Answer: We wouldn’t recommend it. There are many products on the market that claim to remove moss from tiles and slates, however in our experience, moss will often grow into the tiles or slates, and using harsh chemicals and cleaners on a tile or slate surface will only aim to remove the protective coating from the roof tiles or slates, making them weaker and more susceptible to further moss damage. Moss removing chemicals can also be damaging to the environment, potentially harming both plants and animals.
Solutions and options
Although moss an impossible issue to solve, there are some solutions and options we here at Kidderminster Roofing Contracts ltd or another professional roofer can do to help remove or reduce a rooftop moss issue.
Brush or scrape the moss from the tiles or slates – Using a scrubbing brush, a professional roofter can carefully and gently brush the moss from roof tiles or slates to reduce damage to them. A shovel can also be used to scrape the moss from the tiles or slates. This option would require regular treatments by a professional to ensure the moss does not mount up, which may seem inconvenient, however will save a significant amount of money in the long run.
Re-roof – If a roof is too far gone with moss to simply be brushed away, and the damage has already been done to the tiles or slates, a re-roof may be your only option to remove all the moss from the rooftop.
Leave the moss alone – It may seem an unusual option, however if a roof is too far gone to simply brush the moss away, but you cannot afford a complete re-roof at this particular time, the best option would be to leave the moss alone. Although it may be tempting to pressure wash the tiles or slates or put a treatment on it, it may cause far more damage to the overall roof than to simply leave it alone, resulting further issues such as leaks.
Get in the professionals
To remove moss from your rooftop, you need the professionals with the correct tools and equipment to do the job safely and effectively. Here at Kidderminster Roofing Contracts ltd, we can provide a free no obligation quotation for any roof repair or re-roof request. Contact us today to see how we can help with you!
Tel: 01562 748270
Email: office@kidderminsterroofing.com
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