15 Sep Moss Removal: When, How, and Why
There are around 1000 types of moss in the UK. While it’s useful for biodiversity in woodland settings, it can become problematic on your property.
Removing moss from your roof doesn’t just boost the kerb appeal of your home. It also helps to protect it from damage.
Read on to learn why you need to remove moss, and how to carry out your moss removal for the best results.
Why Do You Need to Remove Moss?
Roof moss will grow in any area that doesn’t get sunlight since it favours dark areas. If trees cast shade on your roof, or your roof faces north, these are ideal conditions for moss to flourish.
Spreading moss gets into the gaps between tiles or shingles. This can cause tiles to lift, which lets in moisture or rainwater. When moisture gets under the tiles, it can cause rot in the structure of the roof itself.
That’s why it’s so important that you keep your roof clean.
How Should You Approach Moss Removal?
There are two stages to the moss removal process. First, you need to actually remove the moss. Second, you need to treat the roof so the moss doesn’t return.
You can scrub moss from the tiles using a stiff brush or you can remove moss with a chemical product.
To make your own moss treatment, mix 250ml oxygen bleach with 3.8 litres of water. For a less chemical option, mix up a litre of white distilled vinegar, 50g of salt, and 2 tsp of washing up liquid.
Remember that chemicals can run off the roof and damage any plants that grow below. You might want to protect these with plastic sheets and rinse them with water after you’ve treated the moss.
The Process
Add your chosen solution to a sprayer. Use a ladder to reach the roof.
Spray any sections of moss, working from the peak downwards. This lets the treatment run down the roof through the moss. If you’re using a homemade cleaner, leave it for 20 minutes.
Scrub the tiles using a long-handled brush. Work from the peak downwards in small sections. Rinse the tiles using a hose.
When Is the Best Time to Remove Moss?
Choose a cloudy day for the process. If you use the moss remover on a sunny day, the product will evaporate more quickly.
Likewise, you might prefer to clean the roof in early autumn. The weather will be cooler than in summer, which again slows the evaporation process.
Yet removing the moss at this point in the year means your roof will be clear before the autumn rain sets in.
Get Expert Help
Moss removal doesn’t need to be a complicated process but it can be a dangerous one. If you’re not used to working with chemicals or at height, you might not feel safe doing the removal yourself.
Luckily, you don’t need to do this work on your own. Get in touch with us today for a free quote on moss removal. We service areas across the UK.
