Have you noticed there is moss growing on your roof and are thinking of doing
something about it? Moss is not just unsightly – this piece will guide you through what
moss does to your roof, how to clean moss from your roof, and how to prevent it
from growing going forward.
Should you remove moss from your roof?
Moss can look fairly harmless but over time it builds up moisture which contributes to
problems with your roofing in the long term.
The growths and concentration of moisture in the moss gradually damages the
integrity of your roof, enabling moisture to get into the home which can contribute to
dampness and the escape of heat.
It’s not just unsightly! It can affect the look and integrity of homes and the health and
finances of the occupants due to damages and their repair later on. So we
recommend a proactive approach to roof moss by removing it from your home every
so often. There are also helpful products that can help to keep it at bay for you.
Equipment for roof moss removal: what you’ll need
It is possible to get the job done yourself! Here are the roof moss removal tools that
you’ll need:
● A safety rope
● A ladder
● A large spray bottle
● Garden hose with spray nozzle
● Safety clothes and accessories: safety glasses/goggles, gloves, and a cap for
hair protection
● A scrub brush and/or a long bristled brush
● Non-slip shoes
● Moss-remover (optional but recommended)
Roof moss cleaning: how to remove moss from roof tiles
Now that you’ve got what you need for your roof moss removal project, here’s the
step-by-steps:
1) Prepare
Get your safety and roof cleaning equipment ready for use. You may want to protect
your plants around your house with sheeting to avoid harmful contact with chemicals.
When you’re ready, set the ladder, and climb up it with your hose.
2) Spray your roof with water
Spray the mossy sections of your roof with water, starting from the top sections of
the roof which will help the water to flow downwards from the roof.
3) Scrub the moss from your roof tiles
With that done, you can start removing moss from your roof by applying a brush to
remove it, which often should be enough for maintenance purposes.
Scrub the moss gently to avoid damaging or even dislodging the roof riles. Doing this
with care and detail will help you to remove as much moss as possible using this
method, and take care to scrub downward to avoid disloging the tiles.
4) Apply Moss Removal Agent
For the deepest roof moss removal clean, you’ll want to apply a moss removal agent.
Use your spray bottle or pump to spray the effected areas and let it set according to
the manufacturers instructions.
5) Give your roof a rinse
Rinse your roof with your garden hose which should remove the remaining moss. You can
re-use the brush to take care of any remaining moss. If you do not have a protective sheet
for plants around your house, take care to ensure the water runs down in a way that avoids
these areas.
Should I use a power washer to remove roof moss?
A pressure washer will certainly remove roof moss but it is not advised as they can easily
cause damage to your roof tiling and shingles due to their force and weaken their surface. If
there are leak points in the roof then the pressure washer can cause leaks in your attic. We
would advise you use a professional person to carry out use of powerful washer.
How to Prevent Moss on your Roof
Short term, you can take steps to prevent the festering of moss with regular inspections and
cleans. Moss thrives under damp conditions, so you’ll want to let the sunshine into your roof
if it is covered by trees. You can give overarching branches a trim and remove moisture-
collecting debris such as leafs and branches from your roof.
Long term, you can apply strips of zinc to your roof below the ridge caps of your roof. When
it rains, the water makes contact with the zinc which is a metal that shocks the moss and
discourages its growth.
Moss Removal Costs
To get all of the equipment listed above including moss-removal agents, it can cost you
anywhere between £200-£500 depending on what you get.
If you get a moss removal service to take care of it for you, the cost depends on the property
and circumstances but will typically cost between £800-£1400 for a standard terraced home.
Need help with your moss? Trust the Roof Cleaning Experts! ⭐
We’re trusted specialists in removing moss and taking measures to prevent its future growth.
We not only remove it but can apply state-of-the-art hydrophobic coatings and sealants that
help to preserve your roof for years to come. Don’t just take it from us, see what our
customers have to say about us here. Give us a call on 0800 047 2404 and we’ll be glad to
help you!
