Moss is inevitable for most homes in the UK. Whether it's found on walls, the roof, or even just the patio, moss can be a real pain to remove and if left unchecked can cause any number of issues. The best way to handle moss is to remove it, but moss removal, especially on a roof, isn't the simplest of tasks.
If your roof needs some TLC and you're fighting a moss invasion, here's how to handle it. You'll be able to clear your moss-covered roof in no time.
First of all, it's important to know that roof moss is not something you have caused. It's not an easy thing to prevent, as the organism is incredibly sturdy and can withstand a lot. All it takes is a cool, wet, dark space and moss spores will attach to the surface and begin to spread.
Our rooftops in the UK are the perfect climate for moss to grow. Often shaded by trees or other properties, and perpetually damp thanks to the great British weather, they have all the properties that roof moss needs to thrive. Once it has started to grow, moss growth is fast. It won't just stick to one area. If you don't remove moss from your roof quickly enough, you'll soon find that your moss removal job is much larger than before!
Check out: How Much Does Roof Cleaning Cost
If you're a little confused as to why you should even be bothered by the moss in the first place, here are some of the reasons that you should always try to keep your roof moss-free:
Take a look: What Is Soft Wash Roof Cleaning
In order to remove moss and keep your roof tiles and roof material safe, you must remove moss from your roof. But how?
Here's what you need to know:
One of the best options for removing moss growth is by using zinc and copper strips. These long strips of metal can be installed onto the roof. They are most effective on new roofs, where there has been no moss growth yet.
These metal strips are attached to the top of the roof. That way, when it rains, the particles from the zinc strips or copper strips are absorbed and washed down over the moss and the roof. These particles poison and kill moss and algae growth, causing it to lose its grip, wither, and eventually, die. Once dead, the moss will fall from the roof (or can be blown or brushed off).
Zinc strips and copper strips should be fitted beneath a part of the roof called the shingles cap. They need to be fitted carefully, and any moss or algae should be removed prior to their fitting. If in doubt, it is always worth speaking to professionals about getting zinc and copper strips fitted as a moss removal tool.
One of the most common tools for moss removal (particularly when it comes to a commercial solution) is roof moss removal solutions. These are specifically designed to kill moss, allowing you to remove moss from your roof much easier.
There is a vast array of moss removal products available. You should always check when shopping for a moss remover that it is suitable for your type of roof. For some houses, harsh chemicals may cause damage to roof tiles or roof materials and should be avoided where possible.
The benefits of using a moss-killing solution on your roof or roof tiles to remove moss is that not only will it kill any moss on a roof, but it will kill microscopic moss spores that you can't see. This remaining moss would otherwise have grown into another moss blanket across your roof shingles, but with a cleaning solution, you can prevent moss from growing. In addition to this, a moss removal solution is an affordable way to get moss off the roof, making it a popular choice when it comes to DIY moss removal.
To use a moss-cleaning solution, you will likely need to remove the bulk of the moss from your roof. You can do so using a brush or a trowel. Then, using plastic sheeting, cover the surrounding areas (plants, patios, furniture). To evenly apply the moss killer, you should use a sprayer and apply as per the manufacturer's instructions. If done correctly, this will be successful in killing roof moss and will, for a while, prevent future moss growth.
You can, of course, remove moss manually. This is the simplest method of roof cleaning and just involves you going over your roof with a trowel and a stiff brush, removing moss as best you can. It doesn't, unfortunately, remove moss spores like a moss killer will, but it will improve the appearance of your home for some time and is a good in-between clean!
One fool-proof way to remove moss from your roof is to hire a team of experts. EMS Powerwash are fully trained, experienced experts in tackling moss problems, and have all of the tools, knowledge, and manpower to remove moss from your roof effortlessly.
If you're interested in hearing more about roof moss removal, contact us today for a free quote.
It is crucial that you are suitably dressed for the job before you begin. You will get dirt on your clothes, and since you are using chemicals it is vital to have safety glasses to protect your eyes and rubber gloves. You will be climbing to heights, so need a safety rope and non-slip suitable footwear, too.
Once you are prepared, you can prepare the surroundings. Using plastic sheets or a tarp, cover any nearby plants, patio furniture, or anything else that you do not wish for the chemicals to go on.
Taking the hose up the ladder, spray your moss-covered roof with water, working from the top of the roof downward.
Using your soft bristle brush, remove as much of the moss off the roof as you can. There will likely be chunks of loose moss that come away from your asphalt shingles or roof tiles easily. You should work square by square, dividing your roof into a grid in your mind to get better control and a more even clean.
Using your chosen chemical spray and spray pump, cover the remaining moss with the cleaning solution. Try to start at the top of the roof again, as any excess solution will travel down your roof like rain. Leave the solution to sit for as long as the manufacturer's instructions say.
Using your garden hose, rinse the chemical solution from the roof, starting at the top and working your way down. This should also remove any dead moss as you go.
With the soft bristle brush, scrub away any remaining moss to ensure that it doesn't return again immediately.
Taking the house, rinse the roof again to ensure all moss clumps are gone. This will help to prevent moss regrowth.
Often, professional companies like EMS Powerwasher might opt to use a pressure washer to remove moss from roof tiles and surfaces. However, this is a very skilled job, and if done wrong, can cause long-term damage to roof shingles and materials. Pressure washers use water at such high pressure that it can lift roof shingles and cause them to crack. This can then lead to issues with dampness, and water ingress, and even reduce how energy efficient a property is.
On top of that, cleaning a roof is a dangerous task. You are either on a ladder or on the roof, at a height. To use a piece of equipment that relies on such high pressure at such heights can be risky, and should only be done by professionals.
Discover: How To Clean Roof Tiles Without Pressure Washer
Once the moss is gone, you might be wondering what you can do to prevent it from coming back. There are a few ways to help prevent moss regrowth on your roof.
Moss loves cold, dark, wet spaces. If you make your roof more light by trimming down any trees that overshadow it, you will immediately reduce the risk of moss growth.
Moisture collectors like leaves, twigs, sticks, and mud gather in gutters, and moss loves moisture. If you make sure that your gutters are clear, you should find that you have much less of a moss problem!
As mentioned above, zinc and copper are great moss repellents as they poison the organism. By installing metal strips on your roof you'll make your roof an unsuitable place for the moss to grow, keeping your roof nice and clean.
