Moss is a flowerless plant that thrives in damp conditions. It can grow quickly and survive in conditions that many weeds cannot. Moss is commonly seen growing on all kinds of roofs, but especially those built with tiles, which are particularly susceptible to this invasive plant. Moss is extremely absorbent and can grow in between roof tiles causing damage to them and allowing water to seep down into the house below.
Why does moss grow on roof tiles?
Moss tends to grow on roofs because it is attracted to damp, cold surfaces that receive little daylight. Moss spores travel on the wind, on debris such as leaves and branches, and via small animals, and then gather in the areas between roof tiles where they then grow into the green spongy plant that we are all familiar with.
Moss may be more obvious seasonally, particularly in autumn and winter. Heightened volumes of rainwater and the darker days experienced throughout the colder months produce the perfect conditions for moss to continue growing and spreading across your roof. You may also experience moss if your house is shaded by trees and other obstructions that means the tiles do not receive direct sunlight.
How is moss damaging to roof tiles?
Moss can cause significant damage to your roof in a number of ways. Tiny moss spores can land in the spaces between tiles, grow, and end up pushing up tiles, causing breakages and structural damage. Moss can also capture a lot of moisture which it will then cling on to. This can cause issues as the moisture leads to the production of mould and mildew, this can cause decay to form on areas of your roofing, and also can allow moisture to trickle into your home through the compromised areas.
How to remove moss from roof tiles
The best way to remove moss build-ups is to carefully and safely go up onto your roof and scrape away the growth. The best way is to scrape moss down towards the gutter using brushes or a scraping tool, taking care not to push up or loosen any of the tiles. It is important to ensure you do not scrape at the roof tiles too hard, as this can cause damage to the coating and lead to them becoming more porous. You must make sure that you remove all of the moss, as leaving any can lead to it regrowing in a matter of days.
How can I prevent moss regrowth?
Moss can grow back remarkably quickly, which is very frustrating to see when you have either cleaned your roof or had your roof cleaned by a company. However, there are a few things that you can do to prevent moss from growing back so fast:
- Trim back tree branches that are overhanging your roof – this will prevent moss spores from being transferred to the roof tiles from bits of branches and leaves.
- Regularly clean your roof and gutters – This will take off any smaller spores before they have a chance to start growing and becoming bigger and harder to remove. Moss has a tendency to clog up your gutters too, so it’s important to make sure you don’t neglect to clear them out.
- Use a moss killer solution – This can be applied after a thorough clean to make sure that moss growth is prevented for as long as possible. These types of solutions tend to prevent growth for a while, but can be dependent on factors such as weather and the type of solution you use. For instance, here at ProJet, once we have completely cleaned and cleared the roof of moss, we apply a professional and powerful moss killer which will prevent regrowth for around 18 months.
These tips should help you to prevent moss growth on your roof for much longer. Keeping your roof maintained and professionally cleaned will help prevent damage and keep moss build-up away for longer.
If you need any help with getting your roof clean and moss-free, get in touch with us today for a free no-obligation quote. Our experienced and friendly team provides roof cleaning services in and around the Nottingham area.
