Is Moss On Roof Tiles A Problem? And Other Roof Moss Questions
Finding the answers to such specific questions regarding the health of your roof can be quite challenging. This post is designed to answer all your questions regarding moss on your roof.
MOSS ON ROOF TILES… IS IT A PROBLEM?
So, is moss on a roof bad? Could moss on roof tiles be a problem? In short – yes! Moss can cause issues like wood rotting, obstruction of drainage points, blocked guttering and severely reduce the lifespan of your roof. However, small patches of moss growth are not severe, it is quite normal.
Does moss damage roof tiles? Moss is an absorbent material, it essentially acts as a sponge. Due to its absorbent qualities, moss can entrap water which in turn keeps your roof tiles constantly wet. When roof tiles are always kept wet, this moisture can travel down below the tiles themselves which can rot the components beneath like wood. Wood rot is a serious issue and flimsy or rotten roof trusses can pose a severe threat to the structural integrity of your home.
Moss is also a natural substance so it can attract wildlife such as insects and birds. Insect infestations and bird droppings don’t typically make for an aesthetically pleasing home. Not only is aesthetic value decreased, but birds and wildlife can also dislodge the moss and drop it around your home or worse, in the guttering system.
Most people see moss growing on their roof and wonder how to clean roof tiles. It is typically best to contact a cleaning company who specialise in cleaning roof tiles and guttering. Blitz are experts that provide roof cleaning in Essex and can help rectify this issue. If you do want to clean your roof tiles or clean your gutters yourself, it is important that you don’t use a pressure washer on the tiles as this can crack, dislodge and damage the tiles. That sort of damage to roof tiles can lead to roof leaks, structural damage and foundational damage to your home.
IS IT WORTH REMOVING MOSS FROM YOUR ROOF?
If you’re pondering the question: should I clean the moss off of my roof? You need to look at the level of moss that is on your roof. A little won’t result in severe structural damage to your home, however if you are unsure it is always best to seek out a professional’s opinion.
Considering that most homes have pitched roofs for easy water drainage, the risk of moss obstructing the rainwater and absorbing it is very high. This moss then becomes heavy and this weight to the moss can cause it to dislodge from the roof tiles themselves and fall into the home drainage system (guttering and downpipes).
Once moss is causing blockages in the guttering and downpipes this can lead to water making its way into the home, resulting in mould, mildew, leaks, severe structural damage and foundational issues. So… should you remove moss from a roof? It would be better to be safe than sorry. Your insurance company may not pay out or cover you if the issue was preventable – a lack of roof and gutter maintenance would come under this.
WHY DOES MOSS GROW ON ROOFS?
What causes moss to grow on a roof? Moss spores are dispersed through wind, insects and fragmentation. Most roof tiles are created from either clay or concrete. Unfortunately materials like clay and concrete are much more susceptible to moss growth. Roofing materials such as clay and concrete have their surfaces become porous after repeated and frequent exposure to rain and damp weather conditions. This porous surface and British weather conditions make our roofs the ideal breeding ground for moss.
HOW TO STOP MOSS GROWING ON ROOF TILES
There is a way to stop moss on your roof. You can install a copper ridge system (copper strips or tape). This works when water falls on the ridge system, the residue of the copper is released and will run down the roof tiles, this will deter the moss from growing. This is how to prevent moss growing on roof tiles. You can also use zinc or galvanised metal strips in place of copper as if a strip of either materials are installed on the ridge of the roof, the strip will oxidise over time and this will make the roof uninhabitable for moss, algae and lichen. It is always best, however, to consult with a professional before trying to carry out any work on your own.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO REMOVE MOSS FROM A ROOF?
The best time of year to remove moss from your roof in the uk is typically within the summer months. The weather is dryer so it makes it the best time of year to have moss removal work carried out. You realistically need to have moss removed from your roof or roof tiles before the moss has spread and got out of control. It can get vastly more expensive and time consuming if the job is a lot harder and longer to get done. Treating moss right before its peak growth time (winter months and wet weather) is best as this is when the moss is actively growing.
Call our team of roof cleaning specialists on 0800 112 3337 today! As well as roof cleaning, we also offer conservatory roof cleaning and gutter cleaning and repairs, providing you with a full roofline service!
