This is a question most of the world never has to consider. It comes up in Scotland because of our climate. People in London do not ask it, people in Las Vegas have never thought about it, and in Dubai they may not know what it means.
The problem goes with green, lush landscapes, rolling hills, sheep and frequent rain. If you are asking about moss and algae on your roof, you probably live somewhere with green grass and cool or cold temperatures. Your friends may wonder why you live there, and sometimes you wonder too. Still, you live in a beautiful area with nature on your doorstep. The price is a slow, spongy growth on your slates.
What is moss and why is it on my roof?
Moss is a very common and very old plant. Lichen is often found alongside it. Algae is similar, although the term is more often used for water plants such as seaweed. All of them are soft, and many are slimy.
Long before there were houses, these plants grew on trees and rocks. Once people began building stone structures with roofs, moss found an ideal home. Millions of them, in fact.
Roof tiles are often porous, or at least not fully water-repellent. This is a side effect of their natural appearance, and it creates the damp conditions moss and algae like. Moss spreads along the edges of tiles, pushes underneath them, clogs the roof and disrupts the interlocking that holds the roof together and keeps it watertight. Clumps that fall off also collect on the ground and make the property look untidy.
Moss is natural, but that does not mean you have to put up with it on your own roof.
If there is no prevention, what is the cure?
Let’s be realistic. In this part of the world, moss and algae on roofs are a normal part of life. They may be unavoidable, but they can be dealt with.
You can get rid of roof moss. Here is how.
- Brushing. Moss can be brushed off, but it must be done gently. Harsh brushing can damage the tiles.
- Washing. Moss can be washed off, but never with a pressure washer, which can also damage tiles.
- Chemical treatment. Effective treatments can be applied with a watering can or sprayer. The moss changes colour as it dies, then loosens and falls off. Care is needed, because these chemicals harm the environment and should not be used carelessly. Much of the dead moss also falls into the gutters and blocks them.
The main problem with all three is safety. Doing the work yourself means climbing about 20 feet on a household stepladder and working on a slippery slope. That is a poor idea.
Get a professional to clear the moss and algae from your roof
Professional removal is the only real solution. It is part of routine roof and home maintenance, which protects your property and keeps it in good condition. A reliable roofing contractor in central Scotland can clean your roof and gutters and check for anything else that needs a roof repair while they are up there.
Do not climb up to clean or inspect the roof yourself. H Roofing Solutions offers free, no-obligation roof inspections across Stirling and the surrounding service areas, and works on all slate and tile roofs.