If you live in North Yorkshire, you’ll know that our lovely county gets its fair share of rain. While all that drizzle keeps the countryside looking lush and green, it can also turn your roof into a bit of a green, mossy mess. As a premier exterior cleaning service, we at Cleancore UK have seen it all. From a light fuzz to a full-blown moss carpet, this common problem is more than just an eyesore—it can cause some serious damage to your property.
That green blanket on your roof might look quaint, but it’s quietly causing chaos. Moss holds onto moisture, which can lead to your roof tiles cracking in the frost, gutters getting blocked, and even structural damage over time. Tackling it seems like a straightforward DIY job, but there’s a right way and a very, very wrong way to go about it.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about roof moss removal. We’ll cover how to do it yourself (safely!), when it’s time to call in the professionals, and how to stop that pesky moss from coming back.
Understanding roof moss
Before you grab a ladder and start scraping, it’s worth understanding what you’re up against.
What is roof moss?
Moss is a simple, non-vascular plant that loves damp, shady spots. Unlike other plants, it doesn’t have proper roots. Instead, it uses tiny thread-like structures to anchor itself to surfaces like your roof tiles. It spreads through spores, which are carried by the wind, meaning if your neighbour’s roof is covered in it, yours might be next.
Why do we need to remove moss from our roofs?
It might look harmless, but moss acts like a sponge, soaking up rainwater and holding it against your roof tiles. This constant moisture can cause a whole host of problems:
- Damage to tiles: When the temperature drops, the water trapped in the moss can freeze and expand. This can cause your tiles to crack, delaminate, or break, leaving your roof vulnerable to leaks.
- Blocked gutters: Moss can become dislodged and fall into your gutters, causing blockages. Overflowing gutters can lead to water damage to your home’s foundations and walls.
- Added weight: A thick layer of waterlogged moss can add a surprising amount of weight to your roof structure, putting it under unnecessary strain.
- Pest infestations: The damp environment created by moss and algae growth can attract insects and other pests, who might decide your roof is the perfect place to call home.
DIY roof moss removal: a step-by-step guide
Right then, if you fancy giving it a go yourself, it’s time to get prepared. Just remember, this isn’t a quick five-minute job, and you’re going to be working at height. So, safety first, always.
Safety first
We can’t stress this enough. Getting on a roof is risky business.
- Get a sturdy ladder: Make sure your ladder is in good nick and placed on stable, level ground. Better yet, have someone hold it for you.
- Wear the right gear: Non-slip, sturdy footwear is a must. A pair of gloves will protect your hands, and safety goggles will keep any flying debris out of your eyes.
- Check the weather: Don’t even think about climbing up there if it’s windy, wet, or icy. A clear, calm, and overcast day is ideal.
Tools and materials needed
You won’t need anything too fancy, but having the right kit will make the job a lot easier and safer.
- A sturdy ladder
- A garden hose with a spray nozzle
- A long-handled, soft-bristled brush (do not use a wire brush!)
- A trowel or plastic scraper for thick clumps
- A bucket
- Moss killer specifically designed for roofs (a biocide treatment is recommended)
- Safety gear (gloves, goggles, non-slip shoes)
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Clear the big bits
Start by manually removing the largest clumps of moss. You can use a trowel or a plastic scraper for this. Pop it all in your bucket to stop it from clogging up your gutters.
Step 2: Give it a wet down
Using your garden hose on a low-pressure setting, wet the mossy areas. This makes the moss easier to remove and stops spores from flying everywhere.
Step 3: Apply the moss killer/moss remover
Follow the instructions on your chosen moss killer. Usually, this involves spraying the solution directly onto the moss and letting it sit for a while. This kills the moss and loosens its grip on the tiles. A word of warning: be mindful of where the run-off goes. As these chemicals are designed to kill moss spores, they can also harm plants in your garden below.
Step 4: Time for a gentle scrub (put the pressure washer down!)
Once the moss killer has done its job, use your soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the moss off the tiles. Work from the top of the roof downwards. Never use a pressure washer! It might seem like a quick fix, but the high-pressure water can strip the protective surface from your tiles, force water underneath them, and cause serious damage.
Step 5: Rinse it all away
Finally, give your roof a good rinse with the hose to wash away the dead moss and any leftover cleaning solution. Again, start from the top and work your way down.
And there you have it — a roof free from moss and algae!
The professional touch: when to call Cleancore UK
Let’s be honest, DIY roof cleaning is a bit of a faff, and it can be dangerous. If the thought of clambering about on your roof gives you the heebie-jeebies, or if your moss problem looks more like a jungle, it’s probably time to call in your local roofing contractor.
Hiring a company like Cleancore UK means the job gets done safely, efficiently, and with much better results. We have the right equipment, the right training, and the right insurance to tackle any moss problem, big or small.
Our team uses state-of-the-art technology to get your roof looking its best. We often use a soft wash method, which involves applying a specialised, biodegradable cleaning solution at low pressure. This kills the moss, algae, and lichen right down to the root without damaging your roof tiles. For more stubborn grime, we can use low-pressure steam cleaning, which gently lifts dirt and organic matter away.
Based in Thirsk, we cover all of North Yorkshire and beyond. And it’s not just roofs we clean. Our team are experts in a range of specialist exterior cleaning services, including render cleaning, brick cleaning, stone cleaning, resin cleaning, and block paving cleaning.
Preventing future moss build up
Once you’ve got your roof tiles clean, you’ll want to keep it that way. Here are a few tips to stop the moss from making a comeback:
- Keep your gutters clean: Regularly clearing out your gutters prevents water from overflowing and creating the damp conditions moss loves. We offer gutter cleaning and maintenance packages to take this job off your hands.
- Trim overhanging trees: If you have trees casting a shadow over your roof, trim back the branches. More sunlight means less moisture, and less moisture means less moss.
- Regular inspections: Have a quick look at your roof every few months. Catching any new moss growth early makes it much easier to deal with.
Frequently asked questions
How much does professional roof cleaning cost?
The cost varies depending on the size and pitch of your roof, the extent of the moss growth, and accessibility. We offer a free, no-obligation quote so you know exactly what to expect.
How long does roof cleaning take?
For an average-sized house, the process usually takes a day. We’ll always aim to get the job done with minimal disruption to you.
Why is pressure washing bad for roof tiles and gutter cleaning?
Put simply, it’s far too powerful. Even the most torrential of downpours can’t compete with the force of pressure washing and your roofline, ridge tiles and roof tiles just weren’t designed to withstand that kind of power. Sure, using a pressure wash will blast away the moss and algae but it will also strip away the protective layer and likely force water underneath the tiles. So if you’re going down the DIY road, leave the pressure washer alone.
Is roof cleaning safe for my tiles?
Absolutely, when done correctly. Our soft wash and steam cleaning methods are specifically designed to be tough on moss but gentle on your roof tiles (and even natural stone), preserving their integrity and lifespan. Using a pressure washer is what causes damage.
Do you serve my area?
We are based in Thirsk and cover all of North Yorkshire, including Harrogate, York, Ripon, Northallerton, and the surrounding areas. If you’re unsure, just give us a call!
DIY is a chore, instead, rely on the expertise of one of the highest-rated roof cleaning companies in North Yorkshire
A moss-free roof not only boosts your home’s kerb appeal but also protects it from long-term damage. Whether you decide to brave the ladder yourself or leave it to the experts, tackling that green menace is a job well worth doing.
If you’d rather keep your feet firmly on the ground, Cleancore UK is here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and let us restore your roof to its former glory.