• Moss thrives in damp, shaded conditions, and can lead to structural damage by lifting roof tiles, trapping moisture, and blocking drainage systems.
• Unchecked moss growth can rot the roof’s timber framework, attract pests, and diminish a property’s aesthetic and kerb appeal.
• To remove moss, gently brush or hose it away, but avoid high-pressure washing to prevent damage. It’s recommended to hire a professional roofing contractor to minimise risks.
• Preventive measures include trimming overhanging trees, regular roof maintenance, and installing copper strips to release moss-inhibiting ions.

The roof of your home is constantly exposed to the elements, meaning you might notice moss starting to grow over time. While you might assume moss is unsightly but harmless, it can actually block your drainage system and cause structural damage to your roof if left ignored.

But how can you remove moss from your roof? And what causes moss to grow? The team here at TCK Roofing & Building is here to talk you through the process.

What is moss and what causes it on roofs?

Moss is a non-flowering plant that forms in dense green clumps and thrives in damp conditions. It’s fast growing and reproduces by releasing spores, meaning it can spread across your roof in a matter of days. Wet, cold surfaces that don’t receive much sunlight are the perfect place for moss to grow, and the dark nooks and crannies under your roof tiles fit the bill.

Is moss on roof tiles a problem?

Yes, moss is a problem for your roof. While small patches of growth will usually have little impact, if moss spreads and is left unchecked, it can have a number of negative consequences, such as:

• Thanks to its spongy texture, moss absorbs moisture which means that your roof will stay wet for most of the time. 
• Moss can grow underneath your roof tiles, causing them to lift and creating a gap where water can leak through. This can rot the timber framework and result in serious structural damage.
• A moss covered roof can make your home look neglected and seriously reduce its kerb appeal.
• Clumps of moss can fall into your guttering and block your drainage system. If this issue isn’t noticed in time, you could require gutter repairs or replacements.
• Moss may attract birds and insects to your roof, which can cause accelerated wear and lead to pest infestations.

How to remove moss from your roof

One of the simplest ways to remove moss from your roof is to gently brush it away using a long-handled brush or trowel. You could also use a garden hose to uproot and wash away any small patches of moss; however, you must ensure the pressure isn’t too high as this can damage the tiles. You should always take the utmost care when working on your roof or, better still, employ a trusted roofing contractor to carry out this work for you to reduce risk.

How to prevent moss on roofs

Of course, the best way to remove moss from your roof is to stop it from growing in the first place. But how do you prevent moss growth on your roof?

• Trim overhanging trees: As we’ve mentioned above, moss thrives in damp, dark conditions. This can pose a problem if your garden is filled with dense foliage or large trees that put your home in the shade. One way to prevent moss is to trim any overhanging trees to ensure your roof gets some sunlight, making it a less attractive surface for moss to grow on.
• Carry out roof maintenance: To keep on top of moss growth, it’s also a good idea to employ the services of a reliable roofing contractor, like TCK Roofing & Building, to inspect your roof, remove any debris and repair any damage that might have occurred. By identifying potential problems at an early stage, you’ll reduce the need for major and expensive roofing repairs at a later date.
• Install copper strips: Another great way to prevent moss growth is by installing secure copper strips along the ridge of your roof, as close to the pitch as possible. When it rains, these copper strips will oxidise and release copper ions, which then run down the roof. These copper ions act as a natural fungicide that is toxic to moss, providing a cost-effective way to protect against uncontrollable moss growth and preventing the need for frequent cleaning. It’s essential that these copper strips are installed by a knowledgeable professional, like the team at TCK Roofing & Building, who can ensure they are securely attached and fitted in the optimum position.

If you’ve noticed excessive moss growth on your roofing, don’t ignore the problem. Instead, get in touch with the experts here at TCK Roofing & Building and find out how we can help. For more than 50 years, we’ve been assisting homeowners across Watford, Hertfordshire, North and North West London and beyond with a wide range of roofing services.