When you become a homeowner, you suddenly find yourself with an endless list of household problems to worry about. From guttering to drainage, you’ll likely have it all on your mind, but did you know that you should also spare a thought for your roofing along the way? 

This most obviously means looking out for clear issues like missing roof tiles, but what about moss? It’s not unusual to notice moss growth up top, especially if you’re in a north-facing property. Yet, a lot of homeowners don’t actually know what to do about these green, fuzzy invaders. 

On the surface, roof moss doesn’t necessarily mean a problem, but it is something you’ll probably want to address sooner rather than later. Why? Because moss is moist, heavy, and likely to get worse if you don’t do anything about it. That’s definitely not good news for your roof, and it’s reason enough for you to keep reading to find out about the best next steps. 

# 1 – Know the Risks

Perhaps you’re not too worried about moss on your roof. You might even quite like the look of a little green. But, leaving moss growth unchecked definitely isn’t risk-free, and you must understand the extent of those risks before you make a decision here either way. 

As mentioned, the main problems with moss rest in both moisture retention and weight. In terms of moisture, moss is especially problematic during freeze-and-thaw cycles, where there’s a high probability that mossy damp will find its way under your roof tiles and eventually into your home. As for weight, older homes with less sturdy roofing structures could struggle under this kind of strain, leading to structural issues with no easy fix. 

And those are far from the only moss-based roofing risks. There are also risks of lifted tiles, blocked gutters, and a generally reduced lifespan for roofing materials. 

# 2 – Seek Professional Removal

There are all kinds of crazy suggestions out there for cleaning moss off your roof. A quick search will probably lead you to try everything from washing powder on your roof to a scrub with some vinegar and soap. These solutions can certainly prove effective, but how practical are they? Not at all. 

Unless you fancy spending a day on your roof, with the risk of falling and having the neighbours wonder what on earth you’re doing, then you’d be far better off seeking professional moss removal services. These are beneficial for some pretty obvious reasons. For one thing, professionals understand how to clean moss and stay safe. The pros are also more likely to understand lasting cleaning solutions that keep moss at bay for a whole lot longer than your laundry detergent ever could. 

# 3 – Get Rid of Overhanging Branches

Have you ever wondered why some roofs attract a mayhem of moss while others remain clear? Well, the answer tends to lie in conditions. In particular, moss loves a moist roof tile, meaning that you’re in trouble if there’s any reason for your roof to be notably more damp than others. Often, this is something you can’t help, with many roofs staying damper because of the direction they’re facing or the shade caused by their surroundings. Sometimes, though, simple overhanging branches are to blame. 

These bad boys are trouble because they form the perfect canopy over your roof, and moss is guaranteed to love it. In fact, if you’ve ever seen a roof that’s truly carpeted in moss, dense overgrowth is most likely to blame. 

Hence, our next step is to contact someone who can get rid of any branches that overhang your roof. This is a step worth taking, even if you don’t think there’s much branch coverage, as you would be surprised by how well your roof tiles, and subsequently any moss, might dry out as a result. 

# 4 – Consider a Coating

A lot of solutions to roof moss are frustratingly temporary, and you could notice growth again within just one season if you aren’t careful, especially if you make do with home remedies. This is bad news considering the hassle of rooftop removal, and it’s something that you could address by considering a roof coating. 

Coatings are fantastic for benefits including preservation, UV protection, and more, but they also have the benefit of creating a waterproof, smooth barrier that moss won’t like, especially if you choose a biocide-treated option. 

Fed up with moss making a mess of your roof? Maybe it’s time to make a change!