How to remove lichen from a roof

What’s the problem with lichen, algae and moss?

As rooftops are constantly exposed to the elements, they are prone to different types of debris. One often overlooked area is the growth of organic matter, such as lichen, algae and moss, which can appear in between your roof tiles. If you want to know how to remove lichen from a roof, we explain the benefits and a suitable cleaning process.

Known as ‘micro roots’, the problem with organic matter is the fact that lichen and moss can expand in frosty conditions. As a result, weaker roof tiles can crack, and these micro roots can continue to grow into the affected areas, leading to further damage in the long run.

Why you should remove organic matter from your roof

There are a few benefits of removing micro roots from your roof:

• Removing organic matter will help to prevent any movement of the roof tiles, which can lead to cracking and damage.
• Damaged roof tiles increase the risk of water leaking through your roof, which could lead to costly damage to your loft space, bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Larger areas of organic matter, such as moss, could become dislodged and fall into your guttering. This could block downpipes and drains, causing areas of your roofline to rot away such as your soffits, and damp, mouldy conditions within your home.

So, how do we clean lichen, moss and algae from your roof?

Cleaning and treating your roof

Before you attempt to clean your roof, you need to use the right equipment for both your safety and to avoid cracking your roof tiles. Our roof cleaning team use special CAT ladders, which enable us to get up safely onto your roof without having to step foot on any roof tiles.

Here’s our two-step process:

1. Apply an anti-fungal wash and clean the roof. This treatment kills any micro roots and lichen present in the micropores of the tile. The anti-fungal wash allows us to clean your roof without using high-pressure water jets or equipment that involves the use of excessive pressure. We will never walk directly on your roof.
2. Treat the roof with two coats of RENOTEC® Roof Coating. Specially designed to protect your roof, this coating has water repellent and fungicidal qualities to repel lichen, moss and algae. This treatment will help to improve the structural integrity of your roof tiles, protecting against sun, rain and frost damage.

Benefits of a professional roof clean

The above process ensures all moss, lichen and algae are removed, and your entire roof will be professionally cleaned to a very high standard. It’s essential to treat the roof after cleaning to stop the moss and lichen coming back. Not only will your roof be aesthetically pleasing, but your roof tiles will be protected against organic matter and erosion for many years to come.

Here’s why you should always use a professional roof cleaning company:

• We remove ALL organic matter, protecting your roof tiles from future damage.
• If we find any damaged roof tiles, we can carry out some remedial works in the process to help you restore your roof.
• By avoiding the use of high-pressure water jets, we won’t accidentally crack a roof tile during the cleaning process.
• Your roof will be treated with a market-leading, organic, 100% acrylic (APEO free) roof coating, which has been designed to protect against different weather conditions. The RENOTEC® Roof Coating we use has a 10-year manufacturer’s guarantee, which means your roof should look as good as new for at least a decade.

To conclude, it’s important to use the right methods when you want to remove lichen, moss and algae from your roof. By using a professional roof cleaning company, you can rest assured that your roof will be thoroughly cleaned and treated. Our team will ensure there’s no damage to your roof tiles and we can even restore and replace clay roof tiles for you.