Moss On Slate Roof Tiles

This can be caused by a variety of factors.

Moss on slate roof tiles.

Whilst a mossy roof might not be aesthetically pleasing you could end up in a lot more trouble should you decide to remove the spongy green invader from your roof tiles. The roof covering you are describing is a man made fibre cement slate they used to contain asbestos and an asbestos survey is usually carried out prior to any removal works. Furthermore moss likes to grow on cement and can agitate the bond between ridge apex tiles and your roof. Mould lichen and moss all love to breed in warm moist environments and unfortunately roofs often make the ideal breeding grounds.

By holding moisture against the roof surface lichens but more so moss speed the wear of the asphalt shingle surface in freezing climates by increasing frost damage to the mineral granule. Some have a natural camber but i have not yet witnessed a natural slate curling at the edges over time. If you remove moss from the roof then you will reduce the possibility of tiles suffering from winter cracks. Hose off and brush all moss loose from your roof shingles.

However the greatest benefit of moss removal is on the gutters. Debris and moss buildup hold moisture in the slates that can split them during winter freezes. While you might be tempted to reach for a strong chemical or a pressure washer it s better to leave them behind and give your slate roof a little tender loving care. It doesn t matter which cleaning solution you choose you will get.

Make sure you have dressed appropriately for the job. Natural slate roofs along with traditional clay plain tile roofs although can get debris build up between the joints do not generally moss up as much as man made products. Packing out any gaps and plugging the. Try using a long handled brush and be careful when walking atop your roof.

It s all about the tiles. Once moss is removed there are less blockages and your gutters work more efficiently. When moss grows in under and around your roof tiles it actually acts as a filler. Moss absorbs and retains water.

Moss can be removed from roof tiles by gently brushing it off if the growth is not too severe. Regular cleaning is an important part of keeping a slate roof in working order. Be sure that you cover any nearby flowerbeds and plants with plastic sheeting. The seams between the shingles and the shingles edges also develop moss because they tend to be especially shaded.

Carefully place a ladder near the area of moss growth and don slip resistant shoes old clothes rubber gloves and eye. Moss and lichens are more than a cosmetic issue on many kinds of roofing materials asphalt shingles roll roofing wood shingle roofs wood shake roofs. This thin layer on the top of the shingles expands and becomes wide thick and mat like. Position your ladder in place.

Applying moss killer is an obvious removal option but be aware that these chemicals have the potential to contaminate the groundwater. Even though it is meant to repel water from entering your home your roof can become the reason that the moisture is sticking around longer than it should. Moss alone cannot damage the tiles.