Getting rid of moss on your roof is more important than you might think. Not only is this fuzzy growth unsightly, but it can also wreak havoc on your home if left unchecked – reducing energy efficiency, blocking drainage and damaging the tiles.
While some cases of moss can be treated on a DIY basis (such as removing moss from lawns), sometimes it's best to leave it to the experts – otherwise, you could do more harm than good.
To find out how to get rid of it, and when you should hand the job over to a professional, keep reading. I spoke with two roofing experts to hear their advice, and we’ve also explored what could happen if you leave it too long.
Article continues belowHow do I get rid of moss on my roof?
If you're dealing with minor moss on newer tiles, DIY removal is possible. According to Alex Morrisey, managing director of Best Roofers, the best method in this case is to use a soft-bristle brush on the affected areas.
You can also buy biocidal sprays to kill it at the root and reduce the chances of it returning (which is also used to treat moss on driveways and patios). Once you spray the area, the moss will eventually dry out, and rainfall will wash it away.
Alex warns that if your roof is more than 15 to 20 years old and has widespread moss growth, you will need to call in a professional. They will clean your roof, apply a preventative treatment, and check for underlying problems.
You should also avoid using pressure washers and stiff brushes, which can damage your roof and create “far bigger problems than the moss itself.”
Paull Newsome, Commercial Director of Vanguard Waterproofing Systems Ltd, warns, "I’d discourage DIY roof access where possible. In UK workplace data, falls from height remain the most common cause of fatal injury, and guidance sources summarising HSE/RIDDOR data also highlight ladders as a major contributor to falls-from-height injuries."
Suitable for roofs, solar panels, driveways and patios, this formula removes moss and algae within hours – simply spray and go.
This telescopic brush extends up to seven metres and features a 180° adjustable head and an integrated water hose.
Alex Morrisey is the Managing Director of Best Roofers Ltd, a trusted roofing specialist based in Manchester known for delivering high‑quality commercial and residential roofing solutions across the UK.
Paull Newsome is the Commercial Director of Vanguard Waterproofing Systems Ltd, a UK-based roofing and waterproofing specialist. He helps homeowners and property managers diagnose leaks, plan durable refurbishments, and improve roof performance through good detailing, drainage, and maintenance-led decision making.
Is it worth having moss removed from a roof?
It might be tempting to turn a blind eye, but moss on your roof can develop into serious problems if left untreated, so it’s always important to remove it.
Alex Morrisey compares moss to a sponge in the way it absorbs and holds rainwater against your tiles. This can cause them to weaken, crack, become porous or lift, leaving your home less protected from heat loss.
“When tiles absorb water repeatedly, they weaken. Once you start getting gaps, cracks, or displaced tiles, you lose the thermal integrity of the roof. Heat escapes, cold air gets in, and your boiler ends up compensating for that," he explains.
What time of year is best to remove moss from a roof?
You can remove moss from your roof at any time of the year, but Paul Caruana, founder of IPP, says that spring or summer is best. The drier weather makes removal easier, and it's also when moss grows most actively.
Paul Caruana is the founder of premier Loughton-based building firm, IPP and has served the community for over 35 years.
How to stop moss growing on your roof
To prevent moss from growing on your roof in the first place, Paull Newsome recommends the following steps:
- Trim back overhanging trees to increase sunlight and airflow
- Keep gutters/valleys clear so water doesn’t back up and keep lower areas wet
- Consider zinc or copper strips at ridge level. Rainfall washes trace metal ions down the roof which helps inhibit moss/lichen over time
- Avoid pressure washing in most cases; it can damage finishes and drive water where it shouldn’t
Made from pure zinc, this roof strip helps to prevent stains caused by moss, fungi and mildew, and will last more than 20 years.
While the moss on your roof probably never crosses your mind, it's definitely worth keeping it in check. “Catching it early is always cheaper than dealing with the consequences later,” concludes Alex Morrisey.
For more expert advice, read about the spring maintenance tasks you should leave to professionals and roof leak repair costs.
