How To Remove Lichen From Roof Tiles

Scraping moss off the roof.

How to remove lichen from roof tiles.

Lichen on terracotta roof tiles is particularly unappealing to the eye and is best handled before it has a chance to cake in and ruin the tiles. While lichens don t damage the structure of roof tiles they can stain the surface of the roof as well as trap moisture. Lichen avoids galvanized steel copper and zinc because these metals work as a natural biocide. Moss can be scraped off by hand but this must be performed with caution to avoid damaging roof tiles particularly in the case of timber or asphalt shingles.

So if you attempt to remove it with a hand tool you may accidentally remove the protective top layer of your roof shingles as well. Moss itself is a plant while lichen conisist of a fungus and a photosyntheizing plant living together. To remove lichen and moss from the roof try the least toxic method for moss and lichen removal first oxygen bleach before moving on to a harsher method chlorine bleach. Lichen is a hardy growth known to firmly.

Most professional roofers advise that it is possible to do more damage to the roof by trying to remove lichen than the lichen will ever do to harm the roof. Lichen accumulation on roofs is really a minor problem that will not hurt the roof. You also risk the potential of accidentally damaging the protective top layer of your roof shingles while trying to remove it with this method. Remove moss and lichen from your roof with vinegar.

Lichen can be really tricky to remove because it grips strongly onto the surface. For best results mix the wet forget and spot spray the lichen leave for 10 15 minutes and then respray the lichen and the entire roof to ensure the lichen absorbs the wet forget thoroughly. Always use a stable ladder and safety harness when climbing on the roof. Removing lichen fully using this method is nearly impossible not to mention time consuming especially if you are dealing with a large surface like a roof.

Oxygen bleach fill a. Moisture increases the chance of mold growth which can damage the roof tiles. When leaves and other material collect on your roof a perfect bed is formed for moss and lichens to grow. Mould when mould is growing on top of your roof it is often indicative of problems that started within the home.