Should I get moss removed from roof?

[Redtartanshoes]

45 year old house. Moss on one side of roof (where trees are), had sofits/faschias replaced and they mentioned it. Got roof guy out, he’s recommending clean (scrape and chemical) and re-pointing of ridge and gable:

Mentioned to guy who’s currently doing rendering (yes it’s like bloody grand designs at the moment) he said he wouldn’t touch the moss as it doesn’t do any harm, and that it’s protecting roof. Any thoughts?

I had been told once not to trust anyone who suggests you should remove moss from your roof

Also been told that moss should stay on your roof as long as the mortar is not damaged/roof leaking. If the mortar is crumbling though, moss can keep water on the roof which can then exacerbate leaking problems.

It also insulates.

Thts really helpful, thank you:

Although now I can’t use him to do the re-pointing as he’s clearly at it.

Honestly it’s no wonder I don’t get any bloody work done!

I’ve had a mossy roof for nearly 40 years, OP. It hasn’t done any harm yet, and the moss softens the look of bare tiles. Think of it as a roof garden!

He seemed like a nice, professional guy too. Twat: I hope his next shit is a hedgehog

Our neighbours both had this done, it's hideously noisy. Anyway, apart from finding bit on our patio it does no harm. The bits are caused by birds so I assume it's doing some good by being a home for bugs they eat.

He might not be trying to create work. If you need repointing along the edge line and roof line then you may well have a general mortar issue. In which case moss might hold onto the water and make things worse (or alternatively you get the roof cleaned and all the mortar comes out anyway in the process..)

The only downside I've noticed is after heavy rain it can collect in the gutters so you need to check them regularly (although you should do this anyway).

I have always removed mine ( scraped and brushed ). But it’s a very low pitch , 15 degrees. Depending on your pitch and tile type, in heavy rain the water doesn’t run off the roof as fast if it’s covered in moss and there is a possibility of leaks.

Personally I think it looks messy as well , when we first had the house it was forever falling off around the house.

Clogs gutters too.

This was flagged a priority when we had our survey done. Apparently it can cause damage to the tiles in the long run.