Roof Moss Removal Costs

[dottypencilcase]

We've just bought a mid-terrace house where I've noticed a lot of moss on the roof tiles which then works it's way onto our patio. I'm worried about the upcoming weather and how the moss will probably displace tiles, wear down any roof lining, etc. I've just had a quote come through for £900 and another one for £1250 for the job!!! Is this normal? Both will involve a 'biowash' and a steam clean of the roof tiles I've been told. I'm not sure how 'qualified' these people are but am going on recommendations and reviews online. Money is tight atm, we've just carried out some works on the inside of the property and I suppose I'm asking how essential moss removal is. For context, we're in an Edwardian house and I'm not sure how old the roof is or what it's condition is.

It's popular round here and is about the same price. Personally I wouldn't bother, how does it affect the roof ?

www.nfrc.co.uk/article/2012/09/07/moss-on-your-roof-advice

Moss holds water and can assist in corrosion of the nails holding the tiles/slates in place... if they aren't copper but galvanised.

Look up in your loft and see if the roof has a breathable membrane (new ish) or a bitumen (old) one underneath the tiles.... if it has none, may be the original roof.

You can kill moss with a solution of Sodium Hypochlorite 14/15%.

But the quotes you have had are reasonable.

I honestly don't know anyone who has had it done, apart from a neighbour when he moved in, he's moved out now.
Have it done if you want to, but it's a very new thing that's only been marketed in recent years.

Do not under any circumstances feel bad about spending that money elsewhere!

Thanks for this- this is what's worrying me. I don't want to get a job done and make it worse overall. Right now, I might just focus on the essentials and get the gutters flushed out and leave the moss. I think we'll need a new roof at some point so I'd rather save for that.

Thanks for this. I'm new to home ownership so everything right now is about learning to identify what's essential vs what can wait. Will head into the loft later and see if I can make sense of what's up there!

We had it done last year via our window cleaner but also had a quote from another company (a local do it all company) and we paid £450, other quote was £500

We have a very mossy roof. Yes it is annoying when it lands on the patio, and the gutters need cleaning out every year, but other than that, I would leave. Our house is lovely and dry and has no roof issues. The birds love it, and will clear it for you, also if you have a very heavy shower, very common now, that dislodges quite a bit. Hot summers also kill it off.

Thank you for this. I'm tempted to leave it alone and just get the gutters done.

I agree it's more important to clear your guttering .

Agree with PPs, it will come to a natural balance with some falling off or being dislogded by birds looking for insects over time and the important thing is to keep guttering clear. You can get metal screens fitted to prevent it blocking downpipes.

All the roofs so far have seemed to cope ok with a bit of moss, this is totally a problem you never knew you had until recently and suddenly you have to pay loads for!

Agree, it's not the problem the commercial vendors make it out to be.

I pounce on every piece that dislodges as I'm creating a beautiful moss pathway in the shady area of the garden. Moss is not our enemy.

@dottypencilcase removing moss with power washers also removes the protective surface of the tiles. Just get your gutters cleaned every autumn.

Just do your gutters and encourage birds to your garden, they'll soon clear your roof looking for insects 😂

Please try and avoid pressure washing or steam cleaning your roof as it can create more problems than it solves, eg displaces tiles or mortar, creates hairline cracks that frost gets into which creates holes for rain to penetrate your loft unknowingly until its a huge problem internally.

Rooves have lasted literally for hundreds of years without being scrubbed. The only reason it's being offered now is because its a scam.

When you go up into the loft, have a look at the underside of the roof deck to make sure it's dry. It's best to check it after a rain shower.

We had moss on our roof and it was being promoted by a waterlogged roof deck, as there was no membrane under the shingles. We had to replace the whole roof.

I'm glad you said ROOVES, I was sure it was but then doubted myself and thought it was ROOFS. I might need to Google 🤣

Go for it. Put both of our minds at rest 😂

Do you have a loft velux window? I lean out of mine & poke the moss off with a bean cane..

According to Google ROOVES is so old it's no longer correct, it's ROOFS. I and sure I remember being taught ROOVES in the 70s at school. I am old 😭🤣

Our roof was absolutely covered in moss. It added a lot of weight to the roof when wet and the house looked unloved. I used a long soft brush and gently brushed it off (during the summer when it was dry and comes off easily). We do have a bungalow however so it was easy to do!

Well darn it. That'll teach me to be more cleverer than these wet behind the ears whippersnappers. We can sit in the out of touch area together, I'm another 70s child.

Pah, what do they know?! 😉

Once you've cleared the gutters it's worth putting gutter hedgehog / guard stuff to stop them filling up again. I agree it's best to leave the moss - brush off what you can and leave the rest to the birds - unless it is really causing a problem to the structure of the roof which would be unusual.

I use biological washing powder to kill moss on my paths and patio. Any old brand will do as long as it's biological. Either sprinkle it down just before it rains or make a solution up and apply with a watering can.
I'm not sure how you would get it up on your roof however op.