Forum Topic

Moss on the roof

Is this actually a problem? I ask because my neighbour (semi-attached) is talking of getting his removed and it'd be cheaper if we both had it done at once.How does moss even get on the roof in the first place?!

Susan Kelly ● 50d12 Comments

Too many risks can be seen being taken by workers working at height nowadays.  There are regulations (as mentioned above) for a reason and their employers just may not care but it isn't worth taking the risk employing them.

Philippa Bond ● 44d

I noticed after heavy rain some moss will wash down into the gutters. Make sure you have a protector over the mouth of the down pipe. I clear the gutters of moss on a regular basis.

Nicholas Beard ● 45d

That's interesting about the spray. I'm leaving it to my neighbour to decide if he wants to go ahead. If so, I'll join with him and get the whole lot done at once.

Susan Kelly ● 45d

I asked a RICS surveyor whether I should get roof tiles sprayed with chemicals to discourage moss growth.  He advised me not to saying that the chemicals used could make the tiles porous and reduce their life.  In terms of ladder work, the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and the HSE guidelines are where to look.  I believe the advice is not to work off a ladder for more than 30 minutes, which is ample time to fit a cowl or clear moss from a gutter or even fit felt support trays on a mid-terrace.

Kevin Tanner ● 45d

and block the drains.  The magpies are very good at lifting it out of the gutters and chucking it around!

Philippa Bond ● 48d

It can also collect in the roof gutters and Down pipes.

Janice Evans ● 48d

I was on the platform a Turnham Green recently and noticed the deep accumulation of moss on the roof of the building on Bedford Corner. Looked from a distance as if it was about two inches deep. At some point the weight of this must surely become an issue.

Felicity Caborn ● 48d

If they do work from a ladder make sure they have insurance or if there was an accident they could claim on your home insurance I believe.

Janice Evans ● 49d

PS. I have asked a couple of companies if they can put chimney pot covers on without me having to hire a scaffold tower,which is expensive, and they said no.Finding someo0ne willing to work off a ladder nowadays is not as easy as in the old days.

Keith Iddon ● 50d

Lee Ryan did a little work for me repairing a gutter and I have asked him to put a chimney cap over the chimney pots at a ater date to be arranged.He was on time,quick and efficient in his work and a reasonable price.It was only 15 mins work,but first impressions were good.I don't know if he would do this but if I needed that work done I would ask him. 07449 413847 if you want to follow this up.Good luck.

Keith Iddon ● 50d

Yes, there's definitely a lot more on the north side. Sounds like it's worth doing. The chap my neighbour talked to said he would spray it afterwards and that should work for four years.Does anyone have any recommendations for people to do this, so we can more estimates?

Susan Kelly ● 50d

I would think a heavy moss covering will at very least affect the flow of water off the roof so it's probably a good idea to keep it in check. As to how it gets there?Well much depends on the orientation of the house - the north side will be more prone to moss getting a hold. Also pigeons relieving themselves doesn't help.The moss will come back - my daughter had her roof cleaned a couple of years back and I see more is growing, though she does have a major issue with pigeons as her next door neighbour feeds them so there is normally a flock of the things perched on the roof.

Bruce Hammal ● 50d