One persistent problem for homeowners is moss on roofs. It often returns, even after thorough cleaning. By knowing the factors that contribute to its regrowth, you can work towards prevention. We’re going to explore the key things that cause moss to grow on your rooftops below. Then, if you want to arrange reliable roof cleaning in Farnham or other parts of Surrey, you can rely on us.
Conditions
Firstly, we have the impact of the conditions. Moss loves damp settings, making weather a critical factor in its growth. Rainfall is essential. More rain tends to lead to quicker moss growth. Dry seasons with lots of sun can slow down or outright stop its spread. Long periods of high humidity can increase moss’ chances of survival.
Nearby vegetation
The presence of shrubs and trees can influence moss growth on rooftops. If you have greenery nearby, it is likely the source. The wind can blow spores onto the roof or wildlife can carry them. If there are branches near or overhanging your roof, they can drop leaves and twigs with spores too. Shade from trees and fallen leaves also produce the ideal environment for moss to thrive.
Roof slope and orientation
The direction and angle of your roof can play a big part in moss regrowing. North-facing roofs typically get less sunlight. So, they are more vulnerable. Steeper sloping roofs redirect water more efficiently, minimising growth. Flat roofs are able to retain water, generating a breeding ground for moss.
Preventative steps
Next, we’ll go over some preventative measures you can take. Contact us if you need the most professional services for roof cleaning in Farnham.
One would be installing zinc or copper strips. Both metals release particles that halt moss growth. As a result, they can provide ongoing protection for a long time.
Doing regular maintenance is another good idea. This is key to keeping the property moss free. Steps include trimming branches to enable sunlight to reach the roof. Remove leaves and twigs from the roof too so you can stop moisture retention. Keep an eye on any moss in gardens and on patios or driveways; it’s easier to treat it here than on the roof.
Clean your gutters as well. Do so at least twice a year to stop debris build-up. Clogged guttering can cause water to pool, something that encourages moss growth.
The best time to remove moss
We’ll finish by discussing the best times to remove moss. We have a lot of experience with this because of our many years providing roof cleaning in Farnham and throughout Surrey.
Cleaning the rooftop of moss is best done during the spring or autumn. The two seasons offer the perfect conditions for efficiency and safety. Weather tends to be mild, making roof work safer. When planning a clean, avoid heavy rain, as it can make your roof slippery. Strong winds aren’t good either because they can make it dangerous and blow debris onto your roof. As for very hot days, water and cleaning solutions can evaporate too swiftly.
To stop moss from returning, it’s best to apply treatments after cleaning. This ensures you kill even tiny spores remaining on the roof. It also means any others that land on the roof afterwards die. The right treatments can provide years of protection depending on the setting.
Want to arrange roof cleaning in Farnham?
At Surrey Roof and Gutter Clean, we work to remove dirt and debris in the most efficient ways possible. Additionally, our team makes the results long lasting. To do so, we remove everything manually. Once we’re done, we apply a biocide to discourage moss and other things from regrowing.
Speak to us if you need the foremost services for roof cleaning in Farnham. We do everything we can to protect roofs from moss and other growths, ensuring they look great and also reducing the risk of issues like leaks.