How to remove moss from a roof

Removing moss from a roof can seem like a difficult task, some people reach for the pressure washer but often you can clean the roof simply using a stiff brush. Once the moss is removed from the roof the tiles are then brushed again before the roof is sprayed using a solution of moss killer, which will kill existing and prevent new moss from growing on the roof. Please be careful when working at heights as a fall could kill or seriously injure you!

[@fesy734]

Another top video! You're a very safe man, I've seen a lot of idiots Doing these sort of jobs and I just can't handle the lack of common sense!

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Faisal Y Thanks Faisal, I always try to put safety firstI know one person too many that has been seriously injured by falling from height!Thanks for the comment

[@peteruk2]

Thank you for posting this really helpful video

[@rachelc1654]

I’ve just come across this video, moved to an older property and the porch is covered. Luckily window above which I can reach below. Excited to give it a good clean. :)

[@ultimatehandyman]

Glad it helped!

[@robby123knight5]

another great video

[@blue47er]

Very good, Darren, us Lancashire folk allus gerrit done. Good job, me owd mucker!

[@ultimatehandyman]

+blue47er Absolutely ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@steveb9429]

blue47er I have the same tile, aren't you concerned about breakage? I can't believe you didn't break tiles.

[@garrygemmell5676]

Great video as usual just doing our roof now after 60 years of buildup suprisingly free of moss compared to some modern houses - not using a scaffold but one of the roof hook type ladders - the ones the hook over the apex of the roof to keep the ladder steady have found they are pretty good and a bit safer than standing on the tiles and also reduces the chance of tile breakage by spreading my 200lb load over a larger area! Quoted £1500 from a local builder - did it myself for £15. I think you should have mentioned the danger of breaking older style concrete tiles with the rough sandy coating i have found after 50 years can be quite easy to crack depending on the weight of the person on the roof especially if your are standing on them , thats why i use a roof hook lladder and also the danger from older asbestos tiles scrubbing them in the wind and getting asbestos dust in your lungs - nasty!

[@ultimatehandyman]

I've never seen any roof tiles that contain Asbestos as most house roofs are slate here apart from the newer ones. Thanks for the comment

[@lucad8936]

great vid mate!

[@ultimatehandyman]

+handyman125 Thanks for the comment

[@choctaw6838]

Excellent work 👍

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@piee683]

What do you spray the moss with,excellent video by the way as always,my own house has white pebble dash with moss in parts how do you suggest cleaning without knocking off too many pebbles thx

[@ultimatehandyman]

+jerry o connor It might be worth just spraying the pebble dash with Moss Away, that will kill the moss. You could then hose it down with a hose pipe, hopefully that will not remove too many pebbles! Thanks for the comment

[@Noaxe_Tegrinde]

Excellent job Ulty! NoAxe

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@GrahamReid34]

I highly reccomend if possible using a harness and a point to hook said harness to.

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Graham Reid (Grizzle) I sometimes have to wear an harness at work for certain jobs. I hate them with a passion!Most of the time there is nothing to clip to, unless you have a sky hook ;-)Thanks for the comment

[@honestmcgyver]

Good video as always :)

[@ultimatehandyman]

+honestmcgyver Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@ultimatehandyman]

+MKRM27 There are plenty of people willing to go on a roof, unfortunately many of them use a ladder to get on the roof and some unlucky ones fall off and die, or end up paralysed for life. If you do a lot of DIY like me you might consider buying a scaffold tower, they are invaluable and often mean that you can do jobs yourself without having to risk getting in a tradesman that you do not know. If you are really desperate you could get a handyman to do it for you (if you could afford one).

[@7morgey]

Hi Darren just out of curiosity how much would you charge for this type of work ? I know this was a while ago 😂 And also how many 5L bottles did you go through to stray the roof , thanks keep up the good work 👍

[@JasonDunlop247]

Hi Darren. Cleaning Moss from a roof with a pressure washer is quick and leaves a good looking finish. However you run the risk of damaging tiles and getting water into roof space! It's also bloody dangerous. Just my personal opinion...

[@simonb2109]

he didnt use a pressure washer though did he

[@jamesgallagher1992]

Very helpful vid👍👍

[@ultimatehandyman]

Glad it helped Thanks for the comment 👍

[@k671070]

Brilliant vdo as always. Do you do all these diy vdos at your own property?

[@ultimatehandyman]

+k671070 Thanks, I mainly do them at my own home, although I do have a rental property that I sometimes use and if I am doing a job for a friend I might video it. The majority are on my home though.Thanks for the comment

[@Noahsprogeny]

Only problem is that even after applying a moss killer, moss will probably return within about 3 years. A longer term solution is to remove the ridge tiles, fix a strip of zinc flashing then re-fix the ridge tiles over this "flashing". Rain will pick up zinc ions that are toxic to moss and algae. An alternative is to fix bare copper lightning conductor tape (25 x 3 mm) at the ridge. Copper is toxic to moss and algae too and works in the same way as the zinc. If you want to match an existing, lichen covered roof with an extension roof by encouraging lichen (far less damaging than moss) to grow, dissolve some bi carbonate of soda and spray that over the roof. This gives lichen an ideal alkaline environment. (P.S. Mum was a Lancashire lass.)

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks Roland, I'd rather do a permanent solution like you have suggested. I have often thought about using a strip of copper (I was not aware that zinc worked- perhaps that is why they use zinc on roofs in France), but thought my house would probably get struck by lightening! Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@peterpage7322]

Brilliant tip, thank you!

[@jaggass]

Ive just cleaned my roof but i can get away with working at a low height as i live in a bungalow. Ive used soda crystals to kill all off, then brush off lose bits. I then hose the roof down to get into the crevices of the tiles and now it looks like new again. I have the same problem my bungalow doesn't get alot of light due to where its facing and a great big tree in the back garden.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@JasonDunlop247]

I see so many people cleaning roofs with a pressure washer. I do various cleaning work but this is something I won't do. Its not only dangerous but I think it can be damaging to the roof. People go for the quick fix though and take a chance!

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Jason Dunlop Moss can be harmful to the roof, if you leave it the joints where the tiles overlap can block up causing the water to run under the tiles.

[@JasonDunlop247]

Very true. Its the method you use to clean it that I'm talking about. Your way is slower but the correct and safest way. The pressure washing lot are faster but dangerous and damaging! A stiff brush is definitely the right way to go about it. 👍

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Jason Dunlop Thanks for the clarification Jason ;-)

[@lessmith4974]

Got to put a thumbs up its the exact same way we clean roofs.n1.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@lessmith4974]

Cheers m8.

[@faizanhussain2864]

Hi mate. What sprayer are you using? And which sprayer do you recommend for someone who is just starting up? Thanks.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I think it's an Hozelock sprayer, similar to this one- fave.co/3wZv2ge Thanks for the comment 👍

[@WingmanLive]

Do these type of tiles have asbestos in them? I heard the ones from the 70's do!

[@zedman442]

Nice work, hate cleaning moss. I have improvised before if I can't get on the roof with a scraper attached to a paint roller extension bar. It expands to well offer 3 meters. You can swap to a brush to clean up. What's going on with that ridge tile, is that incorporating a vent?

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Zed Man Thanks, I do have a extendable brush (unger) but it only has soft bristles, but it can be used to sweep the crap off the roof.I think that ridge tile has some kind of built in vent.Next job is repointing the lead valley (next weekend, if weather permits)Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@DarrenBoss1984]

Aww bother! If on;y I'd seen this a day ago I would have done it this way :D I used a pressure washer and it worked well, though cleaning up all the moss that had been blasted everywhere was irritating.

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Darren Boss A pressure washer is fine, but like you say it blasts the moss everywhere!Thanks for the comment

[@joeheslop8423]

Nice job on the moss removal. I would of taken that chimeny up another 6 courses whilst i was up there. 👀🦆

[@ultimatehandyman]

The fire is never used ;-) Thanks for the comment 👍

[@amana1480]

What tiles are the best tiles to choose when doing a new roof, that do not allow moss to grow on them in the first place?

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Aman A I have no idea. I think it will collect on any tiles eventually, although it may take longer if the tiles are smooth rather than granulated.

[@yensabi]

A lot of health and safety talk there chez , i am surprised you did not have a high viz jacket and hard hat on..... : ) )

[@ultimatehandyman]

+yensabi Ha Ha, I hate wearing that stuff LOLEvery time I put a bump cap on and climb a scaffold I always bump my head!Thanks for the comment

[@davidtovey7748]

The best way to clean moss from your roof . One handful of costic soda to the gallon and spray with a garden sprayer or water can with the spout then just leave it the weather will do the rest for you . Your roof will soon be like new . Just do not try to walk on the wet roof as it will be very slippery.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment, I might try that in future 👍

[@cheechU38K]

Great job although I'd recommend a cherry picker to be ultra safe as even a dry roof can be slippery. Maybe a colour paint would give the roof a new look too though not sure about tile paint.

[@ultimatehandyman]

+cheechU38K Unfortunately you could not get a cherry picker around the house.I'm not sure if you can get or should paint roof tiles, I know some firms do it but I think it's the kind of firms that offer that spray insulation on the inside of the roof etc. that offer this kind of service. (you know the types of firms to avoid at all costs) Thanks for the comment

[@fitchikalina7507]

The best way is to spray roof in the summer with Algicide, the winter weather will clean it like new. Next summer check it over and apply a breathable water repellent. Clean the gutters out. No damage from power washer & less chance of moss regrowth now the pores/capillaries are lined.

[@l33lob]

How man litres of water repellent did you use? I think I’d be about £400 just on material for this

[@Stornoman]

I had a so called professional who used a pressure washer on my roof. A week later the local authority had to clear out blocked drains of the whole street from the roof debris washed down. I was told I would be charged for the work. Waiting for the bill.

[@ultimatehandyman]

If you do get the bill, I hope you will pass it on to the guy that blocked the drains! Thanks for the comment

[@disconeil]

That is the sort of video that appeals to me mate, not alot of effort but alot of "brownie points" from her indoors! Did you fit the plastic end caps on your gable end/roof joint ? Sorry for the terminology but I noticed that your neighbour had a sand and cement mix joint whereas you have the plastic capping. If you did do it and you have to replace or service it in the future can I please request a "How to"? I am seeing them more and more but I never see it being fitted and wondered if it could be a DIY job. regards. N.

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Neil “Slugger” George Thanks Neil, No the end caps were already installed when we bought the property. Most of the houses on the street do have the dry verge installed apart from a couple that still have mortar in the joints. It's not something I have ever done before and won't get the chance to here as even the garage had dry verge installed, although I have been told it is very easy to do as long as you ensure you get the correct ones as they are left and right handed. It's another one of those jobs requiring a scaffold tower though, I would not like to attempt it from a ladder!Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@disconeil]

No worries mate. Thanks for your help! N.

[@rattlin9194]

Hi Darren, great vid thanks - what's the point of the scaffold (rather than say, a cat ladder?) Is it more a case of having it there incase you fall? Also, do you know the name of this particular tile-type?,As I've recently done my Nana's roof and it took an eternity, with my trying various methods along the way but unable find a quick way to get it off (about 3x the amount of moss over a 4bed bungalow!) I'm determined to 'invent' a tool to drastically speed up the process in future. Thinking a roadsweeper-style brushhead on an electric motor, but it's early days yet...

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, the scaffold is there in case you loose your footing. There have been a lot of people that have fallen from roofs and many have been badly injured/killed from the landing. That sounds like a great idea, it would be especially good if it could be used from the floor. Good luck with it, Chez (not Darren)

[@rattlin9194]

@@ultimatehandyman cheers, just been up spraying my own roof now, I made a 20l backpack pump which can reach the apex from the ladder, if you want one let me know, it's really good for applying the inhibitor without much waste. Well when I make the sweeper I'll give you a shout! Cheers chez (who's Darren? :-s)

[@WardyTranceMaster]

whats the moss killer you sprayed on mate? is it biocide you put down? algoclear

[@ultimatehandyman]

If I remember rightly it was called Mossaway and was made by Ashland chemicals.

[@WardyTranceMaster]

Is it biocide yh?

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm not sure, sorry. I have checked their website and it does not seem to say!

[@WardyTranceMaster]

Cheers matey

[@rachelgodfrey3683]

Hi, I've renovating my first house, mostly by myself but I need to employ a roofer to fix a couple of holes and replace a ridge tile in my roof, plus clean the moss off. He has asked me to get hold of scaffolding as he has no contacts in my area. Do I need it up to ridge height or just gutter height as in your video? Thanks!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You better ask the roofer 👍

[@jaggass]

Since i can't go on my bungalow roof for safety reasons i just stand on a ladder with an extendable pole with a wirebrush taped on. I blocked up the drain pipes with water and chunks of moss and when i unblocked them i got drenched. It was funny though.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I bet that was funny ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@forza223bowe5]

Also, be aware for any asbestos materials too.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@johnbonner258]

Unless you clean the miss out of the gap between the underlock and overlock of the tiles the moss will just bloom out in no time.

[@ultimatehandyman]

It has not bloomed out yet ;-)

[@LWCARAB]

What moss remover do you use?

[@ultimatehandyman]

If I remember rightly it was Ashland (I could be wrong) , but I can't seem to find it for sale anywhere now. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@charliecammack127]

Can this method be used on an asbestos garage roof? I've got a load of moss on mine and want it removing then the roof sealing. I don't want the brush to release asbestos fibres though. Thanks.

[@ultimatehandyman]

No, I'd not risk brushing asbestos tiles! Thanks for the comment 👍

[@charliecammack127]

@@ultimatehandyman cheers mate, Great video. Any ideas on how to approach this?

[@ultimatehandyman]

@@charliecammack127 Perhaps treat it with moss remover, then rinse it off using water from a hose pipe (in warmer weather) You can get roofs pressure washed by some firms, but not sure if they do asbestos roofs. Once it's dry, you can then seal it.

[@kennymacdonald5313]

That's only half a job. What about the moss growing in the joints of the tiles? I always make sure that that's scraped out using a paint scraper and wire brush. Everyone has different ways of doing things, I suppose. What's the best biocide to use for after treatment, by the way?

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Kenny MacDonald I think I used Mossaway made by ashland chamicals. I think everbuild also make it now as well.

[@kennymacdonald5313]

I'll have a look for that. I haven't used a biocide before. I'm fairly new to the game but am now getting asked about after treatments to prevent regrowth. Thanks for the information. What make are those tiles, by the way? I don't recognise them.

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Kenny MacDonald They are Redland Renown with a granular finish. They are almost identical to the Marley Ludlow Major but unfortunately the two different makes are not compatible. Thanks for the comments

[@kennymacdonald5313]

I thought they were a bit like Ludlow Majors, right enough, but could see they weren't identical. I've never seen them used up here in Scotland. I'm wondering if I could ask you something else? Is a Marely Mendip tile almost identical to a Marley Anglia. I think my supplier may have given me a Mendip instead of an Anglia and it wouldn't fit the roof properly, or is there and old style of Mendip and a newer style, do you know? The roof I'd been working on is about forty years old.

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Kenny MacDonald I'm not sure sorry.I had to replace two tiles on my roof recently so took a picture with my mobile phone and went to Travis Perkins, the guy behind the counter said they were Marley Ludlow majors. I bought 5 of them (three for spares) and went to fit them on the roof but could not get them to locate. I then noticed that the broken tile had some writing on the underside (imprinted in the tile), so I Googled it and found they were Redland renown, I had to go about 20 miles to pick some up but they are only about £1 each. Is there no makers name on the underside of your tiles?

[@piis1111]

Do you have a Pa1 & Pa6a spraying certificate Darren?

[@38sunseeker]

you dont need one for spraying domestic products, on a domestic application, pa1 cert applies only to commercial spraying

[@GreatoutdoorsandinUk]

er that's wrong if you are spraying commercially as a contractor, on domestic or commercial properties you need licence

[@paulgaffoor4163]

@@GreatoutdoorsandinUk he said it his own house . No licences needed.

[@richardbriggs1335]

Is there a safe point on the tiles to walk without breaking them? Thanks.

[@davecharlton1995]

yes, Marley Mendips always wear ballet shoes!

[@Eicles]

Hi, do you know if there is any way to remove the white bleaching/staining on roof tiles caused by boiler condensate?

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Eicles I'm not sure, sorry. How many tiles are affected? it might be easier to replace if only a few as they are only about £1 each

[@Eicles]

+Ultimate Handyman thanks for your reply. Yes that's probably the easiest option.

[@reachwash]

I ordered the Marshall Pro roof scraper a month ago, never received the goods, doesn’t reply to any messages! The tool maybe good but Pete Marshall cannot be relied on to send you the tool, people should know this

[@amana1480]

Hi how often should moss be cleaned off a roof

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Aman A Every couple of years. It's hard to give an exact time period as there are many variables. We get tons of the stuff as we are surrounded by trees!

[@liambeirne6572]

What is/was your general profession?. You know so much :D

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Liam Beirne I'm an electrical/mechanical maintenance engineer. Thanks for the comment

[@nickrudd2568]

I just had to clean my guttering and drains due to moss build up, A good 80kgs of wet dirty filled roof moss, Same problem, House faces the wrong way and never gets the sun. Unfortunately i cant get access and the landlord hasnt got back to me. Its a pain in the... If you ask me.

[@ChrisWalterAquaManiac]

Have you considered using copper roof tape after cleaning the roof? It releases copper ions that create an invisible barrier, deterring moss and algae growth for years. You can google Anti-moss copper roof tape to find a good local supplier. I bought my copper tape from Homemerce and it is very effective, no more moss.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I did think about it, I even considered running a copper wire along the ridge tiles, but thought that knowing my luck, the house would get struck by lightning 😂 Thanks for the comment 👍

[@richarddavies6147]

If you are using the roof for water harvesting, like we do, for topping up the garden pond, and plant watering, beware of what chemicals that you are adding to the roof, or isolate the take off pipe, until the roof has been washed many times by natural rainfall.

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Richard Davies Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@RealTimeZone]

Personally I wouldn't be using those toxic chemicals as it can't be good for the local wildlife. I'd rather just clean the roof a little more often.

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Nick White I can't ever recall seeing any wildlife on the roof, most of the birds stay in the trees or around our bird table.Thanks for the comment

[@apartamentywsercuwarszawy9978]

If you really wanna get rid off the moss, you must try the anti-moss tape from Homemerce! Once forever!

[@lairdspence]

What is the product sprayed on the roof

[@ultimatehandyman]

It's a mould/mildew cleaner. It helps to prevent the moss coming back, similar to this- fave.co/3XEv5LV

[@lairdspence]

@@ultimatehandyman thanks for the information. I will get some in the spring.

[@norfolkdrummerboy]

Nothing wrong with a ladder and ridge ladder we use wire brush (and remove all moss) and treat with the number one moss killer/cleaner Algoclear six months later the roof looks brand new

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@girlsdrinkfeck]

i dont like it when people use a chemical jet wash ,ruins the coating of the tiles and increases risk of fractures in extreme weather change

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@polyshieldcoatings]

girlsdrinkfeck your completly wrong this roofs already loss about 40% off the coating as you see in the video the manufacturers coating is loss over the first 15 year with weathering, any roofs over that have completely loss their coating. jet washing doesnt remove the coating as ive intensively tested this theory over the years jet washing will pnly remove dirt and moss it is the weather that erodes the coating. also chemicals like fungicode that are designed to kill moss are completely safe even to pets and plants totally biogradiable as they have to be because their lisenced and regulated by the nhs. regards callum

[@pauldavies5655]

CAL RAM --- you are wrong , you should NEVER EVER JET/PRESSURE wash concrete tiles , you can jet wash natural second hand used slates , to give them a better appearence before laying ,, but NEVER jet was congtete tiles !!

[@michaelcollins5308]

Have you found new roofs gain far more moss than old slate and rosemary tiles etc

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, the man-made tiles definitely seem to encourage moss, more than slate etc. 👍

[@allcounties7059]

I'm a roofer once roof has had pressure washer .you are in trouble .takes years off your roof tiles get damaged and more worn cement on ridge tiles gets damaged .wire brush roofing trowel hard broom spray sealent your done

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@colinbrassington3531]

Easy when moss is damp

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@Maxsdiscos]

Where is your harness lol?

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Maxsdiscos LOL From experience harnesses do more harm than good. The amount of times I have caught it on things when wearing it at work is unbelievable. Also if you fall in a harness you don't have long before you need rescuing, or your blood supply can be cut off, that's why I always stay in the perimeter of the scaffold. If I had the choice at work to wear an harness or risk dropping to my death I would choose the latter LOL ;-)

[@Maxsdiscos]

Does it not depend where the lanyard is though, eg overhead / to the side?

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Maxsdiscos Most of the time there is nowhere to attach the lanyard apart from the scaffolding itself. They get a specialist firm in to erect the scaffolding, but you have to wear a harness and lanyard which just makes the job more difficult. There is no chance of you falling from the scaffold, that is why it is erected in the first place LOL. We also have to wear a harness when going underground in pits because of confined access, apparently this is so that the fire brigade can get you out in an emergency. The harness gets caught on every dam piece of equipment in sight and really makes it uncomfortable to wear. I'm quite happy for the fire brigade to hook a caribbeaner clip onto my Y fronts if they need to get me out in an emergency LOL.

[@Maxsdiscos]

Haha about the fire brigade. Your scaffold in the video only gave front protection on one axis of the building. If you became faint (say something fell on your head), you could naturally fall sideways, couldn't you?

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Maxsdiscos You could, but the chances of something hitting me on the head when I am on the roof are pretty slim. I'm erecting the scaffold on the other side of the valley today to sort out that side and re-point the valley. The joys of dry weather LOL

[@johnandshelly82]

I thought Elton John sorted this problem in your song.

[@ultimatehandyman]

+john shelly Oh, you mean Elton John?Which song?

[@johnandshelly82]

Your song

[@ultimatehandyman]

+john shelly Ha Ha, I just had to listen to the song."I sat on the roof and kicked off the moss".I never knew those words were in that song ;-)

[@johnandshelly82]

Thanks for putting up some great videos, I liked the one about drilling stainless steel very helpful tip.

[@ultimatehandyman]

+john shelly You are welcome. Thanks for the comments

[@joeconway948]

it would be better to tret the mos to kill it before u remove it ur only spreading it all over the roof

[@DavidSmith-cx8iq]

Hire a professional..... it's on them

[@ultimatehandyman]

How much do they charge for removing the moss from a roof, approximately? Thanks for the comment

[@GhostofCTC]

Get on roof, get hold of moss, remove it. Saved you all 3 minutes. Next week how to put your shoes on.