Roof cleaning and moss removal

[Rabbington On]

Hi all
My house roof is shedding loads of moss every time it rains all over my new glass roof extension and I suspect it is also clogging up the new guttering- so we really need to get someone in to clean the roof. Just wondering if anyone has had such work done - anything in particular to look out for. Should I get it sealed at same time, any idea of rough costs for average 4 bed house?
Thanks

[Robertj21a]

Just to add - why do some houses get lots of moss on the roof when others nearby get none at all ?. It doesn't seem to be shade/wet/damp.

[footnote]

I've been using this website for 'ball park' guidance on lots of jobs.

http://quotationcheck.com/much-cost-remove-roof-mo...

Seems to be generally within a couple of hundred or so on the smaller jobs I've been looking at.

[Rabbington On]

Thanks Footnote the link is really helpful and looks like the cost won't be as bad as I thought. 😀

[roofer]

You have a north facing pitch. Copper is your friend.

[p1esk]

Sorry, no idea about the likely cost of moss removal. Earlier this year we had the lower portion of our roof tiling removed for felt renewal, and the builder cleaned the whole roof area while they were here. I didn't ask them to do it, but it looks much tidier now.

For those fortunate enough to live in the Whitby area, I can recommend a very good building firm. They work steadily without wasting any time, and they pay great attention to detail and produce good quality work. If they talk among themselves they talk quietly, no shouting and bawling, there's no foul language and no blaring radio. They also tidy up at the end of each day.

We could possibly get our work done more cheaply by others, but to my mind they're worth the small extra cost.

[Robertj21a]

roofer said:

You have a north facing pitch. Copper is your friend.

Correct, north facing - but so is my neighbour, with no moss.....

Assuming copper is not PC Plod, just how does copper get involved ? - thanks anyway.

[Trif]

My east facing roof gets lots of moss but the north and west pitches get barely any.

[wjwren]

Been looking at this as the one side of the house is covered. When it rains heavy the patio is covered in large chunks of moss. I used an litre sprayer with about half a bottle of cheap bleach in a while ago and sprayed the bits i could reach and it's killed it nicely.
I could really do with someone getting up there with a stiff brush and then spraying some moss killer on.
I had also thought of another way to spray it as my 8 litre sprayer isnt that powerful. My jetwash can suck water from a drum or water source. I was thinking of filling a wheelie bin of water and bleach mixture and then spray that on the roof. Might be a little bit foamy! No plants on that side as well to worry about. Might be best done when the moss is growing more in the spring.

Edited by wjwren on Friday 4th September 17:03

[roofer]

Robertj21a said:

Correct, north facing - but so is my neighbour, with no moss.....

Assuming copper is not PC Plod, just how does copper get involved ? - thanks anyway.

http://www.copperridges.com/Why_Choose_Copper_.html

You won't need a full ridge, but any copper bleed will keep moss at bay.

[Condi]

Cant you get on the roof and sweep it yourself?

[wjwren]

Condi said:

Cant you get on the roof and sweep it yourself?

Not really, I did think about it but *if* I fell off it might hurt a little. Im quite into DIY and it annoys me getting someone in but falling off is not an option!

[Condi]

wjwren said:

Condi said:

Cant you get on the roof and sweep it yourself?

Not really, I did think about it but *if* I fell off it might hurt a little. Im quite into DIY and it annoys me getting someone in but falling off is not an option!

Dont fall off then! Depends how likely you are to fall off, and if its worth the £60 or so to avoid the risk.

I'd just jump on and sweep.

[Robertj21a]

roofer said:

http://www.copperridges.com/Why_Choose_Copper_.htm...

You won't need a full ridge, but any copper bleed will keep moss at bay.

Very helpful, thanks a lot.

[grumpyscot]

Just DO NOT powerwash off the moss - especially if you have concrete roof tiles. You'll break the waterproof seal and allow water to permeate into the concrete.

I made up a DIY job with an old garden hoe, attached to a series of longer poles. Managed the job no problem thanks to a sturdy ladder!

I have to clean mine every couple of years - the joys of living in Scotland!