Moss, lichen and algae are not the same thing
Moss is a plant that forms raised green clumps, usually thickest on the north-facing slope and wherever trees cast shade. It holds a surprising amount of water. Lichen is a combination of a fungus and an alga; it grows as flat crusty patches that cling tightly to the tile and grows very slowly. Algae shows up as black or green streaks running down the slope. Each one responds differently to cleaning, which is why we look at your roof before quoting rather than offering a one-size-fits-all price.
How we remove it
Thick moss comes away well with the air pole, which lifts the clumps from underneath without anyone standing on the tiles. Lichen is far more stubborn because it grips the surface, so on lichen-heavy roofs a biocide treatment does much of the work over time: it kills the growth, which then weathers off over the following months. Where staining is the main issue, a softwash treatment may be the better fit and we will tell you that honestly.
We collect the moss that falls, clear it from the gutters and leave the ground tidy.
- ✓Assessment of what is actually growing on your roof
- ✓Air-pole removal of moss clumps
- ✓Biocide treatment where it is on your quote
- ✓Gutters and ground cleared afterwards
Where moss tends to build up
On a typical house the worst growth is on the shaded slope, along the bottom courses near the gutter, around chimney stacks and in valleys where two roof slopes meet. Roofs close to trees, hedges or open countryside also collect more spores and organic debris. Bungalows and dormer homes, which are very common around Omagh and the surrounding villages, often have large slopes that are easy to see from the ground, which is why moss on them is so noticeable.
Keeping moss away after a clean
No treatment stops moss permanently in our climate, but you can slow it down. Cutting back overhanging branches lets the roof dry out faster after rain. Keeping gutters clear stops moss clinging along the lower edge. A biocide treatment after cleaning helps to deal with the spores that remain. Many customers simply book a check every few years so growth never gets thick again. Our guide on how often to clean a roof goes into this in more detail.
Is it urgent?
A light covering of moss is mainly cosmetic, but heavy growth can lift tile edges, block gutters and hold moisture against the roof. If you are unsure, read our guide on whether moss is damaging your roof, or send us photos and we will give you an honest view on whether it needs doing now.
Frequently asked questions
Can you remove lichen as well as moss?
Yes, but lichen clings tightly, so it is usually tackled with a biocide treatment that kills it and lets it weather away over the following months.
Will the moss end up in my gutters?
Some of it will fall into the gutters during the clean. We clear the gutters and tidy the ground before we leave.
Why is moss worse on one side of my roof?
The shaded side, usually north-facing or under trees, stays damp for longer and gives moss the conditions it needs.
Do I need to be home?
Not usually. We just need safe access around the house and to know about anything fragile below the roof line.