Lichen Growth On Roof Tiles

Whilst appearing more like a cosmetic problem the roof lichen can cause serious harm to your roof.

Lichen growth on roof tiles.

Lichens one of the most hardy growth organisms found in nature can grow in harsh conditions. And on your roof it usually looks like a green crust that grows in patches. While lichens don t damage the structure of roof tiles they can stain the surface of the roof as well as trap moisture. Lichen can be a tough growth to remove due to the symbiotic relationship between the fungus and algae.

Moisture increases the chance of mold growth which can damage the roof tiles. Moss algae and lichen grow on your roof through a combination of two things. Lichens are a fungus that typically grows with algae. Adding metal strips along your roof s ridge line may inhibit lichen growth.

Use a stiff brush such as a pushbroom to scrape away any stubborn mold or lichen patches. Several natural remedies can kill the lichens and restore the look of your roof tiles. Lichen and green moss growth on a slate roof. Causes of moss or lichens growth on roofs.

While this is a popular approach a great deal of time and work must be put in to remove lichen this way. Roof lichen or more regularly recognized roof moss or algae is a very common sight on many shingled or tiles roofs. Moisture and organic debris. Clean up any organic matter on the roof such as twigs leaves or other debris.

Lichen on terracotta roof tiles is particularly unappealing to the eye and is best handled before it has a chance to cake in and ruin the tiles. While moss can look quite luscious lichen usually grows much thinner and closer to the surface of your roof. How to remove moss lichen from the roof with vinegar. Allow the bleach solution to remain on the roof for 10 to 15 minutes.

The presence or absence of much sunlight on a roof surface is often a determining factor in the amount of moss or lichens growth more sun less moss and lichens. The more water and the more debris the greater the chance of moss growth. Another critical factor is the amount of shade your roof receives. It holds moisture and can cause roofs to bend and bow inward and eventually collapse if left untreated.

Many people try to remove lichen by brushing and scraping it off with abrasive tools. Scrub the moss and lichen from the roof with a long handled scrub brush. Lichens may even grow on some window glass. Lichens is often found growing on roof shingles especially asphalt and wood shingles as we show here.

Moss growing on any roof surface will be more severe on roof sections that area shaded and exposed to periodically damp cool weather conditions. In addition to rotting and possibly damaging your roof.