Moss Removal in Tintern

Moss Off Without Harming the Tiles

Roofs in Tintern under trees or facing north grow moss quickly, and it holds water against the tiles and blocks the gutters. We scrape and brush it off by hand and clear the gutters at the same time.

Moss grows fastest on north-facing slopes and roofs shaded by trees, and concrete tiles with a rough surface suit it well. A little is mostly cosmetic, but thick cushions act like a sponge. They hold rainwater against the tiles, lift the bottom edges so wind-driven rain gets underneath, and break up when frost gets into them. Clumps then wash down and block gutters and downpipes, which brings its own problems.

Pressure washing is not always the right answer. A jet strong enough to shift moss also wears away the face of concrete tiles, and the rougher, thirstier surface left behind is easier for moss to recolonise. The spray can also drive water up under the laps into the loft, or crack older tiles. We look at the tiles first, then scrape and brush the moss off by hand, working down the roof, and bag what comes off rather than leaving it in the gutters.