Looking for a better deal on your insurance? Get a quote
Become a registered trader - Join us
Trader’s sign in

Find a local trusted trader

Use my location

Search by trader name

  1. Home
  2. Help & advice
  3. Roofing
  4. We Wish You A Moss-Free Christmas And A Happy New Year

Roofing

Expert advice on roof repairs, maintenance, replacements, storm damage and everything homeowners need to know about keeping their roof safe, secure and weatherproof.

Roofing

We Wish You A Moss-Free Christmas And A Happy New Year

The tree is up, the potatoes are peeled and the turkey is oven ready, but is your roof ready for Santa and his reindeer? At this time of year it is very likely that you haven’t spared a glance at your roof, but when you get a chance over the festive period, it is worth taking a look and assessing your moss situation.

The tree is up, the potatoes are peeled and the turkey is oven ready, but is your roof ready for Santa and his reindeer? At this time of year it is very likely that you haven’t spared a glance at your roof, but when you get a chance over the festive period, it is worth taking a look and assessing your moss situation.

Excess moss can interfere with your roof’s drainage and absorb water which, in very cold weather, is at risk of freezing and damaging your roof tiles. There are a few options available to you to get rid of excess dirt and moss; in this series, we talk through the basics.

Why You Should Remove Moss And Debris

Removing the moss from your roof isn’t just about Santa’s health and safety, it can help you to protect your investment, too.

Roof tiles are designed to be porous, not so they let water in, but so they let it out; if your home was an airtight, sealed unit, condensation would be a serious problem. If you allow dirt, debris and moss to build up on your roof, it acts a bit like a sponge, holding moisture against the porous tiles. If your tiles become saturated and the temperature reaches freezing, you are at risk of the water in the tiles freezing and expanding, which could crack your tiles beyond repair, which will lead to increased risk of leaks.

Keeping your roof clear isn’t just about cosmetics, it can help to make your home more saleable too, as a clean, well-maintained property has much more appeal to potential buyers than something that looks run-down.

Removing Moss

It is possible for you to remove moss from your roof yourself, with or without moss removal products. If you want to avoid using products, you can use a pressure washer fitted with a dirt blaster. This effectively strips away moss and even the most stubborn grime. If your roof is old or crumbling, don’t be tempted to use a pressure washer as you will cause further damage.

If you don’t have a pressure washer yourself, don’t panic; a good local handyman will be able to do the job for you for a relatively low cost.

There are moss removal products that can be used to kill moss. Generally, you clean the roof before spraying the product according to the instructions; waiting times vary, but once you have waited the specified time, you need to wash the roof again to rinse off the moss killer. Remember that you are dealing with chemicals and always wear appropriate protective clothing; if you are in doubt, consult a professional roofer or moss removal specialist.

With a little help, you can ensure that your roof is moss free into next year and beyond. For more tips, follow Trust A Trader on Facebook or Twitter.

Related tags

Find roofers & roofing

Browse categories

Looking for more roofing advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common roofing questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

  • How do I know if my roof needs repairing or replacing?

    A few broken tiles or a small patch of damaged flashing? That's usually a repair job. But if your roof is over 20 years old, leaks keep coming back in different spots, or you're seeing sagging or widespread cracking, replacement is probably the smarter long-term call. A proper inspection from a roofer will give you a straight answer before you commit to anything.

  • What are the signs of a leaking roof I shouldn't ignore?

    Water stains on ceilings, damp patches on walls, mould in the loft, or daylight peeking through the roof boards - all worth acting on quickly. A musty smell upstairs can also point to a slow leak, even when there's nothing visible. Roof leaks don't fix themselves, and the longer they're left, the more damage they do to insulation, timbers, and your ceilings.

  • Is moss on my roof a serious problem?

    Not an emergency, but don't leave it too long. Moss holds moisture against the tiles, which can work its way underneath and cause cracking in winter. It'll also block your gutters if it spreads far enough. Getting it professionally cleaned and treated is the way to go - it's not a job to DIY given the risks of working at height.

  • What happens if I delay getting my roof repaired?

    Small problems get expensive fast. A few displaced tiles can leave the felt underneath exposed to weather damage, and even a minor leak can cause timber rot, saturate insulation, and eventually ruin ceilings and walls. What could've been a straightforward repair becomes a much bigger project the longer you leave it, so it's best to get it sorted sooner rather than later.

  • How do I temporarily protect my home if my roof is damaged in a storm?

    If tiles are missing or water's getting in, the priority is limiting the damage until a roofer can get to you. A heavy-duty tarpaulin over the affected area is your best bet - make sure it extends well past the damage and is secured so it doesn't lift in the wind. Inside, move furniture out of the way, put buckets down, and use towels to manage any water coming through. Don't go up on the roof yourself as wet tiles are dangerously slippery.

  • What types of roofing materials are best for UK homes?

    Clay and concrete tiles, natural slate, and EPDM rubber for flat roofs are the most common on UK homes. Clay tiles are durable and handle our freeze-thaw winters well - though they're heavy, so not every roof can take them. Slate looks great and can last over a century done properly. For flat or low-pitched roofs, EPDM rubber has largely replaced traditional felt because it holds up much better against UV damage and standing water. The right call depends on your roof's pitch, your property's age, and what the structure can support.

  • How quickly can I get an emergency roof repair?

    Most roofers offer emergency callouts, but response times vary. In quieter periods, someone might get to you within a few hours. After a big storm when everyone's calling at once, you might be waiting a day or more. If there's a delay, get a tarpaulin over the damage in the meantime. One thing to watch: be wary of anyone who knocks on your door unsolicited after a storm offering to check your roof - it's a well-known scam.

  • What are green roofs and are they worth it?

    A green roof has a waterproof layer topped with soil and plants - usually sedums or grasses for a low-maintenance version, or something more garden-like if you want to go further. They insulate well, soak up rainwater, and are good for local wildlife. They can also extend the life of the waterproofing underneath by shielding it from sun and temperature swings. Whether it's worth it depends on your roof's structure and what you're hoping to get out of it. Installation needs to be done professionally - a leak underneath a green roof is a far bigger headache than on a standard flat roof.

Have a question about TrustATrader?

If you have a question in relation to TrustATrader specifically, please check out the TrustATrader FAQs, with separate lists tailored to consumers and tradespeople. Alternatively, get in touch with our team. We're happy to help!

Read FAQs Contact TrustATrader