Roof Lichen: What is it and How to Get Rid of it?

What is roof lichen?
From your description, you may have lichen growing on the surface of your roof. It’s a combination of algae and fungus and usually has a light, mint-green color. It doesn’t trap as much water against the surface of the roof as moss, but it can be acidic and has strands that can penetrate into the shingles.
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On roofs, especially on shingles, a specialized species of fungi called roof lichen thrives. It can be recognized by its flat, crusty appearance, its green or black hue, and the fact that it flourishes in moist, humid settings. Roof lichen might not seem like a big deal, but if you ignore it, it might really harm your roof.

A common technique for clearing lichen from roofs is soft washing. During this procedure, the surface of the roof is cleaned by employing a low-pressure water stream combined with a cleaning solution. Depending on the size of the house and the level of cleaning needed, a soft wash may take a different amount of water. Usually, gentle washing a house uses 20 to 30 gallons of water.

It could be feasible to soft wash your own roof, but it’s not advised. Soft washing calls for specialized tools, including a pressure washer and cleaning agents acceptable for use on rooftops. In order to avoid hurting yourself or damage your roof, it is advisable to leave this task to a professional.

The amount of pressure applied during the cleaning process is the main distinction between soft washing and pressure washing. To remove dirt and grime, pressure washing uses a high-pressure water stream. Although this technique works well on some surfaces, it can harm delicate materials like roofing tiles. On the other hand, soft washing gently removes pollutants by using a stream of low-pressure water mixed with a cleaning agent.

Trisodium phosphate cleanser, sometimes known as TSP cleaner, is a potent cleaning product frequently used to prepare surfaces for painting or staining. Additionally, it can be used to clean tough stains, grease, and dirt off of surfaces including metal, wood, and concrete. However, it is not advised to use TSP cleaner on roofs because it can be too strong and harm the roofing material.

In conclusion, roof lichen is a widespread problem that needs to be quickly handled before it causes serious harm. Lichen and other impurities can be removed off your roof with soft washing, but it is better to leave this task to a professional. TSP cleanser should also not be applied to roofs since it can be excessively harsh and harm the roofing material.

FAQ
Thereof, how much does it cost to remove moss from roof?

The topic of the article is roof lichen, not moss. The size of the roof, the extent of the moss development, and the technique of removal can all affect how much it costs to remove moss from a roof. To acquire a precise quotation, it is best to speak with a reputable roofing contractor.

Is moss on concrete roof tiles a problem?

Yes, moss on concrete roof tiles can be dangerous since it makes the tiles slippery, which could result in accidents. Moss can also trap moisture against the tiles, which over time can cause damage and deterioration. To avoid these problems, it’s critical to routinely remove moss from concrete roof tiles.