How To Remove Lichen From Terracotta Roof Tiles

Remove moss and lichen from your roof with vinegar.

How to remove lichen from terracotta roof tiles.

Removing lichen fully using this method is nearly impossible not to mention time consuming especially if you are dealing with a large surface like a roof. Lichen avoids galvanized steel copper and zinc because these metals work as a natural biocide. Older terracotta roof tiles will become brittle over time and if so should not be cleaned as the tiles may break underfoot and water can. This will remove the unwanted moss lichen and mould that has embedded into your tiles.

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. Moss itself is a plant while lichen conisist of a fungus and a photosyntheizing plant living together. This will remove all the moss and lichen as well as any built up dirt. For best results mix the wet forget and spot spray the lichen leave for 10 15 minutes and then respray the lichen and the entire roof to ensure the lichen absorbs the wet forget thoroughly.

Terracotta tiles are made from natural clay which is a naturally moist material. So if you attempt to remove it with a hand tool you may accidentally remove the protective top layer of your roof shingles as well. For an average 3 bedroom tile roof with lichen you would require 3 x 5 litre packs depending on the total area covered with lichen. Terracotta roof tiles are typically cleaned to have the visible moss and lichen removed.

Moss and lichen is attracted to the roof tiles surface and if left will continue to grow and most likely restrict the flow of rain water over the tiles surface into the roofs. If any members of your family are susceptible to allergies or respiratory conditions it is even more important to regularly clean your roof tiles. Mould when mould is growing on top of your roof it is often indicative of problems that started within the home. You can use a product called 30 seconds roof treatment to kill the moss and lichen prior to the roof being cleaned.

Mould algae lichen and moss that is growing on your roof tiles can transfer into your roof cavity and be circulated in airflow throughout your house. As you did in the previous step walk backwards when you are spraying away from the wet tiles and onto the dry ones. You also risk the potential of accidentally damaging the protective top layer of your roof shingles while trying to remove it with this method. Lichen can be really tricky to remove because it grips strongly onto the surface.