Do you often carry out roof maintenance? This often forgotten gesture allows you to extend the longevity of your roof by ensuring that it is in good condition and does not require repair work to avoid future major problems (water infiltration, leaks, permeability of the roof). insulation by condensation, etc.). However, for this, you still need to be able to have an overview of the roof, an undertaking that is compromised to say the least when moss and lichens cover it, especially at the beginning of spring! It is then necessary to act, especially as the moss makes the tiles and slates more sensitive to frost and porous. However, there is no need to opt for algicidal chemicals that are certainly effective, but aggressive and destructive to the environment! Here are some natural tips for successfully removing moss from your roof.
Advice :
-Carry out your treatment in dry weatherpreferably in spring when the weather forecast announces a few dry and mild days. In fact, the rain risks rinsing the products you use, giving them no time to act!
-Like moss removal products, we do not recommend bleach. It is harmful to the environment. Now, we are talking about treating its exterior facade! In addition, she is aggressive and can damage the tiles. This can in particular seriously damage sandstone or terracotta tiles, leaving cracks or promoting wear and porosity of the roof.
-To treat something other than a roof (terrace slabs, etc.), many grandmother’s natural products can remove greenish stains: baking soda diluted in water, black soap, white vinegar, water cooking potatoes or pasta (rich in starch)…
1) Moss removal without roofing products
No need to concoct your own organic anti-moss liquid when you know the right steps to remove moss from your roof! The most sporty will be able to manually scrub the roof with a broom or stiff bristle brush to remove moss. Then give it a good rinse and check each gutter. (The gutters can in fact become blocked if you are not careful.) If you want to treat a solid material (terrace slabs, non-slate roof, etc.), the high pressure cleaner can easily replace your brush. Last option without product: suffocate and dry out moss by covering it (tarpaulin, cardboard, etc.). However, allow several days to obtain the expected result!
2) Baking soda
Bicarbonate helps both eliminate moss and delay its reappearance. For a light cleaning with little foam, rinse the roof with bicarbonate water 30 g (2 tablespoons) per liter of hot water. Leave to act for at least 1 hour. You can then sprinkle with baking soda if necessary, then scrub with a stiff-bristled brush or broom and rinse. Be careful in the garden : a high concentration of bicarbonate can damage surrounding plants. However, this remains less toxic than the quaternary ammoniums in classic anti-foam (and it cleans very effectively!).
3) Salt water for removing moss from a roof
Both sea water and salt water have a good stripping power to remove moss from a roof. If you don’t have an ocean handy, simply dilute salt in hot water and clean your tiles with this product following the same principle as for baking soda.
4) Fireplace ash
Wood ashes help correct the acidity which encourages the appearance of moss and lichens on the roof or in the garden. You can therefore spread it on the roof mixed with water. Then, let it sit for two to three days (always without rain!). Then scrub with a good brush and rinse thoroughly.
5) The fungicide recipe with citric acid for removing moss from the roof
Biodegradable and antioxidant, citric acid counts among the best natural tips for removing moss from the roof. To use it, dilute 600 g of citric acid, 150 g of bicarbonate, 20 ml of vegetable oil (rapeseed, sunflower, etc.) and around fifteen drops of tea tree essential oil. or basil in 8 liters of lukewarm water. Then, apply this solution to the area affected by moss and lichen. Leave it on for two to three days, then rinse with a jet and a broom.