Moss shedding off the roof into the garden and gutters
Finding clumps of moss on the path after a windy night means the growth on the roof has reached the point where it no longer holds. Most of what comes loose does not reach the ground, it lands in the gutter.
Ask us about this
Monday to Saturday, 8am – 7pm
- Check the gutters whenever moss appears on the ground
- Look at shaded slopes first, they hold the most
- Avoid pressure washing tiles, it opens the surface
Where the rest of it goes
For every clump on the path there is usually more sitting in the gutter run, which is why moss shedding and gutter overflow tend to arrive in the same season. Clearing the gutter without dealing with the roof means the same debris arrives again the following winter.
Why South West roofs hold moss
Mild, wet winters and long damp spells suit moss, particularly on shaded slopes and on concrete tiles with a slightly open surface. Slate holds less, though the bedding and the laps still collect it.
What treatment involves
Moss is removed mechanically or allowed to die back after treatment, then the roof is left to weather. High pressure is avoided on tile surfaces because it strips the face and shortens the life of the covering.
Common questions
- Does moss damage tiles?
- It holds moisture against the surface and blocks drainage paths, and the loose material blocks gutters. On sound tiles it is a maintenance issue rather than an immediate risk.
- Should the gutters be done at the same time?
- Yes, and afterwards rather than before, so the debris released has somewhere to go and then gets cleared.
- Do you scrape or treat?
- It depends on the covering and how established the growth is. We will say which we would use before quoting.
Similar situations
Send a photo of the roof slope and we will tell you whether it needs treating now or watching for a season.
Get a written quote