Bleach Lichen Roof
Never use undiluted bleach on your roof.
Bleach lichen roof. If you have lichen growing on your roof siding or decking clean it easily with wet forget hose end. You can apply wet forget with your feet firmly planted on the ground. Oxygen bleach however will kill the moss without harming your roof. To remove lichen and moss from the roof try the least toxic method for moss and lichen removal first oxygen bleach.
The roof growth gave character to many seaside and forest cottages. Moss may grow on parts of your roof sidewalks or driveway that aren t directly exposed to the sun. The new wet forget rapid application hose. It can burn the skin.
Photograph of a portion of a colorbond steel roof showing heavy fungal growth. Make sure you wear waterproof gloves when you use the bleach. Do this at the end of the cleaning solution s time frame just before you rinse the roof with water. Brush down from the top of the roof toward the ground to loosen and remove the moss.
While lichens don t damage the structure of roof tiles they can stain the surface of the roof as well as trap moisture. To really get all moss and stains off your roof use a stiff bristled scrub brush. Lichen is a growth incorporating both fungus and algae. True to its name chlorine bleach may bleach your asphalt shingles lightening or changing the color.
Moss is a collection of a bunch of smaller plants that have grown together. They thrive in shady locations. Roof moss and lichen are not only unsightly but can damage the roof over time. Photograph of lichen on a colorbond steel roof.
The jet tip nozzle allows you to reach surfaces up to 30 so you don t need to use a ladder to climb up onto your roof. Although it s an inexpensive option to remove lichen from your roof the end result may corrode downspouts gutters and flashings. Chlorine bleach will do the job but it can damage or discolor certain types of roofing such as wooden shingles. Moisture increases the chance of mold growth which can damage the roof tiles.
According to tim carter author of the nationally syndicated column ask the builder bleach will kill the moss growing on your roof. And you may need to clean the roof once in a while. Moss roots are thin and loosen from your roof through contact with the bleach. Twenty years ago i bicycled about 500 miles along the oregon northern california coast and marveled at the number of asphalt shingle roofs carpeted with lichens and moss.
Clorox bleach can be used outdoors to clean mildew and dirt from items like roofs decks and furniture but may not actually kill moss and lichens and can discolor fabrics or finishes. All building components may be susceptible to fungal growth if the conditions are right.