Lichen on roof tiles

Is there any harm in leaving lichen on roof tiles? I know moss should be removed, but what about lichen?

Asked by Harry on 9th Feb 2023
Expert Trade Answers
"Yea this should also be removed as it is better off"
Answered on 19th Feb 2023 - Member since Feb 2023 - report
"All should be removed and cleaned every 4 years gave me a call and I can come and view the property and till you want needs doing"
Answered on 13th Feb 2023 - Member since Feb 2023 - report
"This should be removed as if not it wil spread and cause damage to the roof"
Answered on 12th Mar 2023 - Member since Mar 2023 - report
"After years of it being there could cause so.e problems but normally it takes years to affect concrete pan tiles"
Answered on 24th Apr 2023 - Member since Nov 2021 - report
"No Lichens will not have any damaging effect on your roof. The reason why we clean off the moss is it can wash down in to your gutters. This then courses another problem. Blocking.
You can fit a hedgehog. Which is a long wired bristle that fits in your gutter and prevented blocking.."
Answered on 12th Mar 2023 - Member since Dec 2022 - report
"Lichen growth on roof tiles can potentially cause harm if left unchecked. While moss is typically considered more damaging to roofs, lichen can also pose some risks. Here's why:

Structural damage: Lichen can establish a root-like structure that penetrates the surface of roof tiles, especially in porous materials like concrete or clay. Over time, this can lead to the deterioration of the tiles, causing cracks and weakening their integrity.

Moisture retention: Like moss, lichen absorbs and retains moisture. This can be problematic because excess moisture on the roof can seep into the underlying layers, potentially leading to rot, mold growth, and water damage to the roof's structure.

Aesthetic concerns: Lichen growth on roof tiles can give the roof an unsightly appearance. This may not be a significant issue from a functional standpoint, but it can affect the curb appeal and overall aesthetic of your home.

Potential for further growth: If lichen is left untreated, it can continue to spread and multiply, leading to more extensive coverage on the roof. This can exacerbate the potential damage and make the removal process more challenging in the future.

To prevent these issues, it is generally recommended to remove lichen from roof tiles. Various methods, such as manually scraping or pressure washing with appropriate care, can be used to remove lichen effectively. It's important to consult a professional roofing contractor to determine the most suitable approach for your specific roofing material and condition. They can provide guidance on maintenance and help ensure the longevity and durability of your roof. All the best. Arkadiusz."
Answered on 21st May 2023 - Member since Apr 2023 - report
"I would advise to have it properly cleaned and then an inhibitor applied to prevent any growth.. a properly functioning roof is a clean roof"
Answered on 9th Feb 2023 - Member since Dec 2016 - report
"Yes mate otherwise it will look crap sometimes if stuff on the roof birds lands on the roof and then sometimes they brake a tile so if your roof is nice and clean they won’t go on it and it just makes everything better not dirtier"
Answered on 9th Feb 2023 - Member since Jan 2023 - report
"Hello Harry
Lichen is not as bad as moss but it’s unsightly on a roof, Best hand remove and fit a copper strip to the ridge tiles and spray the roof with a quality repellent"
Answered on 9th Feb 2023 - Member since Aug 2022 - report
"It shouldn’t really be any harm in leaving lichen on the roof"
Answered on 2nd Aug 2023 - Member since Jul 2023 - report
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