Serving Somerset, Devon & Bristol 07887608769 info@mmrcs.co.uk
Scrape & Biocide FAQ
- Q: Will a manual scrape damage my roof? A: No. In fact, it is the safest method available for older or delicate roofs. Because we use no pressurized water, there is zero risk of water ingress or "etching" the tile surface. We use specialist hand-tools shaped to your specific tile profile to gently lift moss cushions by hand. We also use "walk-safe" procedures and roof ladders to ensure your tiles remain intact and your roof is preserved, not just cleaned.
- Q: Why choose a manual scrape over a low-pressure wash? A: It is ultimately down to your personal preference, provided our on-site assessment confirms the method is safe for your specific roof. While our low-pressure wash is a gentle, calibrated system, many customers prefer the manual scrape because it avoids water entirely. This makes it the ideal choice for older roofs, properties with perished underfelt, or for homeowners who prefer a traditional, "zero-moisture" approach.
- Q: How exactly does the biocide treatment work? A: After the manual scrape is complete, we apply a professional-grade biocide. This treatment is designed to break down the biofilm—an invisible layer of bacteria and microorganisms that acts like a "glue," allowing moss, algae, and lichen to anchor onto your tiles. By destroying this biological bond, we sanitize the tiles deep into the pores, ensuring a long-lasting clean.
- Q: When will I see the final results? A: Because this is a gentle, biological treatment rather than a blast of water, it works with the natural weather cycles:
- 1–4 Weeks: Any small remaining moss fragments turn an orange colour, meaning they are dead.
- The "Break Away" Phase: As the root structures fail, the dead moss will naturally break away and be washed off the roof by rainfall.
- Around 6 Months: The black algae biofilm is fully broken down, and the tiles brighten significantly.
- Up to 18 Months: Stubborn white and yellow lichen finally lose their grip and weather away completely.
- Q: Will the moss falling off block my gutters? A: We clear your gutters thoroughly as part of our initial service. While the dead moss will naturally break away over the coming months, it is usually brittle and washes away easily. However, if you notice your gutters are blocked by moss that has fallen from the roof clean, I will come back and clear them free of charge. Please note this guarantee covers moss from the cleaning process, not blockages caused by leaves or other debris.
- Q: How do I keep the moss from coming back? A: The most cost-effective way is to join our Roof Care Plan. For an annual fee (starting from £180), we apply a scheduled biocide top-up. This keeps the biofilm from ever reforming, which means moss can never take root. It keeps your roof in a "permanently clean" state and saves you the cost of a full-scale clean in the future.
- Q: Is the treatment safe for my pets? A: Yes, once dry. We require a 2-hour window after application where pets should stay indoors. However, we are 100% pet-friendly! If your dog needs a "wee break" while we are working, just let us know. We will happily pause our equipment and ensure the garden is safe for them to use before we continue.