How to Remove Lichen From Roof Tiles

Lichen does not only grow in sidewalks, pavers, decks and outside furniture. It also grows on your roof and can lead to potential water damage if left untreated.

There are various ways to remove lichen from your roof with the use of vinegar, bleach and dish soap solution. It involves a lot of scrubbing, so get ready!

On the other hand, professional help is still the best move to ensure that your roof is free from lichen and different types of unwanted plants.

For this article, we’ll talk about the different ways to remove lichen from roof tiles and how to prevent lichen regrowth.

What is a lichen?

Lichen is formed when algae and fungus are in close physical contact with one another. They grow in water, air, nutrients, light and substrates.

It’s no surprise your roof is one of their substrates because of the sunlight!

Lichens need light to grow and reproduce. The amount of light they need also varies, which is also the main reason why they have different colours.

Don’t worry too much! Lichen growth can be prevented by choosing the best type of roofing material that can inhibit its growth.

Ways to Safely Remove Lichen From Roof Tiles

Okay, now you know a little background about lichens. Let’s get to work!

Here’s a warning:

It can be quite tough to remove lichen from their substrates (surfaces) due to the symbiotic relationship between fungus and algae.

In short, lichens are firmly attached to their substrates.

Nevertheless, you’ve got to give it a go to prevent long-term damage:

Here are ways to remove lichens from roof tiles safely:

Using White Vinegar and Dish Soap

Vinegar is acidic. It can kill the lichen, which makes it easier to scrape it off the surface.

Remove organic matter from the roof such as twigs, leaves and other debris. It can become a substrate in the future!

Pour white vinegar to a bucket and add 1 oz of dish soap. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray it around the edge of the lichen growth area.

The vinegar will kill the lichens – it could take a couple of days.

Scrub the dead lichens and rinse it using a garden sprayer or pressure washer.

Using Oxygen Bleach

Oxygen bleach is one of the natural remedies that is commonly used for removing lichen on tiled roofs.

It contains sodium percarbonate which kills the fungus. It is a safer option than chlorine bleach as it won’t discolour the surface of the tiled roof.

Oxygen bleach is also safe on asphalt surfaces.

Pour one gallon of hot water to a bucket and add 8 oz of oxygen bleach. Wait five minutes to dissolve the oxygen bleach in the water.

Pour the solution into a sprayer. (You can also mix the solution in the sprayer.)

Wet the roof with plain water and spray the oxygen bleach solution to the affected surface. Let the oxygen bleach sit on the surface for at least 20 minutes.

Scrub the lichen spots using a long-handed brush before rinsing the area. It can help loosen up the lichens.

Rinse it and repeat the application if necessary.

Using a Water Hose

In some cases, pressure cleaning is all you need to kill the growth of lichens. The force of the water can (hopefully) kill the lichen.

It is the safest way to remove lichen from roof tiles as it does not involve the use of harsh chemicals.

On the other hand, it is strongly suggested to apply some natural remedies to treat the pigmentation on the surface.

Warning

Clean the roof before the lichen removal process as it allows you to see the area that needs to be treated. Pressure cleaning is the best method!

Of course, rinse the roof after the removal process!

Wear protective gear such as goggles, rubber gloves and the mask for safety. It would be best to wear clothes that cover your arms and legs to avoid skin irritation from the cleaners.

Also, try the least toxic method before levelling up to the harsher approach! It is safer on any surface and can also save you a lot of money.

Lastly, if you think the growth of lichen on your roof tile is too much to handle, consult professional help. DIY sounds good, but it is not recommended in extreme cases.

It is essential to remove the lichen from your roof tile as soon as possible. If left untreated, it can lead to leaks and expensive repairs!

So, get the lichens off your roof tiles now!