Knowledge Hub / Question
Will moss and lichen come back after my roof is cleaned?
Answered by Luke at Westside Roof Cleaning & Soft Wash, with more than 12 years on Perth roofs.
Eventually, yes, because Perth’s winters, shade and nearby trees keep feeding new growth. A prevention treatment applied after the clean slows regrowth considerably, so most roofs stay clean for years rather than months. No honest roof cleaner can promise it will never return.
Why it comes back
Moss and lichen spores are carried in the air and by birds. They settle wherever moisture sits: shaded sides of the roof, under overhanging trees, around valleys and anywhere leaves collect.
What slows it down
- Killing it at the root. A soft wash treatment kills the growth in the pores of the tile rather than just knocking off the top layer.
- A prevention treatment. Our moss prevention cleaning applies a treatment after cleaning that makes it much harder for new growth to take hold.
- Keeping gutters and valleys clear. Leaf litter holds moisture and gives moss a place to start.
- Trimming back overhanging branches where you can, to let in sun and airflow.
How long does a clean roof last?
It depends on shade, trees and how close you are to the coast. Many Perth homes book a clean every 2 to 3 years, and homes under big trees may need attention more often. We’ll give you an honest view on your roof when we quote.
Related services: Moss Prevention Cleaning · Roof Cleaning