Moss-covered roofs might look rustic, but they can wreak havoc over time. In this no-nonsense video, Dan the Cherrypicker Man shows you how to properly remove moss without relying on a skyscraper scraper tool. From scraping techniques to the best tools for the job—and finishing it off with a biocide treatment—this rooftop guide is packed with real-world insight and hard-earned lessons.
If you’re looking for the best way to remove moss from your roof, this post is for you. In this job, I tackle a full-scale roof moss removal project in Nottinghamshire, not with a jet washer, and definitely not with the skyscraper tools I originally planned to use.
This wasn’t a quick tidy-up job either. It was a paid roof cleaning contract, and I quickly learned that what works in theory doesn’t always work in practice!
The Job Brief – Remove Heavy Moss From a Roof
The job: Scrape off a heavy build-up of moss from a large pitched roof, using safe working methods, and apply a chemical biocide treatment to help keep it clean long-term.
My original plan:
- Use a long-reach water-fed pole
- Fit it with newly purchased Skyscraper tools
- Work safely and efficiently from my cherry picker
Testing Out the Tools (And Abandoning Them)
I started off using my long reach water-fed pole, fitted with a wire brush-style scraper head from the Skyscraper kit. Unfortunately, I found out the hard way that:
- The built-in water hose was just getting in the way
- The pole lacked stability and pressure for proper scraping
- The moss was too thick and stuck-on for those tools to do the job
Eventually, I dropped the whole setup, climbed back down, and switched to manual tools: ✔ A mini shovel ✔ A bucket trowel
Sometimes the simplest tools really are the best.
Why Jet Washing Isn’t Always the Answer
I also used this job as a chance to share my opinion on the jet washing debate.
Some people say pressure washing can strip the protective layer off roof tiles. That’s true if you overdo it. But I also believe:
- Letting moss and algae sit on a roof causes long-term moisture damage
- Moss holds water, leading to freeze-thaw cycles, cracking tiles and degrading mortar
- In many cases, cleaning the roof even with water is less damaging than letting moss sit there year-round
What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section of the video.
Applying the Biocide Treatment
Once I’d scraped off all the moss by hand, I used a blower to clean off the debris and then mixed up a 20:1 batch of biocide for treatment.
Even without a proper measuring tool, I made an educated guess around a litre of solution to a 20-litre tank and applied it across the surface.
This treatment helps prevent moss and algae returning for up to two years (or longer with repeat application). It’s an essential step in roof moss control.
Tidying Up – Lessons Learned
This job made a right mess. Moss everywhere on paths, patios, and even next door. I hadn’t brought a rake or lawnmower (which would’ve been ideal), so I relied on:
- A decent shovel
- A good sweeping brush
- And my trusty blower
In the end, I got it all cleaned up and left the job site spotless. But I’ll be packing a rake next time.
Reflections & Takeaways
Cherry Picker = Game Changer Getting up close to the roof made all the difference. Without it, I’d have needed scaffolding or ladders, which would’ve made this job ten times harder.
🔹 Skyscraper Tools Let Me Down They just didn’t deliver the pressure or scraping strength I needed on thick moss. For lighter moss, they might do the job but not for a roof this bad.
🔹 Manual Tools Worked Best A mini shovel for thick moss, and a bucket trowel for lighter areas worked brilliantly. Sometimes, simple beats clever.
🔹 This Work is No Joke It’s physically demanding, time-consuming, and messy. But it’s also satisfying when done right.
Watch the Full Video
If you want to see how it all went down—from gear testing to scraping and biocide treatment—check out the video:
👉 Watch on YouTube: How To Remove Moss From A Roof? NOT using a skyscraper tool is how!
Need Roof Cleaning in Nottinghamshire?
I offer safe, effective roof moss removal and treatment services using a cherry picker for access (no need for scaffold). I cover areas around:
- Ravenshead
- Mansfield
- Newark
- Nottingham
- And across Nottinghamshire
💬 Get in touch at: www.dji-uk.co.uk/roof-cleaning