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Moss on thatch This is usually caused by the roof being in a windless, damp, north facing area and is not a rare happening. The presence of moss is not necessarily detrimental to the thatch. It can in some circumstances appear unsightly. If required it is always desirable for a thatcher to remove the moss by the best means he considers. Some success has been reported on the use of a copper strip on the apex. However: The most effective method I have found is the application of one of the garden path moss/algae
cleaners, spray on as directed for a path, Or Wickes (the builders
merchants) do a mould inhibitor. I cannot advise the use of these
for legal reasons, It is what I do to mine however with a mask and goggles ! Try and keep off the roof with
ladders, if you need to put a ladder on the roof spread the load with an old
rolled up carpet or coir door mat under the ladder. Do not put any ladder on or
even touch the ridge or areas with rods and spars.
The scaffold design for your access would be
the same as that on a tiled roof. The important points are to keep operatives
off the roof as much as possible, in particular the ridge and to protect the
scaffold supporting points where they rest on thatch. Traditionally supports
were protected by straw filled sacks. Old rolled up carpet is a good
alternative. If any pointing, flue lining or rebuilding is expected it is
important to prevent mortar debris getting onto the thatch, apart from being
unsightly the lime can damage the thatch. Plastic sheeting right down the roof
is essential. Allow for
drips & leaching out over plants (& humans! - why I do not advise you
do it) under the eave. Power sprays can be used for application, do not unless experienced use for removal, always use down the roof, never point upwards.
Updated 30/10/05 after being
told off by an owner who got some in his eye - It is what I do, not a
recommendation!! --- Cookers are hot so mind your
fingers! |
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