So if you attempt to remove it with a hand tool you may accidentally remove the protective top layer of your roof shingles as well.
How to remove lichen from roof shingles.
Remove moss and lichen from your roof with vinegar.
An application of vinegar kills lichen.
Lichen accumulation on roofs is really a minor problem that will not hurt the roof.
Moss itself is a plant while lichen conisist of a fungus and a photosyntheizing plant living together.
Lichen is a hardy growth known to firmly.
I ve used the same products on the roof of my in laws house in florida and my mother s patio pavers also in florida to clean algae stains and three years later the roof and pavers are still stain free.
Hopefully the shingles will last another 15 years but the lichens and moss may have shortened the shingle life by 5 years or more.
You also risk the potential of accidentally damaging the protective top layer of your roof shingles while trying to remove it with this method.
When leaves and other material collect on your roof a perfect bed is formed for moss and lichens to grow.
Always use a stable ladder and safety harness when climbing on the roof.
Removing lichen fully using this method is nearly impossible not to mention time consuming especially if you are dealing with a large surface like a roof.
How to remove lichens moss from asphalt roof shingles.
Most professional roofers advise that it is possible to do more damage to the roof by trying to remove lichen than the lichen will ever do to harm the roof.