Roof Green

Green roof is the name given to the collection of algae, moss and lichen which collects on a roof and creates green patches. 

A new or well maintained roof has weatherproofing with mould inhibitors, and is clean and therefore a sterile environment where organic matter cannot grow. But as the waterproofing wears off, the roof can remain soggy and trap moisture. As dirt and dust collects on the roof, it creates a perfect environment for growing. The good news is, with a bit of scrubbing and some elbow grease, that this can all be washed out and your soft top restored.

What it means

Roof green is a shorthand way of saying a soft top or fabric roof has gone green with growth. It usually means a mixture of green algae film, soft moss in the crevices and sometimes tougher lichen spots. This tends to happen on cars that live outside, especially under trees or in damp, shaded areas, and have not had the roof cleaned and protected regularly. Instead of looking like a clean fabric or mohair roof, the surface is visibly green and patchy, sometimes with small tufts and speckles you can see from several metres away.

Why it matters

• Makes the car look very neglected: A green roof instantly dates and devalues a car in the eyes of buyers, even if the paint and interior are reasonable.
• Holds moisture against the roof: Algae, moss and lichen trap water and grime in the fibres and seams, which is not good for stitching, membranes or any hidden layers.
• Can lead to staining and leaks: Long term growth can leave dark marks or shadowing, and constant damp around seams and drains can encourage water ingress.
• Harder to fix if left too long: Light green film is much easier to remove than heavy, long-standing roof green with moss and lichen that have really dug in.

Where you’ll see it

You will see the term roof green in inspection notes, detailing quotes and conversations about older convertibles and cabriolets. Typical comments include roof green with algae and moss, roof very green, needs deep clean or roof green, recommend clean and reproof. It can apply to mohair and fabric soft tops, some vinyl roofs and occasionally textured hard roof trims that have been left damp for years.

Context

Roof green is essentially a summary of biological contamination on a roof. It sits in the same family as algae, moss and lichen, but used as a single phrase to describe the overall condition. Treating a roof that has gone green usually involves thorough vacuuming, careful use of roof-safe cleaners, repeated rinsing and patient agitation, often over more than one session. Once the growth is removed as far as safely possible, a dedicated fabric roof proofer or suitable vinyl dressing is applied to help repel water and slow down future contamination. Because the same conditions that cause roof green can also affect drains and seals, a proper job also checks gutters, drainage and stitching while the roof is being restored.

Common mistakes

• Trying to cure heavy roof green in a single, aggressive wash with strong TFR or household cleaners, which can bleach or weaken the roof material.
• Scrubbing a green roof with very stiff brushes or scouring pads, damaging fibres and stitching while the deeper growth remains.
• Cleaning off the worst of the green but skipping the proofing stage, so the roof quickly reabsorbs water and the algae and moss come straight back.
• Ignoring a green roof for years, allowing growth to dig in, drains to block and leaks to develop into the cabin and boot area.

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 03/12/2025 17:49