Is Roof Cleaning Necessary
Fallen moss creates an unsightly mess around your property, especially on patios, paths and driveways.
An average roof clean will fill a 1-tonne bag. When wet, this adds significant weight to your roof.
A clean roof enhances your property’s appearance, it can increase its value and
curb appeal, making it more attractive to potential buyers in the future.
Moss is often highlighted on property surveys as the leading cause of water ingress. It clogs up the gutters
and drainage system and during cold spells, can freeze and cause the roof tiles to crack and spall.
This leads to water ingress and potential damage to the timber structure below.
Roof Cleaning Process
Manual Removal
After erecting an aluminium scaffold tower, we manually scrape off the moss by hand as this is the gentlest way to
remove it from your roof. This means we do not need to walk on your roof and risk damaging the tiles.
We use this method since roofing manufacturers advise against pressure washing the roof
covering. Also, with jet washing, the majority of the moss is washed down the
drains, which can clog up the underground drainage system.
So you and your neighbours will be pleased to know that the mess is minimal and you won't be
experiencing any spray of mud, grit or moss on your driveway, cars and surrounding areas.
Gutter Clearance
We then completely clear all the moss and other debris from your gutters
and downpipes with our gutter vacuum system.
Biocide Treatment
This is an essential last step to kill off any remaining lichens, algae, black spot and moss spores that
remain under the roof tiles. The biocide continues to work for around 1-2 years after
it is applied which means your roof will stay cleaner for longer.
We recommend retreatment every 3-4 years depending on where you live at a fraction of the cost of a roof clean.
The biocide treatment also reveals the true colours of the roof tiles below, giving you that clean look.
Final Clean Up
Once all this is done, we will always clean all areas where any bits of moss may
have dropped and remove and dispose of it
Then finally, all windows and doors will be thoroughly cleaned with our pure hot water system.
Why People Choose Us
Appointment Reminders
You won't have to worry about us turning up unannounced as we will text, call or email the day before. Giving you complete peace of mind knowing who is visiting your property and an opportunity to allow access.
Reliable
A fully insured, friendly and local roof cleaning service. We utilise the latest cleaning and access equipment to get the best results. With a strong track record of satisfied customers and a commitment to safety and quality, you can trust us to handle your roof cleaning needs efficiently and effectively.
Security
The security of your home is our priority. We ensure to keep all gates closed and secure during our visit.
We treat your property with the same care and respect as if it were our own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about our roof cleaning service in St Ives
How long will my roof stay clean for?
Although an exact timescale cannot be guaranteed, we have seen that around 4-5 years is typically achievable. After this, new moss and lichen growths may start to become visible from the ground. This duration is influenced by factors such as the severity of winters, contamination from trees, neighbouring properties, and bird activity.
To keep new growth under control, we recommend a re-treatment every 3-4 years.
A chemical treatment is significantly cheaper than a full roof clean.
Can moss damage my roof?
The accumulation of moss can result in various problems that can lead to long-term damage. Moss traps moisture, which keeps the roof tiles wet and, during colder weather, can cause them to crack or spall when frozen. Additionally, wet moss adds weight to the roof structure, putting extra pressure on the supporting timbers. Furthermore, fallen moss obstructs gutters and drainage systems, leading to water damage to the building and foundations.
Will you need to go onto my roof?
To carry out the roof cleaning service, we do not walk or climb onto your roof. We access your roof by means of scaffold towers and in some cases, by ladders.
Do you pressure wash my roof?
We do not pressure wash the roof covering. Roofing manufacturers advise against
using this method and we have personally seen the damage it can do. See picture of
a roof that has been pressure washed. These tiles originally had a deep purple / plum
coloured finish to them. The tiles coating has been completely stripped off with a
few patches of colour remaining. Also, with jet washing, the majority of the moss
is washed down the drains, which can clog up the underground drainage system.
How do you clean roofs?
We use scrapers to manually remove as much moss as possible from your roof. Then, after clearing out your gutters of all debris and making sure the downpipes are clear, we treat your roof with our soft wash system. This is applied to the roof using a low pressure chemical delivery system.
Are you insured for roof cleaning?
We are fully insured for all of our services we offer, including roof cleaning and chemical treatment.
How much does roof cleaning cost?
Given the many variables involved in roof cleaning, from how much moss there is, the building height, access requirements and restrctions and the roof type, it’s very difficult to provide a generic cost for this question. We will always give a fixed price quotation for the work. If you receive a quote for roof cleaning that seems too good to be true, it probably is. On the other hand, if someone quotes you an excessively high price, then go eleswhere.
We take pride in delivering a professional roof cleaning service at a competitive price.
What chemicals do you use?
We use sodium hypochlorite as the primary chemical for roof cleaning. The solution is diluted to a strength of approximately 3-4% and is soluble in water. It takes 1-2 hours for the chemical to work and will continue to work for many months afterwards.
Do you clean other types of roofs?
We offer roof cleaning services for most types of roofs, except for thatched, asbestos, and sheet steel roofs. For these, we recommend seeking specialized companies that offer roof cleaning services for these types of roofs .
Do you carry out treatment only?
We offer soft wash roof treatment for maintenance purposes or for roofs with excessive lichen growth but little to no moss. However, we do not recommend this treatment for roofs with too much moss as it may yield unsatisfactory results.