Roof cleaning and moss removal
Moss holds water against a roof, lifts the edges of tiles as it grows, and washes down into the gutters and blocks them. We remove it by hand from the roof surface, treat the roof to slow it coming back and clear the gutters afterwards. We do not jet-wash tiles or slates at high pressure, because that strips their surface and drives water under the courses.
Why Macclesfield roofs grow moss
Moss likes shade, damp and a rough surface. North-facing slopes, roofs under trees, and the wetter, higher parts of east Cheshire towards the Pennines suit it well. Concrete tiles, with their rough, porous surface, hold moss more than smooth slate.
A thin layer is mostly cosmetic. Thick moss is not: it keeps the tiles wet, can lift the tile edges in frost, and blocks gutters and outlets, sending water back under the eaves.
How we clean a roof
- Working from roof ladders or a tower, we scrape moss off the tiles by hand
- We clear moss from between the tile laps, without lifting tiles
- A biocide treatment is applied to kill spores and slow regrowth
- Gutters, outlets and downpipes are cleared of the moss we have taken off
- We note and photograph any broken tiles, slipped slates or failed mortar we find
Why we do not pressure-wash roofs
High-pressure washing makes a roof look new for a while, but it wears away the surface of concrete tiles, making them more porous, and it can force water up under the laps into the roof. It can also loosen old mortar on ridges. Hand removal followed by a treatment is slower but kinder to the roof.
Roof coatings are sometimes sold after cleaning. On a sound roof they are rarely needed, and some can trap moisture. We will tell you plainly if your roof would benefit from one.
Roof cleaning and moss removal: questions people ask
Does moss damage a roof?
A light covering does little harm. Heavy moss holds water against the tiles, can lift tile edges when it freezes, and blocks gutters, which causes damp and rot at the eaves.
How long does a moss treatment last?
A biocide slows regrowth but does not stop it for ever. On a shaded, north-facing roof, moss will return in time. Keeping overhanging branches cut back helps.
Can you clean a slate roof?
Yes. Slate holds less moss than concrete tiles, but lichen and moss still build up on shaded slopes. Slate is brittle, so it is cleaned gently by hand and walked on with care.
Is roof cleaning worth it before selling a house?
A clean roof and clear gutters make a better impression, and a surveyor can see the condition of the roof more easily. If the survey finds problems, those still need fixing.
Tell us what is happening with your roof
Call, or send a few details and a photo if you have one. We will come back to you, arrange a visit and give you a written quote before any work starts.