Manual moss scraping, low-pressure soft washing, and DDAC biocide treatment that prevents regrowth for 4-5 years. We only use safe cleaning methods on all tile types - we never use high-pressure jets that crack tiles.
Every roof cleaning process includes three major steps: scraping, washing, and treating. Each step has a specific scope, and we don't skip any to achieve the promised results.
If the moss is thick, we start by manually removing it with specialist scrapers and brushes. Without cracking or displacing tiles, we go tile by tile and scrape heavy growth. While this is a tedious, laborious step, we never skip it. If washing is done over thick moss, it won't eliminate it; it will only push it into gutters and downpipes.
After we clear bulk moss, we use a biodegradable, bleach-based cleaning solution and soft wash the entire roof at low pressure. This process eliminates remaining algae, lichen, and moss spores at the root level. High-pressure jets are never used directly on roof tiles because they are likely to crack tiles, strip surface coatings, and push water under the tile line.
Once washing is completed, we apply a DDAC anti-algae biocide across the entire roof surface. This isn't a spray for aesthetic reasons, but one that forms a chemical barrier on the tile. Every time it rains, this barrier will activate. Over 6-12 months, the treatment reaches full effect as it penetrates deeper into the tile surface. The result lasts 4-5 years; only afterwards, the regrowth will start showing.
The tiles must be dry, and there should be no rain forecast for the next 24 hours for the treatment to give the best results. If the weather isn't perfect, we will come back in a few days to apply the treatment. We won't charge you for this.
“Pete explained the process in detail and did a fantastic job cleaning the roof. He used a chemical treatment method - which I prefer as pressure washers can damage roof tiles. A year later, the roof looks like new and the results are beyond my expectations.”
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Most homeowners hire us for roof cleaning because of moss. When left untreated, moss lifts tiles, clogs gutters, and creates entry points for water. It only takes one lifted tile for water to seep into the felt and timbers below. Fixing the damage is more expensive than a regular roof cleaning.
Using specialist scrapers and brushes, we go tile by tile to manually remove moss. We don't start washing until we've cleared heavy moss. This way, we avoid debris blocking the gutters and downpipes while we clean. To remove all remaining dirt, algae, and lichen, we follow roof scraping with soft-washing.
Most properties should benefit from a roof moss removal every 2-3 years. If we also apply biocide treatment, roof cleaning should be done every 4-5 years. Moss collects faster on north-facing slopes and roofs under tree canopy, so these areas should be cleaned more frequently.
“Had our roof and our driveway treated by Pete to remove the moss before it became a problem. Top job, definitely recommend.”
As standard, we include in each roof cleaning a DDAC anti-algae biocide treatment. This is why a roof stays clean for 4-5 years, while one without the treatment is only clean for 1 year.
DDAC (Didecyldimethylammonium chloride) is an anti-algae biocide that adheres to the tile surface. Every time it rains, the treatment activates and releases a controlled dose that kills any new moss or algae spores before they can spread. It takes 6-12 months for the treatment to penetrate deeply into the porous tile surface, so the effect builds up in time.
4-5 years on most roof types. Past that, a full cleaning might not be needed - a top-up application will do. We will just re-apply the biocide to the current clean surface. According to our customers' reports, roofs remain clean 3-4 years after treatment. Instead of fading, results only improved over time.
“Peter & his colleague came to treat my natural slate roof approx 3/4 years ago. Peter said the results would take a month or 2 to work. The results are amazing.”
“Had the exterior cleaned 2 years ago, including roof and stone window sills. As you can see, still looks really clean and compares well to other properties which have been cleaned using different methods. Would definitely use again.”
We customise the cleaning approach to each roof type. During the free survey, we examine the roof and identify the safest, most effective cleaning procedure.
This is the most widespread roof type in the UK. Moss collects in the textured surfaces and between joints of concrete tiles. Using controlled pressure, we soft wash and apply biocide to inhibit regrowth. Typically, the colour restoration is impressive.
Clay tiles are not as tough as concrete. We use lower pressure settings and avoid cracking by carefully scraping the clay tiles. The biocide treatment binds well to clay surfaces and ensures full protection for 4-5 years.
We clean the natural slates with utmost care. Using minimal pressure, we ensure maximum effects with the chemical cleaning solution. We use soft tools and gently scrape the surface without scratching it. The biocide treatment is highly effective on slate - one customer noted that, 3-4 years after treating his natural slate roof, the results were still "amazing."
Interested in a quote? Call 07307 358765 or request one online. Free survey, no deposits, 100 five-star Google reviews.
100 five-star Google reviews. £5M insurance. IPAF and CSCS certified. No upfront deposits.
For houses up to the ground floor plus the first floor (2 storeys), we use scaffold towers. For anything higher, we employ Cherry pickers (MEWP). We are IPAF and CSCS certified for working at height. Our technicians never lean ladders against fascia boards and always work safely.
We come to your property, analyse the roof, take photos to show you what we already saw, and offer you a written estimate - we do all this on the same day. Prices start at £400 for terraced and semi-detached roofs, and from £600 for detached houses. You will pay what we estimate - we have no hidden add-ons.
You only pay after we complete the job and you approve of our results. No exceptions. This explains our 100 five-star reviews on Google - we always stand behind our results, and this is how we've built our reputation.
We take before-and-after photos to document each job. We will take photos of the roof before we begin, during our cleaning process, and after we complete the job. Clients receive a written report backed up by photos - they help clients for their own records, and we can show what we have found during our cleaning.
Before and after photos from real roof cleaning jobs. Click any image to view full size.
Rated 5.0 out of 5 on Google from 100 verified reviews.
“Peter and his team did a fantastic job treating our roof, cleaning our driveway, gutters and patio. They gave great recommendations and advice and got the job done quickly and were available at short notice. Would definitely recommend!”
“Top work from Chris and Richard. They done an outstanding job on my roof and kept it within the deadline, 100% recommended.”
“We are in the Northampton area and we were looking for an exterior cleaner. We found Peter and he cleaned our roof using the softwash method and he did a full exterior clean of the house and also restored our tarmac drive. Very pleased with his work.”
“Peter did my roof, very professional and excellent service, greatly appreciate it.”
Our DDAC-based biocide treatment lasts 4-5 years. Every time it rains, the treatment will activate and kill new moss spores right at the root level. It will take 6-12 months for the treatment to become fully effective, and you will see the roof's appearance improve. 4-5 years down the line, a top-up application will expand the protection, and a full cleaning may not be necessary.
No. We never use high-pressure jets, but soft washing at low pressure. Biodegradable and bleach-based, the cleaning solution kills organic growth without damaging the tile surface. We always select the safest and most effective cleaning method for the roof type. Whether it's concrete, clay, slate, or flat roofing, we will use the right pressure setting and method. To avoid cracking or displacing the tiles, we manually scrape tile by tile.
Every 2-3 years for most properties. Should we also apply the biocide treatment, the cleaning can be done every 4-5 years. Moss grows faster on north-facing roofs and under tree canopy - roof cleaning is needed more often there. Based on your roof type and environment, we can recommend a maintenance plan after we complete the cleaning.
Soft washing uses low-pressure water combined with a biodegradable bleach-based cleaning solution to remove moss, algae, and lichen without damaging tiles. While pressure washing will cause cracking or displacing tiles, this method won't. The cleaning solution kills growth at the root level. Along with the biocide treatment, the procedure ensures cleaning results that last 4-5 years before regrowth will show.
It's £400 to £700 for a standard terraced or semi-detached roof. For a detached 3-4 bed house, the prices range between £600 and £1,000. Larger or multi-storey properties start from £1,000. Manual moss scraping, soft washing, DDAC biocide treatment, gutter clearance, and before-and-after photography are all included in the price. We can come for free site surveys, and you always pay what we estimate.
Yes. Roof cleaning can be done year-round. However, specific conditions must be met for biocide treatments to be most effective. The tiles must be dry, and there should be no rain forecast for 24 hours. We will come back to apply the biocide a few days later if these conditions aren't met after we clean. We won't charge you for it. As organic growth is active and temperatures are moderate in the spring and autumn, these are the perfect times for roof cleaning.
Our base is in Northampton, but we can travel up to 90 minutes for roof cleaning jobs throughout the East Midlands and beyond.
For our Northampton residential roof cleaning service with full postcode coverage and local pricing, see Exterior Cleaning in Northampton.
For commercial and industrial roof cleaning (warehouses, schools, care homes), see Commercial Exterior Cleaning.
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