On the day, we arrive, check the roof and set up safe access, lift thick moss off by hand, soft-wash the roof at low pressure, apply a biocide, then clear the gutters and tidy the ground. Most homes are done in one visit. You don’t always need to be in, but we need access to the roof and an outside tap.
Before the day
We confirm the date a day or two before, based on the forecast. The treatment needs dry weather, so if heavy rain is due we move the job rather than do it badly. We’ll also remind you of anything we need, such as access to the back garden.
Do I need to be at home?
Not always. If we can reach the roof and there’s an outside tap, you don’t need to be in. Many people are, and that’s fine too. If side gates are locked, leave them unlocked or let us know how to get in.
What should I do before we arrive?
- Move cars off the drive if the roof is above it.
- Bring in washing, bins near the walls and anything fragile from below the roof.
- Keep pets indoors while we work.
- Close windows and roof lights.
- Tell us about ponds, fish, vegetable beds or delicate plants below the roof.
Step 1: check and set up
We look over the roof before starting. If we find slipped or broken tiles, failed ridge mortar or anything that needs a roofer, we tell you before going any further. Then we set up access. How we reach the roof depends on the house; we’ll have explained it when we quoted.
Step 2: hand clearing
Thick moss is lifted off by hand, working down the roof. We aim to keep it out of the gutters and off the ground as much as possible, collecting it as we go.
Step 3: soft wash
The roof is wetted with a cleaning solution at low pressure. It kills algae, lichen and moss roots, and the growth loosens and rinses away. No jet washing on tiles or slate.
Step 4: biocide finish
A biocide is applied across the roof. It keeps working after we leave, killing new growth before it can take hold.
Step 5: gutters and tidy
Gutters on the cleaned roof are cleared of moss and debris, and paths, patios and drives below are tidied. We check that water can reach the downpipes.
How long does it take?
It depends on the size of the roof, how much moss there is and how easy access is. Most homes are done in one visit, and we’ll tell you how long yours should take when we quote.
What will the roof look like when we leave?
Moss and algae gone, tiles clean, gutters clear. Lichen will be dead but may still be visible; it fades and washes off with the rain over the following weeks and months. Old concrete tiles may look paler than you remember, because the moss was hiding years of weathering.
What if it rains after we leave?
Light rain once the biocide has had time to soak in is fine and helps wash dead growth away. That’s why we choose a dry window to work in.
How do I pay?
We’ll explain how payment works when we quote, so there are no surprises on the day.
Will you need to come inside?
Usually not. We work from outside. If we need access through the house to reach a back roof, we’ll have agreed that with you beforehand.
What about my neighbours?
On terraces and semis, we may need to work close to the shared boundary. We take care that nothing ends up on their side. If access is only possible from a neighbour’s side, we’ll talk to you about it when we quote; it’s worth letting them know the date.
What if you find something wrong?
We stop and tell you. Slipped tiles, cracked slates, loose ridges and failing flashings are reported with photos where we can take them, so you can decide what to do before we go any further.
Can I watch?
Of course, from a safe distance. Please keep clear of the area below where we’re working, and keep children and pets well back until we’ve finished and tidied up.
What do I need to do afterwards?
Nothing, other than let the weather do its work. Dead lichen fades over the following weeks and months. Some fine debris may wash into the gutters during that time; on a roof that had heavy growth, a look at the gutters after a few months is sensible.
What if I’m not happy with something?
Tell us straight away, ideally before we leave, and we’ll look at it together. If you notice something after we’ve gone, call or text the same number you booked on: 07346 818746.
Do you work weekends?
We’ll agree a day that suits you and the weather when we book. Ask us if you need a particular day.
In short
- Check, hand clear, soft wash, biocide, gutters and tidy.
- Most homes take one visit.
- You don’t always need to be in.
- Lichen keeps fading for weeks after we leave.
- Move cars, bring washing in and keep pets indoors while we work.
- Any damage we find is reported before we carry on.
Next step
Ask for a free quote with your postcode and a photo of the roof, or read more about our roof cleaning.
