If you’ve been ignoring the green fuzz on your roof or telling yourself the moss adds character, it might be time for a rethink. In the UK, where damp weather and cloudy days are just part of the package, roof cleaning isn’t optional, it’s essential home maintenance. Moss, algae and lichen don’t just sit there looking ugly. They hold moisture, damage tiles, block drainage systems and slowly compromise the structural integrity of your roof. Roof cleaning helps to stop the rot before it starts. Quite literally.
The truth is, a neglected roof could cost you thousands in avoidable repairs. Professional roof cleaning helps extend the life of your tiles, improves your home’s appearance and even supports energy efficiency. It is one of the smartest preventative measures you can take as a homeowner in the UK.
Roof cleaning involves removing dirt, moss, algae, lichen and other organic build-up from the surface of your roof. The method used depends on the condition and type of roof you have. Soft washing is the most common and effective method, especially for residential properties, because it uses low pressure and specialist cleaning agents to break down and remove contaminants safely. In some cases, pressure washing may be used, but only if the tiles can handle it. Cleaning is followed by a treatment, usually a biocide, to kill off any lingering spores and prevent regrowth.
At The Roof Cleaning Experts, we don’t just clean what you can see. We assess the underlying cause of the growth and apply targeted treatments to stop it coming back. Every job is approached with care and expertise, which is exactly what sets us apart.
For most homes in the UK, roof cleaning is recommended every two to three years. However, this can vary based on several factors. Homes in shaded areas or those surrounded by trees may need cleaning more frequently due to faster moss and algae growth. Properties in coastal regions might also see more build-up due to salt and damp air. If you’re noticing debris in your gutters, patches of moss falling onto your patio or dark streaks on your roof, it’s probably time to get it sorted.
Leaving it too long can result in tile damage, leaks and more costly repairs down the line. Roof cleaning is a proactive step that keeps your property protected and looking its best.
There’s a lot of debate around which method is best, but soft washing remains the safest and most effective option for the vast majority of homes. It uses low pressure combined with cleaning agents that are specifically designed for roof cleaning. This avoids damage to the tiles while still achieving excellent results.
At The Roof Cleaning Experts, we are proud to be one of the select few companies in the UK awarded ProPERLA Platinum Applicator status. This means we’re certified to apply ProPERLA’s industry-leading protective coatings, which repel water and help prevent future moss and algae growth. Every project we complete using ProPERLA is documented, photographed and verified to ensure the highest standards. Our roof coating teams have seen incredible results, with roofs staying cleaner for longer and fully protected against the elements.
And for extra peace of mind, ProPERLA comes with a 10-year warranty for all colour coatings on roofs and walls, a 10-year warranty for clear coatings on roofs, and a 20-year warranty on clear coatings for walls
While technically possible, cleaning your roof yourself is not recommended. It is physically risky, requires working at height and can easily result in damage if you don’t know what you’re doing. More importantly, DIY jobs rarely treat the root cause of the problem, meaning the moss and algae come back within a few months. A professional clean ensures the job is done thoroughly, safely and with long-term results in mind.
Our teams are fully trained, insured and qualified to work on all types of residential properties across England and Wales. We actually began offering roof cleaning Essex-wide, and demand grew so quickly that we expanded nationally. We now carry out residential and commercial exterior cleaning services across the entire country and across Wales, delivering the same trusted standards wherever we go. Whether it’s a semi-detached house in Chelmsford or a large commercial site in Cardiff, we’ve got the experience to handle it.
We are a family-run business with over 30 years of experience, and we take great pride in delivering exceptional service on every single job. As one of the UK’s most trusted exterior cleaning companies, we offer national coverage and employ only fully trained staff who are experts in their field. Our reputation is built on high standards, honest service and results that speak for themselves.
Whether your roof is covered in moss, looking tired or in need of protective treatment, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free quote and let’s get your roof back to its best.If you’re still weighing up your options, take a look at this article comparing a clean roof versus a coated one to see which approach might be right for your home.
