Roofs are an essential part of our homes, sheltering us from the elements while protecting the structure and our belongings inside. But how much thought do we give to their maintenance?
If we're honest, it's usually when something goes wrong and we're forced to take action!
Unfortunately, very few people think about having their roofs cleaned until it's too late. But when roof cleaning becomes part of your regular maintenance routine, it can extend its life and greatly enhance the appearance of your property.
One of the main culprits is moss growth, but there are others to watch out for.
Over the years, dirt, debris, leaves, twigs, seeds and moss spores are deposited by birds, wind and rain. These accumulate on roof tiles and form an ideal environment for organic growth. Algae, lichen and moss spores grow and thrive, and before long there's a thick carpet of green organic matter forming on the tiles.
Shaded areas are usually the worst affected as they don't get as much sunlight and the moist conditions are ideal for the spores to thrive in. However, the entire roof can be susceptible, especially in locations with heavy annual rainfall.
Urban and environmental pollution also play a part, and if there are trees close to your home, you're more likely to have seeds, leaves and twigs deposited frequently on your roof space.
Yes, for several reasons. Although there are those who would suggest otherwise (including some cleaning companies and roof builders!), in our experience, regular cleaning is a wise and necessary precaution.
First, let's consider it from an aesthetic angle. Whether you're a landlord or homeowner, you want your property to look its best, and this is even more so if you are trying to sell your house. A dirty roof that's caked in moss and algae looks uninviting and neglected and may put potential buyers off - or lead to lower offers.
Imagine how amazing your property would look once it has been stripped of all that muck and moss! When the RenWash team has finished, your roof looks as fresh as the day it was first installed.
Certain types of roof tiles are more vulnerable to damage from moss and other organic growth. The surface of clay tiles can become delaminated, allowing moisture to enter. When this freezes in winter there's a chance of frost cracks appearing. Cracked tiles will eventually result in a leaking roof and a costly repair bill.
An accumulation of algae, lichen and moss allows moisture to build up, increasing the risk of damage, such as cracked roof tiles and shingles. Moss-covered homes are often more vulnerable to damp problems: moss grows in joints (such as the cement cap between bricks on chimneys) where it causes bonds to break, allowing moisture in. This not only increases the chance of rising/penetrating damp, but also means that structural damage is a real possibility.
Moss also gathers in gutters, sometimes where it has grown, but often when dislodged by birds, animals or the weather. Blocked gutters will eventually lead to problems with damp and mould, as rainwater overflows and is absorbed into the brickwork or masonry.
Moss and leaves also absorb moisture during wet weather, adding extra weight to the guttering which can cause cracks and weaken the joints. Before long, the joints and fixtures will fail, and your gutters will need fixing or replacing.
Believe it or not, cleaner air has increased the presence of roof moss!
As measures have been implemented to reduce pollution, the air we breathe has become cleaner. While this is great news for us, it's also great news for moss, as it provides ideal conditions for moss growth!
This means that we need to be more proactive and remove moss more frequently to avoid potential damage or problems with gutters at a later date.
As a result, you'll find that more professional roof cleaning services offer a special moss removal option, often involving biocide treatment to reduce regrowth.
Although very few homeowners do so, it's advisable to have your roof inspected periodically to identify any issues. It's far better to get these fixed sooner rather than later, as repairs could then cost thousands of pounds.
At RenWash, we have a range of different roof cleaning methods that we apply, depending on which is best for the task at hand.
This popular method uses a specially-designed machine that sprays water and softwash solutions at low pressure (slightly more force than a garden hose) onto the roof's tiles to kill moss, fungi, algae and lichen.
Soft wash roof cleaning is usually used after the moss removal has been undertaken by hand scraping (see below).
Understandably, some customers have concerns about the chemicals used in soft wash roof cleaning. However, all of the solutions we use are greatly diluted and handled carefully, with minimal risk to the environment, pets, wildlife or humans.
Soft washing is a very effective method with a low carbon footprint.
Steam cleaning like our DOFF cleaning is another great way of getting your roof clean, although it has to be said that it has its opponents.
Some people claim that this method will ruin your roof tiles and shingles, and there is a grain of truth to this: as with other methods, it isn't suitable for all types of roofs and needs to be undertaken by a professional roof cleaner who knows what they're doing.
With this in mind, steam cleaning is a fantastic way to get your roof clean. The machine heats the water to around 140º c, creating steam that penetrates the surface and kills moss, algae and mould without the need for chemicals.
While this is an effective method, a pressure washer isn't suitable for all types of roof tiles. For example, some older types of concrete tiles can be badly damaged by pressure washing if the machine is on a high-pressure setting. The water jet will strip away the surface, making the material more absorbent. It may also erode the colouring, leading to a patchy appearance.
Even so, in the right hands and on a low-pressure setting, the pressure wash method is highly effective and has immediate results, blasting moss from your roof and making it look clean in no time at all.
This is the process of removing moss using a telescopic pole with an attachment that lets the user gently scrape away moss. Ladders are laid across the pitch to allow the roof cleaners to reach all areas of the roof surface.
Generally, a biocide treatment wash is applied afterwards to inhibit any further organic growth. Without this, there's a fair chance that the moss, lichen and algae will return within a short period of time.
This method is often used for older properties with fragile roofs, or for people who only want the moss removed. This is frequently the case for those with a roof that has built up a pleasing patina that adds character, perhaps on a period property - a shiny, new-looking roof may not be the best option!
After you make initial contact, we will arrange a site inspection to establish exactly what is required and to check the soundness of your roof.
Once the inspection has been performed, we will know which method is best for your roof. The team will arrive at the appointed time and begin preparing the area along with any machines or tools needed.
If required, scaffolding will be erected or mobile platforms put in place. The team may lay down protective sheets over any items or areas that may be affected by the work.
The team will remove moss by hand in most cases, particularly if there is a large amount present.
After the initial moss removal, an appropriate method will be used to remove algae, lichen, mould and staining. This could be any of the methods described here or a combination of several, depending on the state of the tiles and the type of roof material.
The RenWash roof cleaners will clear all debris from your gutters to ensure that they are working correctly.
If you wish, we can also apply a roof coating which will inhibit organic growth, keeping your roof moss free for many years. Please ask about this option when you call for your free quote!
The team will check the roof over to ensure that it has been cleaned to an exceptional standard, and then they will clear away all tools and machinery. Scaffolding will be dismantled and the area will be left clean and tidy.
The roof cleaning process is generally completed within a day, although it will vary depending on the state of the roof, how steep it is (the pitch) and the method or methods used.
During a roof cleaning job, we often discover damage or defects that need attention. We can undertake minor remedial work but may need to refer you to a roofing specialist should we discover any serious issues.
We also need to take into account the assembly and dismantling of scaffolding, if required.
As a general rule, you should allow for a full day for the roof cleaning process to take place.
Of course, this is probably the most important question for homeowners, particularly in these times of financial uncertainty and rising prices.
Again, the total price of a roof cleaning project will vary according to the size of the roof, the amount of work required and the method involved. Scaffolding and other specialist equipment, if needed, will add to the overall cost. It also depends on precisely what you ask us to do: basic roof moss removal will be cheaper than soft washing or steam cleaning, for example.
The fact is, the cost could be as low as £8 per square metre, or up to around £20 per square metre. Our best advice is to get in touch with RenWash to discuss exactly which roof cleaning service you require.
When we have the correct dimensions, along with an idea of the state of your roof, we will be able to provide an accurate costing.
In our view, the roof cleaning cost should be viewed as an investment: you will not only have a spotlessly clean roof, but the cleaning process will help to prolong its life and protect your home against the elements for longer. You will avoid the need for roof repairs for much longer, saving yourself a fair amount of cash in the long term.
Ideally, a new roof should be cleaned within the first five years. After this, it should be cleaned at least every two or three years.
Older roofs should really be cleaned annually, although it's generally fine to leave them for a couple of years. The main thing is that you don't leave it too long before getting it done - the dirtier the roof, the more work it takes to clean it! Also, there's a chance that the accumulated muck and moss will damage the tiles and even the roof structure, leading to damp and mould issues within the building.
By all means, if you have all the right equipment and can do the job safely!
However, working at height carries significant risks, especially when handling certain types of cleaning tools and equipment. Pressure washing while on a ladder or rooftop is particularly hazardous, as the machine exerts a force that could knock the user off balance.
You'll also need to understand that not all roof types are cleaned the same way - using the wrong method may damage the roofing material.
In most cases, it's advisable to use professional roof cleaners. We have the knowledge, experience, training and equipment to get the job done safely and efficiently. We are also fully insured and trained in the use of equipment for working at height, such as scaffolding, ladders, MEWPS (Mobile Elevating Working Platforms) and rope access methods (abseiling).
Whichever roof cleaning company you use, always check that they have Public Liability Insurance and they are trained and licensed to use this specialist equipment.
RenWash professional roof cleaning and roof moss removal service provides all you need to transform your house or commercial building.
Even better still, RenWash doesn't just clean roofs: our service extends to most exterior surfaces, including patios, paths and driveways of all kinds.
Contact us today to discover more about our exceptional range of cleaning services, and to get your free quote. Ideally, regular cleaning should be part of your routine maintenance, as this is a great way to reduce the need for costly repairs.
With RenWash, you get excellent value for money, making our services a great way to invest in the future of your property.
We recommend having your roof cleaned every 2-5 years as a roof cleaning service provider, depending on the condition of your roof and the surrounding environment.
We can clean asphalt shingles, clay and concrete tiles, metal roofing, and flat roof systems, among other materials.
Yes, we can clean moss and algae off your roof. To effectively remove these types of growths from your roof, we use a combination of pressure washing, chemical treatments, and manual scrubbing.
If any damage is discovered during the cleaning process, we will notify you and provide a quote for the necessary repairs. We do not, however, offer repair services.
