Moss and staining make a roof look tired, but the real problem is what they do over time. Here are five signs you can spot from the ground that your roof is due a professional clean.
1. Moss and algae patches
Green or yellow patches, often on shaded or north-facing slopes, are the clearest sign. Moss acts like a sponge, holding water against tiles and slates and lifting their edges as it grows.
2. Dark streaks or discolouration
Black or dark green streaks running down the roof are usually algae. It spreads quickly once established, and it's often the first thing people notice from the street.
3. Blocked or overflowing gutters
When moss breaks away from the roof it washes straight into the gutters. If yours keep blocking or overflowing, the roof above is often the cause.
4. Debris around vents and flashing
Leaves and moss collecting around vents, valleys and lead flashing can stop those areas shedding water properly, which is where leaks tend to start.
5. It's been years since the last clean
Even if nothing looks dramatic, a roof that hasn't been cleaned in several years will usually benefit from it. Regular cleaning helps protect the roof between full inspections.
How we clean roofs
We work from our 21m cherry picker, so there's no scaffolding to put up and take down. Our operator clears the moss, algae and debris, then applies a biocide treatment to help slow regrowth. It's quicker, safer and usually far cheaper than scaffolding for a one-off clean.
Need a cherry picker?
Operated hire from £280, with an IPAF-trained operator and local travel included.
