Professional Roof Cleaning
in Plymouth & Devon
That Protects & Restores
Remove years of moss, lichen and algae growth from your roof — extending tile lifespan, improving appearance and eliminating the moisture retention that causes tile damage and leaks. Free roof survey included with every quote.
4.9★ rated · 109+ reviews · 9 years experience
What Is Professional Roof Cleaning?
Professional roof cleaning removes moss, lichen, algae and atmospheric pollution from roof tiles using specialist equipment and techniques. The process restores the original appearance of your roof while eliminating biological growth that accelerates tile deterioration.
At Scrub & Shine Southwest, we offer both manual scraping and softwashing methods for roof cleaning across Plymouth, Exeter, Torquay and the wider Devon and Cornwall area. The method we recommend depends on the tile type, the extent of growth and the condition of the roof structure.
A clean roof isn't just about aesthetics. Thick moss growth retains moisture against tile surfaces, causing freeze-thaw damage in winter. Moss roots penetrate the surface of concrete tiles, creating micro-cracks that worsen over time. Lichen produces acids that chemically etch natural slate. Left untreated, biological growth significantly reduces the working lifespan of any roof covering.
Following cleaning, we can apply biocide treatments that inhibit regrowth for 2–5 years depending on the product and environmental conditions. This means your roof stays cleaner for longer, reducing the frequency and cost of future cleaning.
The Real Cost of an Untreated Roof
Moss is not just cosmetic. A heavily mossed roof on a typical 3-bedroom house can hold several hundred litres of additional water weight. This moisture load stresses the roof structure, saturates the underlay (felt) and creates conditions for timber rot in battens and rafters.
As moss growth thickens, it lifts the bottom edges of tiles and slates, creating gaps that allow wind-driven rain to penetrate beneath the roof covering. This is one of the most common causes of ceiling leaks in properties across the South West, where our wet and windy climate accelerates moss growth significantly.
Ridge tiles and hip tiles are particularly vulnerable. Moss growth between ridge tiles erodes the mortar bedding, causing ridges to loosen and eventually detach during storms. A fallen ridge tile exposes the roof interior to water ingress and can cause significant damage before being noticed.
For properties coming to market, a mossed roof is a significant red flag for buyers and surveyors. Mortgage valuers routinely downgrade property assessments when roof condition is poor, and buyers use roof cleaning costs as a negotiation tool to reduce the purchase price.
Many homeowners attempt to pressure wash their own roofs, which is one of the most common causes of avoidable roof damage. High-pressure water strips protective coatings from tiles, drives water under slates and can crack fragile tiles. Professional roof cleaning uses calibrated equipment and proven techniques that clean effectively without causing harm.
Our Roof Cleaning Process
Free Roof Survey
Before any work begins, we carry out a thorough roof inspection. We assess tile condition, identify cracked or slipped tiles, check ridge integrity and evaluate the extent of moss and lichen growth.
Roof Preparation
We protect windows, conservatories, plants and surrounding areas. Gutters are covered or cleaned post-treatment. Access equipment is set up safely with appropriate edge protection.
Moss & Lichen Removal
Depending on the tile type, we use manual scraping, low-pressure washing or softwashing to remove all biological growth. Every ridge, valley, hip and verge is cleaned thoroughly.
Biocide Treatment
A professional-grade biocide is applied to the entire roof surface. This kills remaining spores and root systems, inhibiting regrowth for 2–5 years.
Gutter Clear & Final Check
All debris is cleared from gutters and the ground. We carry out a final inspection, flag any repairs needed and walk you through the results.
Benefits of Professional Roof Cleaning
Extend Tile Lifespan
Removing moisture-retaining moss prevents freeze-thaw cracking and surface erosion. Clean tiles last significantly longer than mossed tiles in the South West climate.
Prevent Leaks
Eliminating moss that lifts tile edges and erodes ridge mortar removes the two most common causes of roof leaks in residential properties.
Improve Appearance
A clean roof transforms the entire look of a property. The visual difference between a mossed and cleaned roof is dramatic and immediate.
Boost Property Value
A well-maintained roof reassures buyers and surveyors. Properties with clean roofs consistently achieve higher valuations and faster sales.
Reduce Energy Costs
Dark moss absorbs heat in summer and retains cold moisture in winter. A clean roof contributes to more consistent internal temperatures and lower heating bills.
Identify Hidden Problems
Our cleaning process reveals cracked tiles, failed pointing and deteriorated flashing that was hidden under moss — allowing you to fix small issues before they become major repairs.
Roof Cleaning: Tile Types, Methods & Technical Detail
Concrete interlocking tiles are the most common roof covering in Plymouth and Devon, found on the majority of post-war residential properties. These tiles have a cement-based surface coating that provides colour and weather resistance. Moss growth penetrates this coating, and incorrect cleaning methods (particularly high-pressure washing) strip it away permanently. We use controlled low-pressure washing combined with specialist concrete tile cleaners to remove moss while preserving the surface coating.
Natural slate roofs are common on period properties across Devon and Cornwall. Slate is a metamorphic rock that splits into thin, durable layers. Lichen is the primary concern on slate — it produces organic acids that chemically etch the surface. We clean slate roofs using softwashing (low-pressure application of biocide solutions) which kills lichen without the mechanical stress of pressure washing. This preserves the slate's integrity and natural appearance.
Clay tiles — including plain tiles, pantiles and decorative Victorian tiles — require careful cleaning due to their fired ceramic surface. While harder than concrete, clay tiles can crack under impact and their surface can be damaged by excessive pressure. We clean clay tiles using a combination of gentle pressure washing and hand-finishing around vulnerable areas like hips and ridges.
Flat roof sections covered in felt, EPDM rubber or fibreglass require different cleaning approaches. These surfaces cannot withstand high pressure and are easily punctured or scraped. We use soft brushing and specialist flat roof cleaning solutions to remove algae and moss growth without compromising the waterproof membrane.
Valley and hip tile configurations create natural debris traps where moss growth is heaviest. These areas require detailed manual cleaning to clear moss from the overlapping tile edges without dislodging the tiles or damaging the lead or mortar work underneath. Our team has extensive experience with every roof geometry common across South West properties.
After cleaning, we recommend biocide treatment using professional-grade products containing benzalkonium chloride. These products are significantly more concentrated and effective than consumer alternatives. A single professional application inhibits moss and algae regrowth for 2–5 years depending on the roof's orientation, shading and local microclimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does roof cleaning cost in Plymouth?+
A typical 3-bedroom semi-detached house costs between £400–£700 for a full roof clean including biocide treatment. Larger roofs, heavily mossed roofs and those requiring scaffold access are quoted individually. Our free roof survey ensures accurate pricing with no surprises.
How long does roof cleaning take?+
Most residential roofs take 1–2 days depending on size and the extent of moss growth. We'll give you a precise time estimate during the survey.
Will roof cleaning damage my tiles?+
Not when done by experienced professionals using the correct methods. We assess every roof individually and select the cleaning approach that's appropriate for your specific tile type and condition.
Do you offer a guarantee on roof cleaning?+
We guarantee the quality of our work. The biocide treatment we apply inhibits regrowth for 2–5 years depending on environmental conditions. If you experience significant regrowth within 12 months, we'll return to retreat the affected areas.
Is a roof survey really free?+
Completely free and no-obligation. We inspect your roof, assess the cleaning requirements, check for any damage and provide a detailed written quote. There's no charge even if you decide not to proceed.
Can you clean a roof in winter?+
We can clean roofs in most conditions but avoid working during frost, ice or heavy rain for safety reasons. Biocide treatments are most effective when applied during dry periods. We'll advise on the best timing for your specific roof.
Do you repair damaged tiles found during cleaning?+
Yes. We offer roof repairs as a complementary service. Minor issues like cracked or slipped tiles can often be fixed during the cleaning visit. More significant repairs are quoted separately.
What's the difference between roof cleaning and softwashing?+
Roof cleaning typically involves mechanical moss removal (scraping or low-pressure washing) followed by biocide treatment. Softwashing uses chemical solutions applied at very low pressure to kill biological growth. We recommend the most appropriate method for your specific roof type.
Will you clean up afterwards?+
Absolutely. All moss and debris is cleared from gutters, paths and garden areas. We leave your property as clean as we found it — the only difference will be your spotless roof.
What areas do you cover for roof cleaning?+
We cover Plymouth, Exeter, Torquay, Liskeard, Bodmin, Newquay, Kingsbridge, Bude and surrounding areas across Devon and Cornwall. Contact us on 07400 506955 for a free roof survey.
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Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote. We respond within 24 hours and can usually schedule your job within the week.
Fully insured · Free estimates · 9 years experience