Roof cleaning and moss removal
Moss and debris removed without damaging the covering.
In short
Moss holds water against slates and tiles, blocks gutters as it washes down, and in a hard frost expands in the joints and lifts the covering. Removing it is worth doing, but how it is removed matters: a high pressure washer will strip the surface off concrete tiles and drive water up under slates, doing more damage than the moss ever would. Careful mechanical removal and clearing the gutters afterwards is the safer approach.
The damp, mild climate in the west of Scotland is ideal for moss, and north-facing slopes get the worst of it. It is a maintenance job rather than an emergency, but leaving it indefinitely does shorten the life of a roof.
When a roof is worth cleaning
- Thick moss visible along the courses, particularly on the north slope
- Moss washing down and collecting in the gutters
- Gutters blocking repeatedly through the year
- Debris and leaves building up in valleys
- Plant growth taking hold at the ridge or in a valley
- A roof that is sound but looking neglected before a sale
What the job involves
Every roof is different, but the shape of the work is usually the same. Here is how a typical roof cleaning and moss removal job runs.
Check the roof first
The covering is looked at before anything is cleaned, because moss often hides slipped or cracked slates underneath it.
Remove it carefully
Moss is taken off mechanically rather than blasted, so the surface of the covering is not damaged.
Clear the valleys and gutters
Everything that has come down is cleared out of the valleys, gutters and downpipes, which is half the point of the job.
Report what was underneath
You get told about anything found under the moss, with photographs, so you can decide what to do about it.
Want someone to take a look?
Call 07464 695657 or send a photo on WhatsApp and you will get a straight answer on what it needs.
Roof cleaning and moss removal near you
E Stewart Roofing Ltd covers Glasgow, Ayrshire and Central Scotland. Pick your area for local detail, or call 07464 695657 if you are not sure whether you are in range.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pressure wash my roof?
We would not advise it. High pressure strips the protective surface off concrete tiles, can crack slate, and drives water up underneath the covering. The damage often costs far more than the cleaning saved.
Does moss actually damage a roof?
It holds moisture against the covering, blocks the gutters as it breaks up, and in a hard frost expands in the joints. On a sound roof it is a maintenance issue rather than an emergency, but it does shorten the life of the covering.
Will the moss come back?
Yes, eventually, particularly on a shaded or north-facing slope in this climate. Clearing it every few years is normal maintenance rather than a sign the job was done badly.
Can you clean the roof and check it at the same time?
That is the sensible way to do it. Moss hides slipped and cracked slates, so anything found underneath gets reported with photographs while we are up there.
Is it worth cleaning a roof before selling a house?
It makes a real difference to how the property presents, and a clean roof and clear gutters suggest a house that has been looked after. It will not hide a roof that needs replacing.