div class="cs-content">

Roof cleaning and moss removal in Cheltenham: protecting your biggest asset

Have you noticed dark patches on your roof, or are clumps of green moss starting to take over?

It is easy to forget about your roof until something goes wrong. Up there, out of sight, it is quietly protecting your home from the elements. But over time, the damp British climate, especially here in and around Gloucestershire, creates the perfect breeding ground for moss, algae, and lichen. What starts as a small patch of green can quickly spread, turning into a thick, unsightly blanket across your tiles. This is more than just a cosmetic issue. That growth is holding onto moisture like a sponge, and it could be causing slow, silent damage to the very structure designed to keep your home safe and dry.

Many homeowners see the clumps of moss falling onto their patios and driveways and think the problem is just an annoyance. The reality is that this is a warning sign. Left unchecked, a mossy roof can lead to blocked gutters, water overflowing down your walls, and even cracked tiles as the trapped water freezes and expands in winter. Our roof cleaning service is designed to be the safe, thorough solution. We do not just remove the visible growth. We treat the root of the problem, restoring the health and appearance of your roof and helping to protect your home for years to come. It is an essential part of home maintenance that can prevent costly repairs down the line.

Why roof cleaning is a job for the experts, not a weekend project

Seeing moss on your roof, it can be tempting to think about getting a ladder and a stiff brush to tackle it yourself. We strongly advise against this. Working on a roof is inherently dangerous. It is slippery, steep, and a fall can have life changing consequences. Beyond the personal risk, there is also a significant risk of damaging your property. Walking on roof tiles without knowing their weak points can easily lead to cracks, which will cause leaks the next time it rains. Using the wrong tools or techniques can strip the protective surface from your tiles, drastically shortening their lifespan.

Our team is trained to work safely at height. We have the correct safety equipment, access platforms, and roof ladders to do the job without putting ourselves or your property at risk. We understand the different types of roof tiles common in the Cheltenham area, from modern concrete to traditional Cotswold stone, and we know exactly how to clean them without causing harm. Investing in a specialist service is not just about convenience, it is about ensuring the job is done correctly and safely, with no costly mistakes.

Our cleaning methods, choosing the right approach for your roof

There is no single "best" way to clean every roof. The correct method depends entirely on the type of tiles you have, their age and condition, and the nature of the growth on them. Aggressive, one size fits all approaches can cause irreversible damage. We always assess your roof first and then recommend the most suitable and safest cleaning process. We believe in educating our clients so you can be confident in the work we do.

Manual moss removal, the gentle and preferred method

For the vast majority of roofs, especially those with concrete or clay tiles, this is the safest and most thorough method. It is a meticulous, hands on process. Our team works across the roof, using specialised scraping tools with profiles that are shaped to fit your specific type of roof tile. These tools allow us to lift and remove the bulk of the moss growth, from thick clumps to the underlying root systems, without applying any harsh pressure or force to the tiles themselves. All the dislodged moss is then cleared from the roof and we ensure all your gutters are completely emptied of any debris. This manual approach is gentle, controlled, and highly effective at removing the primary problem.

Low pressure steam cleaning, for a deeper, instant clean

Sometimes, a roof may have years of ingrained dirt, algae, and stubborn black lichen stains that a manual scrape alone will not shift. In these cases, particularly on durable surfaces like natural slate, a gentle steam clean can be a great option. We use specialist equipment that heats water to a very high temperature but applies it at a very low pressure, often no more than a garden hose. The heat does the work, melting away the grime and killing the organic growth without the need for abrasive force. It provides an instant, transformative result, revealing the original colour of your tiles.

Why we never use high pressure jet washing on a roof

You may see other companies offering to blast your roof clean with a high pressure washer. We will never do this. It is the fastest way to cause serious and expensive damage. High pressure water can easily strip the protective granular surface from concrete tiles, leaving the weaker cement base exposed to the elements. This dramatically reduces their lifespan. It can also force water up and under the tile overlaps, soaking the delicate roofing felt and timber battens underneath, which can lead to leaks and rot. It is an aggressive and inappropriate method for cleaning a roof, and we believe it is a risk not worth taking.

The crucial final step, the biocide treatment

Removing the visible moss is only half the battle. The roof will still be covered in invisible spores and the microscopic root systems of algae and lichen. If you leave the roof like this, the growth will simply start to return within months. That is why the most important part of any professional roof clean is the application of a professional grade biocide treatment.

After the main cleaning is complete, we apply this treatment to the entire roof surface using a low pressure spray system. The biocide soaks into the pores of the tiles and kills off all remaining organic life. It also has a residual effect, inhibiting the germination of new spores that land on your roof. This is what provides the long lasting results. Over the weeks and months following the treatment, you will see your roof's appearance continue to improve as the biocide works with the weather to gently cleanse away the last remnants of staining, leaving your tiles looking cleaner and brighter. Without this step, a roof clean is only a temporary fix.

Protecting your investment with a local Cheltenham team

Your home is your most valuable asset, and your roof is its primary line of defence. Choosing a local, reputable company to care for it is important. We are part of the Cheltenham community, and our reputation is built on doing quality work for our neighbours. We are fully insured, and we approach every job with a focus on safety and respect for your property. We will always take the time to protect surrounding areas, like your conservatory roof or flowerbeds, from falling moss and will leave your property clean and tidy when we are finished. We are not just service providers. We are your local partners in home maintenance.

Ready to restore your roof's appearance and health?

Stop letting that moss and algae degrade the look and integrity of your roof. Let our experienced team provide a safe, thorough, and long lasting cleaning solution that will protect your home and enhance its curb appeal. Contact us today. We would be happy to arrange a free, no obligation visit to assess your roof and provide you with a detailed quote for our services.