Roof cleaning removes moss, lichen, dirt and loose old paint from tiles with a pressure washer, then clears the debris from the gutters. It keeps water running off the roof, shows up any cracked tiles, and prepares the surface if you plan to seal and paint.
What roof cleaning does
Dirt, moss and lichen collect in the ribs of the tile and on the shaded side of the roof. They hold moisture against the surface, and over time the tile surface breaks down. Washing removes the growth and the grime that feeds it, and it clears the channels the water uses to leave the roof.
- Water drains the way the tile profile intends.
- Cracked and slipped tiles show up, because the surface is clean enough to see them.
- The roof looks like its real colour again.
- The surface is ready for sealing and painting if you want that.
How we wash a tile roof
- Look first. We walk the roof and note cracked tiles and loose ridge caps, because a pressure washer will push water through those gaps.
- Protect the property. We cover or move anything that should stay dry and check the downpipes will carry the runoff.
- Wash from the ridge down. Working top to bottom moves the dirt and growth toward the gutters.
- Rinse and clear. The wash-off lands in the gutters. We clear it out so it does not block the downpipes.
- Photograph. You get before and after photos of the roof and the gutters.
One customer had the roof repaired and cleaned on the same day. Same-day work depends on the weather and the size of the roof, so we say what is realistic when we book.
“Nathan is very professional, prompt and reasonably priced. Was recommended to me through word of mouth and didn’t disappoint at all. Roof repair and clean all done on the same day. Before and after pics shown too!”
Moss and lichen removal
Moss grows where tiles stay damp: the south side, under trees and in valleys. Lichen looks like pale or orange crusty patches and grips the surface harder than moss. Both come off with washing, and treatment after the wash slows the regrowth. The cause is shade and moisture, so cutting back overhanging branches helps more than any chemical.
Washing before painting
Paint on a dirty tile peels. If you plan to repaint, the wash is the foundation for the coating. We do it as one step in the full restoration, after repairs and before sealing. See roof painting for what follows.
Where washing is the wrong move
- Brittle or crumbling tiles. High pressure breaks them. We tell you before we start.
- Failed ridge pointing. Water gets under the caps. We re-point first. See ridge re-pointing.
- Roofs with painted finishes in good condition. We use lower pressure and check how the paint reacts.
Tell us about trees, shade and any history of leaks when you call. A cleaned roof is the best moment to book a roof inspection, since nothing hides the defects.
We price after we have been on the roof, not before. Book a time on 0430 545 669 or the form.
Questions about roof cleaning and washing
How often should a roof be cleaned?
It depends on shade, trees and how damp the site is. A roof under big trees may need attention every few years, while an open sunny roof can go much longer. A roof inspection tells you when.
Will pressure washing damage my tiles?
Sound tiles handle it. Old, brittle or cracked tiles do not, which is why we inspect first and set the pressure to suit the roof.
Do you clean the gutters at the same time?
Yes. The wash-off ends up there, so we clear the gutters as part of the job. We also do gutter cleaning on its own.
Can you clean a Colorbond or metal roof?
We can wash metal roofs too. Call us with the roof type and condition and we will tell you what makes sense.
Is roof cleaning enough, or do I need to paint?
Cleaning on its own suits a roof with sound tiles that has gone dirty. If the colour has faded or chalked, painting is the fix that lasts.