At Hydro Cleanse, we take roof cleaning to the next level with our industry-leading moss-free guarantee. Our expert team in Lancashire and the Northwest ensures long-lasting results, preventing moss, algae, and lichen from returning and keeping your roof looking immaculate.
What Makes Our Roof Cleaning Service Stand Out?
✔ Guaranteed Long-Term Protection – Our biocide treatment effectively removes moss, algae, and contaminants while preventing regrowth for up to 2 years.
✔ Safe & Damage-Free Roof Cleaning – We never step on your roof. Instead, we use our own scaffolding tower to protect your roof’s structural integrity.
✔ Advanced Roof Cleaning Techniques – We combine soft washing, steam cleaning, and biocide treatments to deliver deep, thorough, and long-lasting results.
✔ Extended Roof Lifespan – A clean roof not only enhances kerb appeal but also prevents damage, reducing maintenance costs in the long run.
By using cutting-edge roof cleaning technology and eco-friendly treatments, we ensure a pristine, moss-free roof while preserving your property’s appearance.
Book Your Professional Roof Cleaning Today!
Don't let moss and dirt ruin your roof. Contact Hydro Cleanse today for expert roof cleaning in Lancashire and the Northwest, and enjoy a spotless roof with guaranteed long-term protection!
A Common Question – “Why is it Only Recently That Roof Moss Has Become a Problem?”
During the last 50 years, the UK and indeed most of Europe, has transitioned from an industrial economy to a services and commerce based society.
With fewer factories and power stations pumping out harmful and toxic chemicals into the environment, our rainfall is now much less acidic than in the past.
Those of you who are old enough may remember the dire government warnings about acidic rain from back in the 1980’s.
Here is a press release about how acidic rain has almost been completely eradicated in the UK over the last 20 years:
Read: Acidic Rain 20 Years On (UK Government Press Release)
What some of you may not be aware of is how sensitive moss, algae and lichen are to acidic rain.
Even the slightest increase in the acidity level of rainwater is enough to kill off and prevent mosses and algae from forming.
Those of us who have been in the roofing industry long enough have experienced this first hand.
Back in the early 1990’s very few customers needed their roofs cleared of moss or cleaned using power washing equipment.
Nowadays some roofing firms get more phone calls about roof moss then anything else.
In fact, an entirely new industry has been created – the roof cleaning/coating industry – which never existed previously as there was very little moss/algae growing on roofs.
Go check out old photos of houses from pre-1980’s, very few will have any significant moss growth on the roof tiles. The same houses today will probably be experiencing at least some growth.
The current roof moss epidemic is a direct result of the cleaner air we now enjoy in western Europe.
Will Moss Damage My Roof?
There are many different materials that are used in the construction of a roof and some will be affected by moss growth while others won’t.
Here is a checklist detailing what is and isn’t damaged by moss growth:
Concrete tiles – No, except for a few corner cases, which are often due to the poor manufacturing techniques of older tiles. Air bubbles, small stones, sand bubbles and other objects in the cement mixture can create small holes that expand over time. Moss may grow in these holes, but it isn’t the cause of the hole. Tile imperfections are less common with newer tiles made to western standards.
Clay tiles – Yes, especially on shallow roofs. These tiles can delaminate if they get wet and then freeze, hence why clay tiles are best laid to steep roofs and kept clear of moss – so they can fully dry out.
Slates – No, hardly affected.
Cement – Yes, dusty, flaky and “weak” cement can be ruined by excessive moss growth.
Gutters and rainwater pipes – Yes, they can become blocked. Also, thin plastic guttering may bend, warp or snap at the brackets due to the extra weight of excessive moss, hence why gutters should be cleared frequently.
Chimney brickwork – Yes, it gets into the cement cap and between the bricks, leading to moisture ingress, when that freezes, it expands and causes cracks or damage.
Lead/Leadwork – No, this isn’t damaged by moss growth on the roof.
Is the extra weight of moss a problem on the roof? – No, this is a common claim made by some roofing and roof cleaning firms. They suggest that because wet moss is heavy, it could buckle, bow or collapse your roof. In fact, even excessive moss growth is spread so thinly over the roof that no single point or rafter ever exceeds its load capacity. Roofs are designed to hold several feet of heavy wet snow for prolonged periods of time and to hold firm against sustained gusts of wind without collapsing inwards. Thin plastic gutters may be damaged by too much moss in them though (they warp, bend or snap at the brackets).
The Best Way to Remove Roof Moss
There are two practical options we have available for you.
Both involve working at height so these should be carried out by competent and experienced persons only:
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Have the moss removed by scrapers and brushes
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Have the roof steam cleaned
Both methods are very effective at removing the moss.
Low pressure steam cleaning will remove not only moss, algae and lichen but also pollutants, grease and dust that could prevent the coating from adhering to the tiles correctly.
How Long Until the Moss Grows Back?
Without the application of chemicals, you can expect the moss to start growing back within 12 months, although it will take a few years before the moss growth becomes prolific again.
Biocide Roof treatment
After your roof has been cleaned we are able to apply a biocide softwash. The wash kills all moss, algae & lichen within 24 hours of being applied and continues to clean your roof tiles for up to 12 months after application and can last up to 5 years depending on conditions.
WHY CHOOSE US
Ready to revitalize the exterior of your property? Contact us today to request a free estimate for our expert cleaning services. We'll assess your cleaning needs and provide a tailored solution to enhance the appearance and appeal of your property.
Our commitment to complete customer service is unwavering. We prioritize your satisfaction by offering timely responses, personalized solutions, and a dedicated team to address all your needs and concerns.
We’re trained, experienced and fully insured
Our customers consistently award us 5 stars for exceptional service. This recognition reflects our unwavering dedication to delivering top-notch quality, exceeding expectations, and ensuring their utmost satisfaction.
Year after year we invest in industry-leading equipment
Our keen eye for detail ensures all our work is completed to the highest possible standard. Our cleaning treatments are industry standard and not available to the general public
We know your time is valuable so we always keep our pre-booked appointments
Roof Cleaning — Hydro-Cleanse Lancashire & Greater Manchester
Restore, Protect, and Prolong Your Roof with Professional Roof Cleaning
Introduction — Roof Cleaning Lancashire & Manchester Your roof is your home’s first line of defence. Over time, moss, lichen, algae and black grit accumulate on tiles and slates, trapping moisture, accelerating wear and causing slip and leak risks. Hydro-Cleanse delivers professional roof cleaning across Lancashire and Greater Manchester, using soft‑wash techniques, marine‑grade rinsing where needed and moss inhibition treatments that restore appearance and extend roof life. Our method is safe for tiles, slates, metal and composite roofs — we remove damaging growth at the root, protect underlay and preserve warranties.
Why Professional Roof Cleaning Matters
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Prevent structural damage: Moss and lichen retain moisture that degrades tiles and mortar, leading to slipped tiles, rot and water ingress.
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Extend roof lifespan: Regular cleaning can add years to roofing materials by preventing biological decay and reducing freeze/thaw damage.
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Save on repairs: Removing growth before it causes leaks reduces costly patch repairs and premature reroofing.
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Improve kerb appeal: A clean roof boosts property value and makes homes more attractive to buyers and tenants.
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Health & hygiene: Algae and mould spores can affect air quality; cleaning reduces biological load around the property.
Our Roof Cleaning Services Soft-Wash Roof Cleaning Hydro-Cleanse specialises in soft‑wash roof cleaning — a low-pressure application of specialist, biodegradable solutions that kill moss, algae and lichen at the root. Soft washing eliminates growth without the abrasive force of high-pressure systems that can strip protective granules or damage tiles and membranes. This is the preferred method for clay and concrete tiles, slates, and delicate roofing materials.
Moss & Lichen Removal We remove built-up moss safely using a combination of soft-wash treatments and gentle mechanical brushing where required. Our approach ensures spores are neutralised to reduce rapid re-growth. After removal, we treat the roof with long‑lasting moss inhibitors to slow recurrence.
Tile & Slate Cleaning Clay tiles and natural slate need tailored care. We use tile-safe solutions and controlled rinsing to lift staining and restore natural colour. For heritage properties, we follow best-practice conservation guidance to protect original materials and pointing.
Metal & Composite Roof Cleaning Metal roofs (standing seam, corrugated) and composite roofing benefit from specialist degreasers and anti-corrosion rinses. For coastal or estuary-facing properties, we include salt-residue removal and marine-grade rinsing to prevent corrosion and staining.
Gutter & Fascia Cleaning (Combined) Roof health depends on functioning gutters. We offer gutter clearance, downpipe jetting and inspection as an add-on to roof cleans to ensure runoff is unobstructed and prevent water damage to walls and foundations.
Moss Inhibitor & Protective Coatings Post-clean treatments include moss inhibitors and optional clear protective coatings compatible with roof materials. These extend the time between cleans and help maintain aesthetic results while allowing roofs to breathe.
Commercial Roof Cleaning & Maintenance We provide commercial roof cleaning for warehouses, retail units, apartment blocks and public buildings. Services include membrane-safe cleaning, flat roof algae removal, plant-safe chemical application, and scheduled maintenance contracts to keep large footprints clean and safe.
Why Hydro-Cleanse’s Method Is Better
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Soft-Wash First: We prioritise soft-wash to kill growth at the root rather than blasting surfaces.
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Surface-Safe Techniques: Pressure levels, nozzle angles and brushes are selected per material to avoid damage.
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Biodegradable Products: We use UK‑approved, eco-friendly detergents that are tough on growth but safe for plants and run-off where possible.
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Experienced Technicians: Trained operatives use fall-arrest, harnesses and industry best-practice for working at height.
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Insurance & Compliance: Full public liability insurance, COSHH-compliant handling of chemicals and RAMS for commercial sites.
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The Roof Cleaning Process — Step-by-Step
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Free On-Site Survey: We assess roof material, pitch, access, age and severity of growth. We identify fragile or heritage features and plan access and safety measures.
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Quotation & Options: Receive an itemised quote detailing recommended services—soft wash, moss removal, gutter clear, inhibitor, protective coating—and clear pricing.
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Preparation: Protect plants, parked vehicles and delicate external features. Lay sheeting where needed and isolate gutters if required.
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Treatment Application: Apply soft-wash solution at low pressure to penetrate and kill growth. Allow dwell time for the solution to work on spores and root systems.
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Gentle Removal & Rinse: After treatment dwell time, remove dead growth using soft brushes or low-pressure rinsing. For metal roofs and coastal sites, apply marine-grade rinsing to remove salts.
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Post-Treatment & Inhibition: Apply moss inhibitor and optional protective coatings. Check flashings, ridges and seal any minor defects found during clean.
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Final Inspection & Photos: Walk the job with you, provide before/after photos and maintenance advice.
Safety, Access & Working at Height Hydro-Cleanse follows strict safety protocols. Our teams are trained in working at height, use harnesses, cherry-pickers or scaffold where necessary, and carry full PPE. For heritage or fragile roofs we recommend scaffold access to protect tiles and guarantee a safe, damage-free clean.
Coastal & Salt-Exposed Roofs — Specialist Care Properties near the coast or estuary require extra attention. Salt deposits accelerate metal corrosion and stain masonry. Hydro-Cleanse offers salt-residue removal, anti-corrosion rinses and marine-grade cleaning agents to remove chlorides and protect gutters, flashings and metal fixings. We also recommend more frequent maintenance for exposed roofs.
Roof Types We Clean
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Concrete tiles
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Clay tiles
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Natural slate
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Artificial slate
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Metal roofing (standing seam, corrugated, zinc)
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Composite and modern membrane roofs
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Flat roofs with algae/moss buildup (using membrane-safe methods)
Common Roof Problems We Fix
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Heavy moss/lichen coverage causing trapped moisture
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Black streaks from algae growth
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Blocked gutters causing water overflow and staining
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Discoloured or stained tiles and slates
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Corrosion on metal roofs and flashings
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Loose or slipped tiles exposed during cleaning (we flag for repair)
How Often Should You Clean Your Roof?
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Typical residential schedule: every 3–5 years depending on exposure and tree cover.
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Coastal/exposed properties: 1–3 years for salt-exposed roofs.
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Heavily shaded or tree-lined properties: 1–2 years due to moss and debris accumulation. We provide tailored maintenance plans to match your roof’s condition and exposure.
Environmental Considerations We prioritise eco-friendly practices: biodegradable, phosphate-free detergents and responsible water use. Where runoff could affect plants or drains, we use containment methods and neutralising agents. For commercial sites, we coordinate with site managers to meet environmental and waste disposal requirements.
Pricing Guide (Indicative) Prices vary by roof size, pitch, access difficulty and severity of contamination. Indicative ranges (subject to survey):
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Small bungalow roof: £450–£650
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Average 3-bed semi: £600–£800
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Large 4/5-bed house or complex roof: £800–£1200
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Commercial roofs: priced per m2; typical from £0.80–£2.50/m2 depending on material and access
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Moss inhibitor application: from £45–£120 (depending on area)
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Gutter clearance add-on: £60–£180 depending on height and access
Benefits of Regular Professional Roof Maintenance
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Reduces risk of leaks and damp
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Preserves warranty on roofing materials (when soft-wash methods used)
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Improves energy efficiency by removing dark biological films that absorb heat
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Enhances property value and curb appeal
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Lowers long-term maintenance and replacement costs
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AQs Q: Is roof cleaning safe for my tiles? A: Yes — when done by professionals. Hydro-Cleanse uses soft‑wash and low-pressure methods suitable for tile types to avoid damage.
Q: Will cleaning remove all moss permanently? A: Cleaning removes existing growth and our moss inhibitors slow recurrence, but no treatment permanently prevents spores arriving. Regular maintenance reduces regrowth frequency.
Q: Can you work on steep or high roofs? A: Yes. We use harnesses, cherry-pickers or scaffold where required and follow strict safety procedures.
Q: Do you guarantee your work? A: We provide a satisfaction guarantee on workmanship and are fully insured. For long-term protection, we recommend scheduled maintenance plans.
Q: Do you use chemicals? A: We use UK-approved biodegradable detergents and moss inhibitors applied responsibly according to COSHH guidance.
Preparing for a Roof Clean — Customer Checklist
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Remove or secure loose roof fixtures (satellite dishes, ornaments) where possible
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Inform tenants or neighbours as required
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Clear immediate garden items and cars from the area beneath work zones
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Provide access keys if required for side gates or loft hatches for inspection
Trust & Accreditation Hydro-Cleanse is fully insured with public liability cover. Our technicians receive regular training in safe working at height and chemical handling. We comply with COSHH regulations and provide RAMS documentation for commercial clients. Customer satisfaction, transparent quotes and before/after evidence are standard on every job.
Taking the best care of your roof is always a priority for us
Roof tiles come in a variety of shapes and materials, which is why we assess your roof to determine the most suitable and effective cleaning method.
In many instances, our low-pressure steam cleaning system delivers impressive results. For more delicate situations, however, a scraping method may be the better option to remove moss buildup without compromising the tiles.
Whichever method we use, the service includes a softwash biocide application. This treatment eliminates any remaining organic growth after cleaning and helps prevent its return for up to five years. Regular treatments are an excellent way to keep your roof in top condition for years to come!
