Roof Cleaning Exeter

Professional moss & algae removal for all roof types | Soft wash experts | From £200

Why Clean Your Roof?

Protect your home from the top down with professional roof cleaning in Exeter

Extend Roof Life

Moss traps moisture under tiles, causing frost damage in winter and gradually lifting tiles from the roof. Devon's wet winters accelerate this process significantly. Regular cleaning prevents this cycle of damage and extends the life of your roof by years, saving you thousands on premature replacement.

Improve Kerb Appeal

A mossy, stained roof makes an entire property look neglected and tired - no matter how well-maintained the rest of the house is. A clean roof transforms the appearance of your home and can add real value if you are selling. It is one of the most visible improvements you can make to a property.

Prevent Damage

Moss and algae hold moisture against roofing materials, leading to deterioration, cracked tiles, and eventually leaks into your home. Moss also blocks gutters and valleys, causing water to overflow and stain your render or brickwork. Prevention is always cheaper than repair.

Types of Roof We Clean

We have experience cleaning every type of roof found on Exeter properties

Concrete Tiles

The most common roofing material in Exeter, found on the majority of post-war and modern properties. Concrete tiles are highly prone to moss growth due to their porous surface. Our soft wash treatment kills moss at the root and prevents regrowth for up to two years, keeping your concrete tile roof clean and functioning properly.

Clay Tiles

Traditional Devon properties often feature clay tile roofs that develop a distinctive character over time. We clean clay tiles carefully to remove moss and algae while preserving the natural patina that gives these roofs their charm. Our low-pressure approach ensures no damage to these often irreplaceable tiles.

Slate Roofs

Both natural and synthetic slate are common on older Exeter homes, particularly in the city centre and conservation areas. Slate requires a gentle approach as it can be brittle with age. Our soft wash method is ideal for slate - the biocide does the work, not pressure, so there is no risk of cracking or dislodging slates.

Flat Roofs

Felt, EPDM, and fibreglass flat roofs all require a specialist approach. Algae and moss growth on flat roofs can block drainage channels and cause ponding water, which leads to leaks and membrane damage. We use targeted biocide treatment and careful low-pressure cleaning to restore flat roofs without compromising their waterproof membrane.

Metal Roofing

Standing seam and corrugated metal roofs are increasingly popular on modern properties and extensions in Exeter. While metal is more resistant to moss than tiles, algae and lichen can still take hold and cause discolouration. Our soft wash treatment cleans metal roofing effectively without scratching or damaging the protective finish.

Local insight: Concrete tiles are by far the most common roof type we clean across Exeter, particularly on properties built from the 1960s onwards in areas like Pinhoe, Whipton, and Heavitree. If you have a concrete tile roof in Exeter, moss is almost inevitable - but regular cleaning keeps it under control.

Our Roof Cleaning Process

A proven 4-step process that removes moss safely and prevents regrowth

Inspection

Every roof clean begins with a thorough inspection. We assess the overall condition of the roof, check for loose, cracked, or damaged tiles, and evaluate the extent of moss and algae coverage. This allows us to plan the safest and most effective approach for your specific roof. We will flag any existing damage before we start so there are no surprises - and we will never clean a roof that is not structurally sound enough to work on safely.

Manual Moss Removal

For roofs with heavy moss growth, we start by manually scraping off the bulk of the moss by hand. This is essential to prevent large clumps blocking your gutters and downpipes during treatment. We work carefully across the roof, removing moss from tiles, ridges, and valleys while taking care not to dislodge or damage any tiles in the process.

Soft Wash Treatment

We apply a professional-grade biocide to the entire roof surface using low-pressure equipment. This biocide kills remaining moss, algae, and lichen at the root - not just on the surface. This is NOT pressure washing. The biocide does the work, not water pressure. Over the following 2-4 weeks, the dead moss dries out and is gradually washed away naturally by rain, leaving your roof clean without any mechanical damage.

Aftercare

Once the roof treatment is complete, we clear all gutters and downpipes of moss debris to ensure proper drainage. We check that all tiles are secure and report any issues we have found during the clean. For maximum protection, we offer an optional biocide retreatment that creates a hostile environment for moss and algae, preventing regrowth for 12-24 months longer than cleaning alone.

Why We Soft Wash Roofs, Not Pressure Wash

Understanding the difference could save your roof from serious damage

The Danger of Pressure Washing Roofs

Pressure washing a roof is one of the most damaging things you can do to your property. We regularly see roofs where well-meaning homeowners or inexperienced cleaners have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage with a pressure washer. Here is why it should never be used on a roof:

Cracks and breaks tiles: High-pressure water jets crack concrete tiles, chip clay tiles, and shatter slate. Replacing broken tiles after a botched pressure wash often costs more than a proper soft wash clean.

Strips protective coatings: Concrete and clay tiles have a protective surface coating. Pressure washing blasts this away, leaving tiles exposed and porous - meaning they absorb more water and moss returns faster than before.

Forces water under tiles: High pressure drives water upwards and under tiles, soaking the felt and roof timbers beneath. This causes damp, rot, and can lead to expensive structural repairs.

Voids tile warranties: Most tile manufacturers explicitly state that pressure washing voids their warranty. If you need to make a claim after pressure washing, you may find you are not covered.

The Soft Wash Advantage

Soft washing takes the opposite approach. Instead of blasting moss away with extreme water pressure, it uses professional biocide applied at low pressure to kill moss, algae, and lichen at the root. The dead growth then washes away naturally in the rain over the following weeks.

Zero risk of tile damage: Low-pressure application means no cracking, chipping, or breaking of tiles. Your roof stays structurally intact throughout the entire process.

Preserves tile coatings: Because we rely on chemistry rather than force, the protective coating on your tiles remains completely intact, keeping them waterproof and resistant to future growth.

Kills growth at the root: Pressure washing only removes visible moss from the surface. Soft washing with biocide kills the organism at its root, meaning it takes far longer to return - typically 12-24 months longer than a pressure wash.

Manufacturer recommended: Soft washing is the cleaning method recommended by tile manufacturers. It is the only approach that cleans effectively without risking damage or voiding warranties.

Devon climate note: Exeter's mild, wet climate means moss grows fast on roofs - often faster than in drier parts of the country. Biocide treatment is essential here because it prevents regrowth for 12-24 months, giving you long-lasting protection against Devon's ideal moss-growing conditions. Without biocide, moss will return within months of a basic clean.

Roof Cleaning Prices in Exeter

Transparent, competitive pricing for all property sizes

Terraced House

Small roof, shared walls

From £200

Semi-Detached

3-bed typical

From £300

Detached House

4-bed typical

From £400

Bungalow

Easier access, lower risk

From £150

Biocide Retreatment

Preventative treatment only

From £100

Pricing note: Prices depend on roof size, type, and moss coverage. Heavily moss-covered roofs require more manual removal time and will be at the higher end of the range. We provide free, no-obligation quotes for all jobs. There are no hidden fees - the price we quote is the price you pay. Get your free quote today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about roof cleaning in Exeter

How long does roof cleaning take?

Most roofs take 1-2 days depending on size and moss coverage. The biocide continues working for several weeks after application, gradually killing any remaining moss and algae at the root. You will notice your roof continuing to improve in the weeks following our visit as dead moss is washed away naturally by rain.

Will pressure washing damage my roof?

Yes. We never pressure wash roofs. High pressure cracks tiles, strips protective coatings, and forces water into the roof space causing damp and potential structural damage. It can also void tile manufacturer warranties. We use soft washing which is safe, effective, and the manufacturer-recommended method for cleaning roofs.

How often should a roof be cleaned?

Every 3-5 years for most Exeter properties. Properties surrounded by trees or in shaded areas may need more frequent treatment as these conditions accelerate moss and algae growth. A biocide retreatment between full cleans can extend the time between services significantly.

Do you replace broken tiles?

We can replace individual broken or slipped tiles we find during cleaning. We carry a selection of common tile types and can source specific tiles if needed. For larger repairs or structural roof issues, we will recommend a qualified roofer and can coordinate with them on your behalf.

Is roof cleaning safe for my property?

Yes. Our soft wash method uses low pressure and biodegradable chemicals that are safe for your roof, your property, and the surrounding environment. We protect plants and garden areas, check and clear gutters, and leave your property clean and tidy. All work is fully insured.

Can you clean a roof in winter?

Biocide treatment can be applied year-round as it works over time regardless of temperature. However, manual moss removal is best done in dry conditions for safety reasons - working on wet roofs increases risk significantly. We will advise on the best timing for your property and can schedule work around the weather.

Roof Cleaning Across Exeter & Devon

We provide roof cleaning across Exeter and the surrounding area including:

Exeter

Crediton

Tiverton

Cullompton

Honiton

Exmouth

Dawlish

Teignmouth

Newton Abbot

Sidmouth

Budleigh Salterton

Free quotes for all locations listed above with no travel charges. Don't see your area? Call us - we cover all of Devon and are happy to discuss your project wherever you are based.

View our full list of services or get in touch for a free quote.