What is pressure cleaning?
Pressure cleaning uses a strong jet of water to blast away dirt, moss and lichen. It is fast and works well on hard, solid surfaces.
On a roof, too much pressure can damage pointing, dislodge tiles or strip the surface coating, which can lead to leaks.
What is soft washing?
Soft washing uses low pressure water with a cleaning solution that breaks down moss, mould and lichen. The growth is then rinsed away gently.
Because it relies on the solution rather than force, it is gentler on tiles, pointing and coatings.
Which is right for my roof?
It depends on the roof type, its age and its condition. Older tiles, worn pointing and painted or coated roofs generally call for a gentler approach.
A good cleaner will look at your roof first and explain which method they will use and why.
Questions to ask before you book
What method will you use on my roof, and why? How do you protect gutters, plants and pets? Will you check for broken tiles or pointing first? Is the quote a fixed price?
Clear answers to these questions are a good sign you are dealing with a careful operator.
Common questions
Can pressure cleaning damage roof tiles?
Yes. Too much pressure can damage pointing, dislodge tiles or strip coatings, which is why gentler methods are often preferred for roofs.
What is soft washing a roof?
Soft washing uses low pressure water and a cleaning solution to break down moss, mould and lichen, then rinses it away gently.