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What does roof tile cleaning involve?

Roof tile cleaning removes moss, lichen and dirt from tiles by hand scraping, brushing, low-pressure washing or a biocide treatment, often followed by clearing the gutters. HSE says almost one in five deaths in construction work involve roof work, including cleaning, so leave it to someone with the right access equipment [S1].

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By the QuoteZila editorial team. Editorial policy.

Why do roof tiles need cleaning?

Moss and lichen grow on many roofs, especially on shaded slopes and under trees. A little growth does no harm, but thick moss can hold water against the tiles, lift the edges of tiles and fall into gutters, where it blocks the flow. Some people also clean a roof before selling, before a solar installation or simply to restore the colour.

QuoteZila is starting in Cheshire, with Crewe, Nantwich and Sandbach among the first towns, and anyone in the UK can post a roofing job. The advice here applies to pitched tiled roofs anywhere.

What methods do roof cleaners use?

Roof cleaners usually use one method or a mix:

  • Hand scraping and brushing. Moss is scraped off with hand tools, then the tiles are brushed. It is slow but gentle.
  • Low-pressure washing. Water at low pressure rinses off loosened growth without blasting the tile surface.
  • Biocide treatment. A treatment is applied to kill remaining moss, lichen and algae, which then weather away over time.
  • Gutter and valley clearing. Debris washed or scraped off the roof ends up in the gutters, so these are cleared at the end.

High-pressure washing is a separate topic. It is quick, but it can wear the surface of some concrete tiles and force water under the laps. Our pressure washing roof cost guide covers that method in detail.

Why is roof cleaning a job for professionals?

Roof work is high risk. HSE says almost one in five deaths in construction work involve roof work, and that some of those killed are specialist roofers but many are just repairing and cleaning roofs [S1]. It says the main causes of death and injury are falling from roof edges or openings, through fragile roofs and through fragile rooflights [S1].

This page does not give DIY steps for working on a roof. A roof cleaner should plan safe access, using scaffolding, a tower, a powered platform or roof ladders as the job needs, and should protect edges and fragile areas. HSE has guidance on work at height. HSE: work at height. QuoteZila is not affiliated with this organisation.

Ask each cleaner how they will reach the roof, how they will avoid walking on fragile parts such as rooflights or a conservatory roof, and how they will stop debris and water falling onto paths below.

What should be checked before cleaning starts?

Asbestos. HSE says asbestos can be present in any building built or refurbished before 2000, and that using it in the construction or refurbishment of buildings has been illegal since 1999 [S2]. It lists asbestos cement roofing material among the things it was widely used for in the past [S2]. If your roof is older and you are not sure what it is made of, ask for it to be checked before anyone cleans it or walks on it.

The tile type. Clay, concrete, slate and fibre cement tiles all react differently to scraping, washing and chemicals. Ask the cleaner what tiles they think you have and how that affects the method.

Damage. Cleaning can reveal cracked or slipped tiles. Ask the cleaner to photograph any damage and tell you before carrying on. A roofer can then price repairs. Our roof repair cost guide explains what changes those prices.

Run-off. Ask where the dirty water and any treatment will go, and how plants, ponds and drains will be protected.

Cleaning, coating and what comes next

Some cleaners offer a coating or sealant after cleaning. Ask what the product is, what it is meant to do and how long the business expects it to last. A coating is optional, and not every roof needs one.

Cleaning does not fix a leak. If you have damp in the loft or stains on ceilings, ask a roofer to inspect before cleaning. Our roof cleaning cost guide explains what changes the price of a clean, and the roofers page has more on the trade.

Jobs you might post

These are examples, not taken from real job posts.

  • "Semi-detached house, front slope covered in moss. Please quote to clean the tiles and clear the gutters, and say how you will reach the roof."
  • "Bungalow roof with lichen and some moss. Concrete tiles, I think. Please advise on a gentle method and quote."
  • "Old garage roof with grey sheets. Please check what it is made of before quoting for any cleaning."

Your job goes to up to five matched local businesses [QZ2]. QuoteZila is free for customers and local businesses [QZ1].

Honest status: QuoteZila is new. We're starting in Cheshire, beginning with Crewe, Nantwich and Sandbach, and growing area by area. Anyone in the UK can still post a job or register a business. How fast you get quotes depends on how many local businesses have joined near you. Businesses can register and receive jobs straight away. We don't check insurance, qualifications or registrations, so please check these yourself before you hire.

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Questions about roof tile cleaning

Does roof tile cleaning damage the tiles?

It can, if the method is too harsh for the tile. High-pressure jets can strip the surface from some concrete tiles and push water under laps, and walking on tiles can crack them. Ask each roof cleaner which method they would use on your tiles, and why.

Can I clean the roof tiles myself?

This page does not give DIY steps for working on a roof. HSE says almost one in five deaths in construction work involve roof work, and that many of those are just repairing and cleaning roofs. The main causes are falls from roof edges and through fragile roofs and rooflights. Use someone with proper access equipment.

Could my roof tiles contain asbestos?

Older roofs can. HSE says asbestos can be present in any building built or refurbished before 2000, and lists asbestos cement roofing material among the places it was used in the past. If the roof is older and you are unsure what it is made of, ask for it to be checked before anyone cleans or walks on it.

How do I find someone to clean roof tiles?

Post the job to roofers, with photos of the roof from the ground, the tile type if you know it, the height of the house and any conservatory or extension below. Ask each business how they will reach the roof, which method they will use and whether gutters are included.

Does QuoteZila check roof cleaners?

No. We don't check insurance, qualifications or registrations, so please check these yourself before you hire. You can report a quote or a business from your job page.

This page is general information, not professional or legal advice. QuoteZila does not check Gas Safe, WaterSafe, NFRC, NICEIC or other registrations against the register on your behalf: look them up yourself.

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Sources

  1. QZ1: QuoteZila product fact. QuoteZila home and FAQ copy.
  2. QZ2: QuoteZila product fact. QuoteZila FAQ How does getting quotes work.
  3. S1: Roof work, Health and Safety Executive. Accessed 2026-10-31. https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/roofwork.htm
  4. S2: Why asbestos is dangerous and where it can be found, Health and Safety Executive. Accessed 2026-10-31. https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/introduction/why-and-where.htm