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Plymouth's Exterior Cleaning Specialists
Roof Cleaning Plymouth
Southside Better Roofs offers professional roof cleaning across Plymouth, Devon and east Cornwall — moss removal, pressure cleaning, softwashing and moss treatment for house roofs. We choose the method to suit your tiles and give a fixed written price after a free look. We don't carry out roof repairs.
- Method chosen to suit each surface
- Softwashing and controlled pressure washing
- Free fixed written quotes
No pushy sales · Same-day reply · 10-year insurance-backed guarantee
01
Overview
A simple, considered approach.
Residential roof cleaning in Plymouth
Our damp coastal climate means moss, algae and lichen build up quickly on Plymouth roofs. As a local roof cleaner based at the Barbican, we clean tiled house roofs of all kinds — concrete, clay and slate — and pick the right method for each one. We look at your roof first, agree the approach, and confirm a fixed price in writing before work starts.
Roof moss removal Plymouth
Thick moss holds water against your tiles and washes into gutters. We remove moss from roof tiles by hand-scraping and brushing first, which takes off the bulk without stressing the tiles, then clear the debris from gutters so they're left running freely.
Why is my roof green? What causes moss on roofs
Green and black patches on roof tiles are algae, moss and lichen. They thrive where a roof stays damp: north-facing slopes, roofs under trees, and anywhere near the sea. Left alone, moss spreads across the tiles and lichen roots into the surface, which is why roof tile cleaning works best with a treatment that kills the growth as well as removing it.
02
The signs
Signs your roof needs cleaning.
If any of these sound familiar, a professional clean will sort it.
Green or black patches
Algae, moss and lichen spreading across the tiles.
Thick moss between tiles
Moss holds water against the tiles and lifts them in frost.
Gutters full of moss
Moss washing off the roof blocks gutters and downpipes.
Staining getting worse
In our damp coastal climate, growth spreads year on year.
Roof pressure washing — only where suitable
Pressure cleaning (sometimes called roof jet washing or power washing) is very effective on sound, hard-wearing tiles. But high pressure is not suitable for every roof. Older concrete tiles, clay, slate and fragile or porous tiles usually suit softwashing or hand removal instead — aggressive pressure can wear the tile surface, lift pointing and force water underneath.
That's why we assess your roof first and select the method — and the pressure — to suit its type and condition. Where tiles are delicate or worn, we don't pressure wash at all.
Softwash roof cleaning
Softwashing is low-pressure roof cleaning. A biocide solution is applied gently to kill algae, lichen and moss spores at the root, then the roof is rinsed at low pressure. It's the gentler option for fragile tiles and clears the green and black staining that pressure alone can leave behind.
03
The solution
The right clean for your surface.
Softwash, controlled pressure or hand removal — chosen to suit your home, not the other way round.
Moss removal, pressure cleaning, softwashing and biocide — what's the difference?
- Physical moss removal — scraping and brushing off moss by hand. Removes the bulk, but leaves spores behind.
- Pressure cleaning — water at a controlled pressure to lift moss and dirt from strong tiles. Pressure is set to suit the tile.
- Softwashing — low pressure plus a cleaning solution. Gentle on older or delicate tiles, and our main method for algae treatment and lichen removal.
- Biocide treatment — a solution that kills moss, algae and lichen spores, so the roof keeps cleaning up over the following weeks.
- Preventative moss treatment — a biocide applied after cleaning to slow regrowth and keep your roof cleaner for longer.
Most roofs need a combination. We'll explain what we recommend for yours, and why, before giving your quote.
Roof tile cleaning for concrete, clay and slate
As a roof cleaner in Plymouth we see every kind of tile. Concrete tiles usually take carefully set pressure; clay, slate and older or porous tiles are better softwashed. Either way, algae removal and lichen removal finish with a biocide so the tiles keep cleaning up. Doing the whole house? See our exterior cleaning services, including render softwashing and gutter cleaning.
Send us photos for a free roof cleaning quote
Snap a few photos of your roof moss and dirty roof tiles and send them on WhatsApp. We'll look at the surface and reply with the right cleaning method and a free, fixed written quote — or arrange an assessment if we need to see it in person.
Thinking about your conservatory too?
If your conservatory roof is past cleaning — leaking, cold or yellowed — a SupaLite warm roof replaces it with an insulated tiled roof. See the replacement cost guide.
04
The process
How we clean — four clear steps.
01
Assess surface & condition
We look at the surface, its condition and access before recommending anything.
02
Choose the method
Softwash, controlled pressure or hand removal — picked to suit the surface.
03
Clean & protect
The clean itself, with a biocide treatment where it helps keep growth away.
04
Tidy up & photos
Everything left clean and tidy, with before and after photos sent to you.
05
The result
Why choose Southside Better Roofs for exterior cleaning.
Local Plymouth team
Based at the Barbican, covering Plymouth, Devon and east Cornwall.
Method chosen per surface
We never blast a delicate surface — the approach is matched to your home.
Free fixed written quotes
A fixed price in writing before any work begins — no obligation.
Before & after photos
Photos of the finished work sent to you, so you can see the difference.
Why choose us for roof cleaning
- Local team — based at the Barbican in Plymouth.
- Right method for your tiles — pressure adjusted, or softwash where it's gentler.
- Fixed written price — agreed before any work begins.
- Honest advice — we tell you what we see, without pressure.
07
Local coverage
Plymouth, Devon & Cornwall.
A locally based crew covering the South West — most projects are within 30 minutes of our Barbican workshop.
Areas we cover
We clean roofs across Plymouth, Sherford, Plymstock, Plympton, Saltram Meadow, Elburton, Wembury, Yealmpton, Ivybridge, Woolwell, Derriford, Roborough, Yelverton, Tavistock, Saltash, Torpoint, Callington, Liskeard, Launceston, Kingsbridge, the South Hams and East Cornwall — covering Devon and Cornwall from our Barbican base.
Roof moss treatment and biocide
Once the bulk of the moss is off, we can apply a professional biocide treatment. Biocide kills the spores and root fragments left in the tile surface that hand removal can't reach, which is what slows regrowth. It keeps working after we leave — results continue to improve over the following weeks as the remaining growth dies back and weathers away. The treatment is chosen to suit your tiles and applied at low pressure.
Algae and lichen removal
Green films on tiles are usually algae; the hard black or pale crusty spots are lichen. Lichen anchors itself into the tile surface, so scraping alone leaves the base behind and it regrows. Softwash treatment kills lichen at the root — the marks then fade over the following weeks. Algae responds more quickly to the same treatment, which is why softwashing clears the green staining that pressure alone can leave behind.
Which method is right for my roof?
It depends on the tile and its condition — we assess every roof before recommending anything. As a guide:
| Roof type | Condition | Recommended method |
|---|---|---|
| Modern concrete tiles | Sound, heavy moss | Hand removal + biocide; controlled pressure where suitable |
| Older concrete tiles | Surface wear, moss | Softwash or hand removal — high pressure not recommended |
| Clay tiles | Moss or lichen | Softwash or careful hand removal |
| Slate | Moss or lichen | Hand removal + softwash treatment |
| Fragile or porous tiles | Any growth | Softwash only, assessed first |
Not sure what your roof needs? Send us a few photos and we'll tell you honestly — the quote is free and fixed in writing.
09
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Do you offer roof cleaning in Plymouth?+
Yes. Southside Better Roofs cleans house roofs across Plymouth, Devon and east Cornwall, including moss removal, pressure cleaning, softwashing and moss treatment. Call 0330 043 3884 or request a free quote.
Is pressure washing safe for roof tiles?+
Not on every roof. High pressure can damage older, porous or fragile tiles. We look at your tiles first and either adjust the pressure to suit them or use a low-pressure softwash instead.
What is the difference between softwashing and pressure cleaning?+
Pressure cleaning uses water at a controlled pressure to lift moss and dirt. Softwashing uses low pressure with a biocide solution that kills algae, lichen and moss spores, so it is gentler on delicate tiles.
Will moss come back after cleaning?+
Moss returns over time in our damp coastal climate. A preventative biocide treatment after cleaning slows regrowth and helps the roof stay clean for longer.
How much does roof cleaning cost?+
Every roof is different, so we give a fixed written price after looking at the size, pitch, access, tile type and how much moss there is. The quote is free and there's no obligation.
Why is my roof green?+
Green on a roof is usually algae, moss or lichen. Plymouth's damp, mild coastal air, shade from trees and north-facing slopes all let it grow. Softwashing with a biocide kills the growth so the green fades rather than coming straight back.
Should moss be removed from a roof?+
Usually, yes. Moss holds water against the tiles, can lift them in frost, and washes into gutters and blocks them. Removing it and treating the roof helps the tiles stay dry and the gutters keep flowing.
How long does roof cleaning last?+
It depends on shade, trees and how exposed the roof is. Finishing with a preventative moss treatment slows regrowth, and we'll tell you honestly what to expect for your roof when we quote.
What is roof softwashing?+
Softwashing is low-pressure roof cleaning. A biocide solution is applied gently to kill moss, algae and lichen at the root, rather than blasting growth off with high-pressure water. It's gentler on tiles and slows regrowth, with results continuing to improve over the following weeks.
How is moss removed from a roof?+
The bulk of the moss is removed by hand, using scrapers shaped to the tile profile, followed by brushing. A biocide or softwash treatment then kills the spores left in the tile surface. Pressure washing is only used where the roof type and condition suit it.
Is moss bad for roof tiles?+
Moss holds moisture against the tiles and can force laps apart as it grows. In freezing weather the retained water can damage porous tiles, and moss washing off the roof blocks gutters and downpipes. It isn't an emergency, but it's worth removing and treating.
Do you carry out roof repairs?+
No. We clean roofs but don't offer roof repairs. If we spot a problem while cleaning, we'll tell you honestly so you can get it looked at.
Get your free quote
Tell us a little about your conservatory and we'll come back to you within 48 hours. No pushy sales, no obligation.
Send us photos for a free roof cleaning quote
Snap a few photos of your roof moss and dirty roof tiles and send them on WhatsApp. We'll look at the surface and reply with the right cleaning method and a free, fixed written quote — or arrange an assessment if we need to see it in person.
Roof cleaning projects