Clay Tile Roof Cleaning in Hampshire

Why clay tiles need care

Clay tiles are fired, and the outer surface (the fireskin) helps them shed water. Older and handmade tiles can be soft or brittle, and frost can make them flake. High-pressure jet washing can damage the fireskin and break fragile tiles. Walking on an old clay roof is the most common way tiles get cracked during cleaning.

Soft washing applies a biocide at low pressure, mostly from the ground with water-fed poles. It kills moss, algae and lichen at the root without blasting the tile surface. See soft washing for how the method works.

What a proper clean includes

1. Careful hand removal of heavy moss, working from poles or access equipment rather than walking the roof where possible.
2. Low-pressure biocide treatment of the whole roof.
3. Gutter clearance afterwards (gutter cleaning).
4. A note of any damaged, slipped or missing tiles, with photos, so you can decide whether a roofer needs to look at them.

Listed buildings and conservation areas

Cleaning a roof doesn’t normally change its appearance. But if your home is listed, check with your local planning authority before any treatment or repair that could alter the roof’s character. The lichen and patina on some old clay roofs are part of their look, so tell the specialist if you want a lighter clean rather than a full one.

Areas

South Hampshire and the Solent, including Southampton, Eastleigh, Winchester, Romsey, Fareham, Portsmouth and Havant. See all areas.

Common Questions

Can clay roof tiles be pressure washed?

It is not recommended. High pressure can damage the surface of clay tiles and break older or handmade tiles. A low-pressure soft wash with a biocide is the safer method.

Do I need permission to clean a listed clay tile roof?

Cleaning does not normally change a roof’s appearance, but if your home is listed, check with your local planning authority before any treatment or repair that could alter its character.

Will the specialist walk on my clay roof?

Most of the work can be done from the ground with water-fed poles. Ask how your roof will be accessed before booking, especially if the tiles are old.

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Related

Concrete tile roofs · Clay tile roofs · Slate roofs · Soft wash vs jet wash · Moss removal · Typical costs