Roof Cleaning
The scrape and biocide method is a safe and highly effective roof cleaning procedure that combines the immediate results of physical moss removal with a long-term chemical treatment to prevent regrowth. It is often considered the gentlest and safest method for most roof types, as it avoids the high pressure that can damage tiles and force water into the roof space.
Process
Manual Scraping/Brushing
The bulk of the moss, algae, and thick organic growth is physically removed from the roof tiles using specialised, shaped scraping tools that match the profile of the tiles. This manual process is performed safely from a ladder or mobile access tower and ensures that the large, heavy clumps of moss, which can hold moisture and lift tiles, are completely taken off the roof and removed from the site.
Biocide Application
After the physical debris is removed, a professional-grade, HSE-approved biocide solution is applied to the roof surface using a low-pressure sprayer. This chemical application targets any remaining moss spores, lichen, and bacteria that are invisible to the naked eye and cannot be removed manually.
Key Advantages
Prevents Regrowth
The biocide penetrates deep into the porous material of the tiles, killing the organic matter at the root and inhibiting future growth.
Gentle on the Roof
By avoiding high-pressure water, the structural integrity of the roof tiles, underlay, and metal fixings (like lead work) is preserved, reducing the risk of damage or water ingress.
Gradual, Lasting Clean
While the immediate result after scraping is a massive improvement, the biocide continues to work over several months through natural weather cycles (rain and drying) to gently remove remaining stains and discolouration, restoring the roof's original appearance over time.
Cost Effective Long-Term
Because the treatment provides long-lasting protection, it reduces the frequency of necessary cleaning, making it a more economical maintenance solution in the long run.
Environmentally Considerate
Modern professional biocides are often formulated to be biodegradable and safe for the environment when applied correctly, especially compared to harsh chemicals like bleach.