Steam Roof Cleaning
Moss, algae and organic growth removed safely with low-pressure steam — no harsh chemicals, no damage.
What this service covers
Moss, algae and organic growth do more than make a roof look tired — they hold moisture against the surface, block gutters as they shed, and gradually degrade tiles. Our steam roof cleaning service removes growth safely using low-pressure, high-temperature steam, restoring the roof's appearance without the damage that pressure washing causes. We clean roofs on commercial premises, residential blocks and domestic homes, working from safe access equipment with no need to walk the roof itself. The result is a visibly cleaner roof, healthier gutters and drainage, and a building that presents properly — whether to tenants, buyers or your own residents.
When you'd use this service
- Buildings with visible moss or algae growth.
- Roofs needing cleaning without harsh chemicals or high pressure.
- Preventative maintenance to extend roof life.
How we deliver it
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Prepare and protect
Work area prepared; surrounding property and landscaping protected.
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Low-pressure steam treatment
Moss, algae, lichen and organic growth treated with low-pressure steam.
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Inspect and report
Roof condition inspected during cleaning; damage or concerns reported.
What we use to do the job
We use professional steam cleaning systems that deliver superheated water at low pressure — killing moss, algae, lichen and organic growth at the root without blasting the roof surface. Unlike pressure washing, steam cleaning won't dislodge tiles, strip protective coatings or force water under the roofline, making it safe for tiled, slate and older roofs where high pressure would cause damage. Access is by tower, platform or roof ladders with full edge protection, matched to the building during the site survey. Because growth is killed rather than just stripped, regrowth is significantly slower — and we can apply a biocide treatment after cleaning to extend the result further.
Our safety commitment
Roof work is high-risk work, and we treat it that way. Every job starts with a site-specific risk assessment and method statement, and our teams work from towers, platforms or secured ladders with edge protection — never walking unprotected roofs. Operatives are trained in working at height, and our IPAF accreditation covers powered access where it's needed. Documentation is available to property managers on request.
Frequently asked questions
High-pressure washing shifts moss and algae by blasting the surface — it works, but it can also displace pointing, damage felt or membrane underlays, force water under tiles, and strip surface coatings from certain roofing materials. Steam cleaning uses low pressure and high temperature to kill and lift organic growth without mechanical force. It's more controlled, more effective at killing the biology rather than just dislodging it, and far less likely to cause collateral damage to the roof.
Steam cleaning is effective on moss, algae, lichen and general organic soiling. Moss and algae are straightforward — they respond well to heat treatment. Lichen is more tenacious: it anchors to the substrate rather than just sitting on the surface, so it may need more dwell time or a follow-up treatment. After cleaning, we can apply a biocide treatment to inhibit regrowth. We'd assess what's present at the survey stage and confirm the expected outcome before starting work.
That depends on the roof's aspect, surrounding vegetation and local climate. A south-facing roof on an open site stays clean longer than a north-facing roof overhung by trees. In most cases a clean lasts two to four years before regrowth becomes noticeable; with a biocide treatment applied afterwards that extends towards the higher end. We'd usually suggest a maintenance clean at the point where growth is returning but hasn't re-established, rather than waiting until the problem is heavy — it's quicker, cheaper and the roof spends more time looking well-maintained.
Yes. We're SafeContractor-accredited at the firm level, which covers work at height. We carry £5m Public Liability and £10m Employers' Liability with an Indemnity to Principal Clause as standard. All work at height is carried out under site-specific risk and method statements (RAMS) that cover access, working procedures and the precautions in place for the specific roof geometry. Certificates and RAMS are available for your file ahead of works commencing.