Roof cleaning

Working at height

Up on the roof safely

Our operations manager holds height and EWP (elevated work platform) tickets.

Every roof is quoted once we’ve had a look. We also offer soft washing as its own service. See our soft washing page. The gutters can be done on the same visit.

Gold Coast conditions

Why roofs go dark and green here

The Bureau of Meteorology’s long-term records for the Gold Coast Seaway show about 1,330 mm of rain a year. February is the wettest month, averaging around 183 mm.

Moss and lichen spores settle on roofing wherever moisture and dirt build up, according to roof tile maker Monier. From the ground, the signs to look for are dark streaks or patches, green growth along the edges of tiles, leaves and debris sitting in the valleys, and plants taking hold in the gutters.

Tile or metal

What the roof makers say

Roof manufacturers publish their own care advice, and it is worth reading before anyone cleans your roof. Monier strongly advises against pressure washers for roof cleaning because the force of the water can damage tiles. It recommends a qualified roof cleaner or roofing professional over doing it yourself, and suggests a roofing professional inspect the roof about every 5 years.

COLORBOND steel’s maintenance guide says roofing is usually washed by rain. It says areas that rain does not reach, such as the underside of eave gutters, should be washed with fresh water at least every six months, and more often where marine salt spray is prevalent. If you live close to the beach, that last point is aimed at you.

That is why we look at your roof before we recommend anything. Tell us whether the roof is tile or metal, give us your suburb, and send a photo through the quote form if you have one.

Safety

Why this is not a weekend job

WorkSafe Queensland describes falls off and through roofing as a major cause of workplace deaths and serious injuries. Its guidance lists materials that can be fragile, including fibre cement sheets, plastic and polycarbonate skylights, and corroded metal sheets and fixings. They can be hard to spot, particularly in poor light.

Monier also advises homeowners not to clean their own roof tiles, because of the risk of falls and of damaging the tiles. Walking on a tile roof can cause injury and damage, and Monier warns it can void warranties. WorkSafe Queensland says the most effective way to manage the risk is to avoid it, by working from the ground or a solid structure. Where that is not possible, it points to controls such as elevating work platforms and edge protection.

If your roof feeds a rainwater tank, Queensland Government guidance is to disconnect the tank pipes before the roof is cleaned, so contaminated water cannot get into the tank. Mention the tank when you ask for a quote.

Before you book

Questions worth asking any roof cleaner

• How will my roof be cleaned, and why does that method suit this roof?
• Will you look at the roof before you give me a price?
• What does the quote include?
• Where does the wash water go, and what happens to the gutters and downpipes?
• Can the gutters be done on the same visit?

You are welcome to ask us all five.

Same visit

Gutters, walls and the driveway below

Monier says gutters, downpipes and valleys should be cleaned at least once a year, and more often if trees surround the roof. If you want that done at the same time, see gutter cleaning. The walls under the eaves are covered on the house washing page, and the concrete underneath on driveway and path cleaning.

Cost

What does a roof clean cost?

It depends on the roof, so we quote after we have had a look. Call 0458 659 800, ask our chat, or use the quote form at the top of this page with your suburb and a photo, and we will tell you what we recommend.