Decision Guide
Roof cleaning or roof repair?
Cleaning improves surface condition and appearance, but it doesn't repair damaged tiles, failed flashing or active leaks. Here's how to tell the two apart.
Two different problems, two different answers
A dirty roof and a damaged roof can look similar from the ground — but they need completely different solutions.
One of the most useful things we can do is help you tell the difference. If your roof is simply mossy and stained but sound, cleaning is a sensible, affordable option — and moss removal deals with the worst of the growth. If there's an underlying repair issue, cleaning over it won't help — and could hide the problem. The honest answer is to identify which one you're dealing with first.
What cleaning can do
- Remove moss, algae and staining from the surface
- Clear debris from gutters, valleys and downpipes
- Improve the roof's appearance and kerb appeal
- Reveal the true condition of the tiles underneath
What cleaning can't do
- Repair broken, cracked or slipped tiles
- Fix damaged or failed flashing
- Stop active leaks coming through the roof
- Restore failed ridge pointing or structural defects
Likely Cleaning
Signs it's a cleaning problem
- Moss and green algae on the surface
- Dark staining or streaks
- Debris in gutters and valleys
- A tired but otherwise sound-looking roof
Likely Repair
Signs it's a repair problem
- Slipped, cracked or missing tiles
- Water marks or drips inside the home
- Damaged flashing around chimneys or valleys
- Crumbling ridge or pointing
The Honest Middle
Sometimes it's both
A roof can be mossy and have a repair issue at the same time.
That's why we assess before we clean. If we spot signs of a repair issue — slipped tiles, failed flashing or active leaks — we'll tell you, because the next step should be a roofing professional rather than simply cleaning over the problem. Cleaning is most valuable when we're confident the roof underneath is sound.
For the broader decision — clean, coat or replace — see our companion guide.
Not sure which you're dealing with?
Send a photo and we'll help you work out whether your roof needs cleaning, a closer inspection, or a roofer.