Is Roof Cleaning the Right Fix?
Moss and algae show as green or black growth across the tiles, especially on north-facing slopes, and as clumps of moss dropping into the gutters.
- Green or black growth spreading across the tiles
- Moss clumps collecting in gutters and valleys
- North-facing slopes staying damp and discoloured
- Moss lifting the edges of interlocking tiles
- Accelerated growth in Portsmouth's coastal humidity
When it is not the answer: Pressure washing a tiled roof is never the answer — it drives water under tiles and strips the surface; soft-wash biocide is the only safe method Read the full guide.
Local Factors in Portsmouth
Solent salt air and exposed Channel weather corrode fixings and lift tiles faster than inland Hampshire. Portsea Island's dense Victorian terraces mean rear elevations are often reached only through tight alleys, and front scaffold needs permit-controlled pavement space. It is why we specify marine-grade fixings and correct lead codes as standard on Portsmouth roofs — the coastal environment punishes anything less.
What to Expect: Roof Cleaning in Portsmouth
1. Survey
We assess the growth, roof aspect and tile condition, and check for nail sickness on estate stock at the same time.
2. Written quote
An itemised quote for soft-wash biocide treatment — never pressure washing.
3. Scheduling
We book the treatment and arrange safe access.
4. The work
We scrape heavy growth by hand and apply a biocide that kills moss and algae at root level over several weeks.
5. Cleanup & sign-off
Gutters cleared of fallen debris and your work documented.
Typical Timescales
| Job | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Soft-wash treatment (semi) | Half a day |
| Full clean and scrape (detached) | 1 day |
| Gutter clear add-on | 1–2 hours |
| Biocide root-kill period | Several weeks to fully work |
Biocide needs a dry spell to work into the growth — we apply it ahead of settled weather where possible.
Getting Safely onto Portsmouth Roofs
Roof cleaning works from towers or ladders with roof ladders for the slope; scaffold only on complex roofs. Scaffold is specified for: steep or high roofs where safe standing time is needed - always itemised in your written quote, never a hidden extra, and we arrange it.
Portsea Island's dense Victorian terraces mean rear elevations are often reached only through tight alleys, and front scaffold needs permit-controlled pavement space. Pavement scaffold and skip permits go through Portsmouth City Council; allow a few working days on streets like Albert Road, Fawcett Road, Marmion Road where space is tight.
Portsmouth Roof Cleaning: Cost Guide
| Job | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Slipped or cracked tiles | £150–£350 | Per visit incl. access |
| Leak diagnosis & repair | £150–£500 | Depends on water travel |
| Chimney flashing | £200–£600 | Code 5–6 lead |
| Valley repair | £400–£900 | Strip and re-lay |
| Nail-sickness re-fix (per slope) | £600–£1,200 | Estate stock |
What moves the price
- Roof height and access on Portsmouth stock
- Coastal-grade materials (marine fixings, code 5–6 lead)
- Extent of hidden salt-corrosion damage found on survey
- Scaffold vs tower vs ladder access
- Conservation constraints where applicable
Worked example: A typical job on a property off Albert Road in Portsmouth, including access and waste removal, sits in the middle of the ranges above once surveyed.
No deposit on repairs under £500. Staged payments on re-roofs — nothing up front before materials are on site. All prices include VAT; written itemised quote before any work.
Covering PO1, PO2, PO3, PO4, PO5, PO6 and surrounding postcodes.
Your Guarantee, Explained
Our workmanship is guaranteed; the biocide continues working for weeks and slows regrowth for two to four years by aspect.
- Covered: workmanship for 10 years, in writing, transferable if you sell.
- On top: manufacturer warranties on materials (terms vary by product).
- Not covered: storm or impact damage - that is an insurance matter, and we will document it for your claim.
If a fault appears in covered work, we come back and put it right. No quibbling, no re-charge.
Living Around the Work
External-only work, no internal disruption — we protect planting below and clear fallen moss from gutters and paths. You do not need to stay home for external work - we just need power and access agreed in advance.
We soft-wash in dry conditions so the biocide isn't immediately rinsed off; coastal humidity means regrowth is slower after a proper root-kill. Solent salt air and exposed Channel weather corrode fixings and lift tiles faster than inland Hampshire.