Part of our house wash & exterior services in Wellington.
Wellington roofs stay damp a lot of the year, and a damp roof grows moss and lichen. On the shady side of a hill or under bush, a roof can go from a few spots to a thick mat of the stuff in a couple of years.
Moss holds water against the roof, lifts at the laps and edges, and breaks off into the gutters. Getting it off sooner is easier on the roof and your wallet.
Clean or treat?
Roof cleaning is a wash. The growth comes off and the roof looks clean the same day. Best for heavy growth, before painting, or before you sell.
Roof treatment is a spray you leave on. It kills moss and lichen at the roots, then the wind and rain clear them over the following months. It costs less but it's slow. More on our roof treatment Wellington page.
Before
After
Before
AfterRoof types
We clean metal and iron roofs, painted or unpainted, and concrete tile roofs. Every roof gets a low-pressure soft wash, with the solution matched to the roof. If yours is something else, ask us.
Why we don't water blast roofs
A water blaster on a roof strips coatings off painted iron, wears the surface off concrete tiles, can crack tiles and pushes water under laps and flashings, which is the last thing you want in a Wellington southerly. It also leaves the roots of the moss behind. A low-pressure soft wash kills the growth and lifts it off without that damage.
Pre-paint washes
If your roof is getting painted, it has to be washed first and given time to dry. We get it ready for your painter and can fit in around when they're starting.
Prices
We don't do one price for every roof. It depends on:
- roof size and pitch
- what it's made of
- how much growth is on it
- access and height
Quotes are free. Photos help.
Want a price? It's free and there's no obligation.
Areas we cover
Wellington city, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and Porirua, including Plimmerton, Whitby, Tawa and Johnsonville. Further out, ring 027 303 8398 and ask.
Roof, gutters and walls
After a roof clean the gutters are often full of what came off, so we suggest a gutter clean on the same visit. Add a house wash and the outside is sorted.
Roof cleaning questions
How often should a Wellington roof be cleaned?
Every couple of years for most roofs. Wellington's wet winters and shady hillside sections are good growing conditions for moss and lichen, and roofs that face away from the sun tend to green up first.
Do I need my roof cleaned before it's painted?
Yes. Paint won't stick to moss, lichen, salt or chalky old paint, so the roof has to be washed first. A pre-paint roof wash gives your painter a clean surface, and they'll tell you how long they want it to dry before they start.
Can moss on my roof cause leaks?
It can. Moss holds water and blocks the gaps between tiles and the gutters, so water backs up and finds a way in. Cleaning it off helps a lot, but if the roof is already leaking you'll need a roofer for the repair as well.
I live near the sea. Does salt spray matter on my roof?
Yes. Salt sits on iron roofs and speeds up rust, especially in spots the rain doesn't rinse, like under overhangs and around flashings. A roof wash takes off the salt and grime along with the moss, so it's worth keeping on top of if you're close to the water.
How much does roof cleaning cost in Wellington?
It depends on the size of the roof, the pitch, the material, how much growth there is and how easy it is to get up there. We give free estimates before any work is booked.
Will my house insurance cover roof cleaning?
Not likely. Roof cleaning counts as maintenance, not damage, so most policies won't cover it. If you're unsure, check with your insurer.
Roof, gutters and walls
Roof treatment WellingtonSpray-and-leave moss and lichen treatment for Wellington roofs.
Gutter cleaning WellingtonHand-cleared gutters and flushed downpipes for Wellington, the Hutt and Porirua.
House wash WellingtonSoft washing for Wellington homes. Mould and salt gone, paint left alone.
Soft wash WellingtonLow-pressure washing that kills mould and leaves paint and plaster alone.