How do you clean my roof?
Our 5 stage roof cleaning process can be found on our 'Roof Cleaning' page.
There is a few ways we can go about cleaning your roof depending on many factors and your desired outcome.
1) Pressure Washing. This is our recommended method for most roofs and gives you the best the results you could ask for. We only recommend pressure washing however if the company you choose knows what they are doing and have the correct professional equipment to do so. If you choose this method we include a 10 Year Guarantee against moss regrowth.
2) Softwashing. Otherwise known as low pressure cleaning, involves spraying a chemical on your roof that will fight to kill the moss, algae and bacteria and usually lasts 3-5 years. This method we usually recommend for listed buildings or for very old, rare tiles.
3) Scraping. The last option we have is to scrape the moss by hand, which won't necessarily give you that 'new roof look' but will certainly solve your moss problems. This method can't be guaranteed but is usually followed up with a softwash so you can expect the reults to last 3-5 years.
Does pressure washing damage my roof?
Okay, let's clear the stigma around pressure washing...
In the wrong hands pressure washing your roof could be very damaging and could leave you with more problems than you began with, an inexperienced operator would not know how to operate his equipment properly, they wouldn't select the correct flow rates, pressure guages, nozzles and lances for the the job and which this would certainly damage your tiles.
However, an experienced and competent company, like ourselves, will carry out a quick survey/inspection of your roof before the works start and will use this to determine the correct settings for the equipment thus not damaging your roof whatsoever. At RoofMate you're in very safe hands, we care for your property and for your roof and you've only got to look at our strong reputation to know that you can entrust us.
How do you access my roof?
As roofing specialists we come across many tasks every day, one of them is accessing our client's roof and doing so safely. We have many accessible methods at our disposal including; scaffold, roof ladders, platforms, harness equipment and may even use a cherry picker on some occasions. However, with all these methods available, we still find ourselves mostly accessing your roof the traditional way, ladders! At RoofMate, access to your roof safely isn't a problem.
Do you have public liability insurance?
Yes! Absolutely, we woudn't offer any of our services without having the correct insurance in place. This is a must for any tradesperson.
We have full public liability insurance for up to £1,000,000, we may from time to time amend this to £3,000,000, £5,000,000 and £10,000,000 depending on the size of job we work on.
Our certificate of insurance is available to view at the following link:
https://quote.simplybusiness.co.uk/certificate/policy-overview/MwZUPendIc8r5jJGXYCMog/
Are you experienced?
Of course we are, we have over 30 years of combined experience within both the roof cleaning and roofing industry. So you can be absolutely sure that by choosing RoofMate you're in good hands.
What is moss, algae and lichen?
Moss -
Mosses are small flowerless plants that typically form dense green clumps or mats, often in damp or shady locations.
Algae -
Algae is an informal term for a large, diverse group of photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms that are not necessarily closely related, and is thus polyphyletic.
The most common algae you find on your roof is Gloeocapsa Magma which is a photosynthetic cyanobacteria consisting of a small group of algae spores. It is responsible for the black/dark green stains that form on roofs.
Lichen -
Lichen is a combination of an algae and a fungus. It can be found growing on roofs, pavers, rock walls, grave stones, sidewalks, outdoor cushions and other outdoor surfaces.
Is moss actually bad for my roof?
The plain and simple answer is yes. Moss can severely damage the structural integrity of any type roof. Moss is a simple plant that does not produce flowers and grows in blankets in natural environments.
You commonly see moss covering trees or in a landscape of a forest canopy, which can be beautiful depending on the circumstances. However, moss growing on your roof is not considered lovely and should be deemed as a nemesis to your roof.
Moss commonly thrives in environments that are damp and shaded. Moss absorbs the moisture from the damp environment and establishes roots on your roof causing the beginning of roof degradation. The roots can lift up tiles and constant moisture can lead to bacteria and mold growth. This eventually can lead to holes in your roof and leaks into your home.
