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Terracotta tile roof partly cleaned, orange tiles beside dark lichen

Tile and Colorbond roof soft washing

Roof cleaning in Newcastle, NSW

Moss, lichen and dark algae removed from tile and Colorbond roofs with a gentle soft wash, not a blast. Call for a written quote.

  • Soft wash method that protects tiles and coatings
  • Moss, lichen and black algae treated at the source
  • Tanks, gutters and roof condition considered up front

Step 1 of 3

What needs cleaning?

What does roof cleaning in Newcastle involve?

Roof cleaning Newcastle homeowners need is rarely about blasting a roof clean. It is about killing what is growing on it. Moss, lichen and black algae hold moisture against the surface, and rinsing that growth with a hard jet only strips the top layer of the tile along with it.

We use a soft wash. A mild cleaning solution is applied at low pressure across the roof, left to work, then rinsed off with gentle water. The solution kills the growth at the root, so the roof keeps looking clean for longer. Streaks usually fade over a few weeks as the dead growth washes away in the rain.

Work at heights is serious. Roof work should be planned with safe access and fall protection, and we will tell you how we plan to reach and move across your roof. If a roof is too steep, brittle or fragile to walk, we say so rather than risk it.

What types of roofs do you see around Newcastle?

The local mix is mostly concrete tile, terracotta tile and Colorbond steel.

  • Concrete tiles. Common on homes built from the 1970s onward. The surface coating is thin and can be damaged by strong pressure.
  • Terracotta tiles. Found on older and some newer homes. They hold lichen well and can crack if walked on carelessly.
  • Colorbond and metal roofs. Washed gently to protect the painted finish. Salt can speed up corrosion, so cleaning also helps you spot early rust.

Roofs we will not high pressure wash

Old cement sheet roofs from before the late 1980s can contain asbestos. They must not be high pressure washed, scrubbed or scraped. If your roof is that type, we will talk through the safe options, and you may need a licensed assessor to look at it first.

Why do Newcastle roofs go green and black?

Newcastle has the ingredients for roof growth. Humidity is high, many roofs are shaded by gums and figs, and autumn rain keeps surfaces damp. South-facing slopes, low-pitch sections and areas under trees collect lichen and moss first. Black streaks are usually algae, which feeds on the lime in concrete tiles.

Growth is not just cosmetic. Moss holds water against the tile, lichen can lift the coating, and debris in valleys and gutters can block flow in heavy rain. Salt air adds to corrosion on metal roofs and fixings.

Cleaning does not repair a damaged roof. If tiles are cracked, ridge capping is loose or pointing has failed, a roofer should deal with that. We will tell you what we see from the roof and let you decide what to do next.

We quote in writing. The main factors are the roof area, the roof pitch and how safely it can be accessed, the type of material, the amount of growth, and whether you want gutters or other surfaces done on the same visit.

A typical single-storey roof is often a one-day job, with larger or steeper roofs taking longer. Weather matters, because we avoid very windy days and the work is best on a dry day with no heavy rain forecast for a few hours.

Things to tell us before we start

  • Whether you have a rainwater tank, and where the downpipes feed in.
  • Any solar panels, satellite dishes or aerials on the roof.
  • Any known leaks, cracked tiles or loose ridge capping.
  • Pets and where to park a ladder safely.

What should you know before booking?

If you collect roof water in a tank, ask us how the tank inlet will be protected during the wash. We disconnect or divert downpipes before applying the solution, and we make sure the tank is not filled with wash water.

We also take care around plants, pets and neighbours, and we wash down the gutters, paths and walls below the roof. For a more complete clean, pair the roof with our house washing or driveway pressure washing. You can read more about the risks of doing it the wrong way in our blog post on how high pressure can damage a roof.

Call (02) 5550 8114 or send the short form for a written quote. The home page shows the rest of our services.

What you can expect

  1. Free written quotes

  2. Local crews

  3. Safe soft-wash methods

  4. Fast scheduling

Request roof washing

Tell us what you need and we call you back.

Step 1 of 3

What needs cleaning?

No obligation.

Questions about pressure washing in Newcastle

Can high pressure washing damage my tile roof?

Yes. Strong pressure can strip the coating on concrete tiles, crack brittle tiles, force water under the tile and wash away bedding and pointing. That is why we use a soft wash with a cleaning solution and low pressure instead.

How long before the roof looks clean after soft washing?

Some change shows on the day. Dead moss, lichen and algae then keep fading as rain washes them off, and the full result often takes a few weeks. We will explain what to expect for your roof type and how much growth it has.

Is it safe to clean a roof with a rainwater tank?

It can be, with care. Downpipes should be disconnected or diverted so that wash water does not reach the tank. Tell us about your tank and any first-flush device when you book, and we will plan around it. We also keep the wash water out of the gutters that feed the tank where we can.

Do you clean Colorbond roofs?

Yes, and it is a gentle job. We use a mild solution and low pressure to protect the painted finish. Salt build-up and mould on metal roofs are common near the coast, and cleaning also helps you check for early rust or loose fixings.

What if my roof is old cement sheeting?

Old cement sheet roofing from before the late 1980s can contain asbestos. It must not be high pressure washed or scrubbed. Please tell us if you are unsure. We will talk through the options, and you may need an assessment first.

How it works

  1. Send photos or request a visit

    Tell us what needs cleaning.

  2. Get a written quote

    Clear price before any work starts.

  3. We clean and tidy up

    Rinse, check and leave the site clean.

Ready when you are

Call now or request a quote online.

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(02) 5550 8114