What a proper roof clean involves
A roof clean isn't just blasting the tiles with a pressure washer. Done wrong, you can strip coatings, force water under tiles, or knock pointing loose. Done right, it lifts moss and lichen off the surface, removes salt residue, and leaves the tiles in a state where they can shed water properly again.
We start with a soft pre-treatment that kills moss and lichen at the root. That's important — if you just blast it off without treating it, the spores stay on the surface and the moss is back within a year. Then we high-pressure clean every tile, working in sections so we don't drive water under the laps.
Last step is checking for any damage we've found during the clean — broken tiles, cracked pointing, blocked gutters. We'll let you know what we find and quote any roof repairs in Shellharbour separately so you can decide whether to do them now or later.
Why Shellharbour roofs need regular cleaning
Coastal moisture is the big one. Shellharbour humidity stays high most of the year, and the eastern aspect of most roofs gets the morning dew that moss loves. Within five to seven years of a clean, most roofs in the area need another one — sometimes sooner if the property is shaded by big eucalypts.
Salt residue is the other issue. It's invisible but it builds up steadily on every horizontal surface, and over time it dries out the natural oils in concrete and terracotta tiles. Roofs go porous, lose their colour, and start to absorb water. A regular wash slows all of that down.
Cleaning is also the cheapest way to lift a tired-looking house if you're selling. Buyers look at the roof, and a freshly cleaned roof signals a maintained home. If the tiles are too far gone, a full roof restoration is the next step up.
How to book a roof clean with Willows Roofing
Call 0436 443 898 or use the quote form. We'll come out, look at the roof, and give you a written quote based on size, pitch, and condition. Most Shellharbour roof cleans take a day, sometimes two for larger properties or steep pitches.
We protect gardens and pathways, divert run-off away from drains where the local council requires it, and clean up gutters and downpipes when we're done. You'll get photos before and after.
We're licensed, insured, and we use safety harnesses and the right gear. Roof cleaning looks simple but the falls hospital data tells a different story — don't try it yourself. Get the local team who does it every week.