Our services
Roof moss removal and maintenance in Sussex and Surrey
Is moss building up on your roof in East Grinstead, Crawley or elsewhere in Sussex and Surrey? Heavy moss holds water against the tiles, blocks gutters and valleys, and can lift the edges of tiles. We remove it carefully by hand, clear the gutters and valleys, and check the roof while we are up there, so small problems are fixed before they become leaks. Call 01342 445004.
Why moss matters
A little moss on a north facing slope is normal and harmless. Problems start when it gets thick:
- It soaks up rain and holds it against the tiles, which speeds up frost damage
- It works under the bottom edges of tiles and can lift them
- Clumps wash into gutters and valleys and block them, causing overflows
- Blocked valleys and gutters push water back under the roof
Homes near trees, on shaded slopes, or across the wooded country around Ashdown Forest and the Weald tend to suffer most.
How we remove moss
We remove moss by hand, using scrapers and brushes, working down the roof so the tiles are not damaged. We do not pressure wash tiled roofs. High pressure water can strip the surface off concrete tiles, crack older clay tiles and drive water up under the laps into the loft. Once the moss is off, we clear it from the gutters and valleys and, where suitable, apply a biocide treatment to slow regrowth. We explain what treatment we propose and what it is.
Book a roof maintenance visit or moss removal, priced after a free look at the roof. Call 01342 445004 or WhatsApp 07939 862 818.
What our roof maintenance visit covers
| Task | Why |
|---|---|
| Moss removal by hand | Stops water being held against tiles |
| Gutter clearing and flushing | Prevents overflows and damp walls |
| Valley clearing | Keeps the most vulnerable part of the roof draining |
| Checking tiles and slates | Spots slipped or cracked ones early |
| Checking ridge and verge | Finds loose mortar or fixings |
| Checking flashings | Lead and seals around chimneys and walls |
| Photographs | So you can see what we saw |
If we find anything that needs repairing, we photograph it and give you a fixed price. Nothing is added to the job without your agreement.
How often should a roof be maintained?
There is no single answer, but a check every few years, and after severe storms, catches most problems early. Homes surrounded by trees may need gutters cleared every year, usually after the leaves fall.
Is moss a sign I need a new roof?
Not on its own. Moss grows on perfectly good roofs. But very heavy growth on concrete tiles whose surface has worn away can be a sign the tiles are becoming porous. We will tell you honestly what we see.
Related services
Moss removal methods compared
| Method | How it works | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| Hand scraping | Moss removed by hand tools from the roof surface | Gentle and controlled, our usual method |
| Biocide treatment | Treatment applied to kill remaining spores | Slows regrowth when used as directed |
| Pressure washing | High pressure water blasted across tiles | Can damage tile surfaces and force water under tiles, so we avoid it |
| Doing nothing | Moss builds up | Blocks gutters and can lift tiles |
Warning signs that moss is causing problems
- Gutters filling with clumps of moss after rain
- Downpipes blocking or overflowing
- Tiles lifted at the edges by thick growth
- Valleys holding water and debris
- Damp patches on walls below overflowing gutters
Step by step: a roof maintenance visit
- Safe access set up for the height and pitch of the roof
- Moss removed by hand from tiles, ridges and valleys
- Debris cleared from gutters, valleys and outlets
- Downpipes checked for flow
- Slipped or cracked tiles noted and, where agreed, replaced
- Ridge, verges and flashings checked
- Biocide applied where suitable
- Photographs and a short report of anything that needs attention
Why moss grows so well on local roofs
East Grinstead and the villages around Ashdown Forest are surrounded by woodland, and many homes in both East Grinstead and Crawley have mature trees close by. Shaded, north facing slopes stay damp, and leaf litter gives moss a foothold. Clay and concrete tiles with a rough surface hold moss more readily than smoother materials. See guttering in East Grinstead and guttering in Crawley.
What affects the price of moss removal?
As a guide, roof moss removal on a typical semi usually costs between £600 and £900, depending on the method and access. The size and height of the roof, the amount of moss, access, and whether gutter clearing and minor repairs are included. Priced after a free look at the roof. Your exact price is confirmed in writing after a free survey.
Frequently asked questions
Not when it is done by hand with the right tools. Pressure washing is what damages tiles, which is why we do not use it on tiled roofs.
Most houses take a day, depending on the size of the roof, the amount of moss and access.
Eventually, especially on shaded slopes. A biocide treatment slows regrowth, and keeping gutters clear helps.
Often we can work from roof ladders or a tower, depending on height and pitch. We price access honestly in the quote.
Yes. We clear debris and moss from flat roofs and check the outlets, which are a common cause of ponding.
As a guide, roof moss removal on a typical semi usually costs between £600 and £900, depending on the method and access. Your exact price is confirmed in writing after a free survey.
In small amounts it is mostly a nuisance. Thick growth holds water, blocks gutters and can lift tiles.
Yes, in dry weather. Damp moss is often easier to remove.
Yes, and we clear outlets at the same time.
Book roof maintenance
Call 01342 445004, WhatsApp a photo to 07939 862 818, or book a free survey.
Book a free roof survey
Leave your name and number and we will call you back to arrange a free survey. Photos help us quote faster and spot anything urgent.
Free survey & fixed quote
Get a fixed price in writing
Every job starts with a free survey: we inspect the roof, photograph what we find and give you one fixed written quote. You decide what happens next.