Roof cleaning

Futurehopeful

Hi 
I have been quoted £500 to clean moss from roof of semi detached house.
The guy said he would clean by hand without pressure washer.
Does this quote sound fair?

FreeBear

Does the roof really need cleaning ?

Most of the time, any moss growing on the roof does no real damage. Yes, it can fall off and clog up the gutters from time to time, but they are easily cleaned out (most window cleaners will clear gutters for not a lot).

£500 is a lot of money for a job that (probably) doesn't need doing.

Ebe_Scrooge

I agree completely with the above.  To my mind, moss is doing no damage whatsoever - apart from, as FreeBear says, the slight inconvenience if it blocks the gutter.  And certainly, all the window cleaners round here will clean gutters for just a few quid.  And if you do get the moss removed, it'll quickly grow back anyway.

The birds do a pretty decent job of pecking the moss off my roof - and they helpfully chuck it down onto the path after they've finished grubbing around for insects or whatever it is they're doing

flashg67

I had mine and an adjoining neighbour's done for about 1/2 of that cost but it was 4 years ago. Unless they treat it afterwards, it will come back (ours did). Not sure I'd bother again.

WustyRex

Having owned one of the largest roof cleaning and coating Co's in the UK, Our record for the anount of moss off one bungalow (130 sq1 mtrs) was 4.334 tons. Now anyone who says moss doed no damage should know that apart from the added weight each time it rains, moss also roots into concrete and reduces lifespan. Marley concrete tiles are deemed to have a lifespan of 35-45 years , though some of course are much older.
Brushing alone is useless, what happens when you cut your lawn? It grows back.
If your quoter was using an industrial power washer with turbo nozzle, it would be a reasonable price. 
Average wages are £120 a day for labour, Per person. If they brush only, then a good moss killer shoule be added after tyhe clean.

TELLIT01

Used badly a pressure washer can do far more harm than good.  Direct it up under the tiles and water will get up there.  Our house was built in the 1930's, we have lived here for 35 years and have experienced one instance of moss clogging the downpipe.  It took 10 minutes to put a ladder up and clear the blockage.

Ryan_Holden

Definitely don't agree with the comments here that it does no damage. It literally grows into the tile gaps and opens you up to water damage over time, and having been in property management, I saw it all the time.

A friend of mine in Warwickshire had the front, side and rear done of a 3 bed Semi for £600 the other week so it seems about right.

I had an absurd quote for my detached 3 bed with garage roof of £1500 last year but I am still looking to have it done. You need a herbicide ideally as well to prevent regrowth but try and find someone with one that won't annihilate the water table around you.

Mrmitko_77

Roof cleaning without a pressure washer.... I advice gettering a few more quotes