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Clean roof tiles and remove moss from the ground

Clean roof tiles and remove moss from the ground

A dirty roof full of moss, algae and leaves isn't just an eyesore — it's a direct risk to the condition of your home. Yet many homeowners put off roof maintenance because of the cost of specialists or the dangers of working on a ladder. So how do you clean roof tiles safely?

Clean your own roof safely from the ground

Why clean roof tiles before problems start?

Cleaning roof tiles is about more than looks. Moss and algae cling to the surface and hold moisture. When it freezes, that moisture expands and causes hairline cracks — the dreaded frost damage. Built-up dirt also stops rainwater from draining away, so it can be driven under the tiles.

Porous roof tiles from moss roots growing in.

Leaks caused by water building up behind debris.

Blocked gutters from moss sliding off the roof.

Lower property value because the house looks neglected.

Can I clean my roof tiles myself?

Absolutely — as long as you choose the right method. Climbing onto the roof without fall protection is extremely dangerous, and you risk breaking tiles. We advise against a pressure washer: the powerful jet damages the protective surface, so moss comes back faster and deeper.

The safe method is brushing with a telescopic pole — the simplest roof moss removal tool there is — combined with a good cleaner such as CleanStart. The dirt comes loose, you rinse it away, and the surface of the tile stays intact. Compared with hiring a professional, the investment often pays for itself after a single clean.

Which pole do I need for my roof?

On a pitched roof, you have a long way to reach — from gutter to ridge. So length and rigidity are crucial:

Up to 6 metres — low roofs and bungalows: our aluminium telescopic poles are budget-friendly and suitable for lower gutters and roofs.

Up to 9 metres — family homes: choose Carbon Fiber: lighter and stiffer than aluminium, so the pole doesn't bend when you put pressure on the moss.

Up to 12+ metres — tall roofs and ridge cleaning: for heavy-duty work, choose 3K Full Carbon: the highest rigidity, so you can still scrub hard at 10 metres without the pole swaying.

Length advice: add about 2 metres to the height of your gutter — you also need to work some way up the roof. The Pole Finder recommends the right kit in two steps.

Step by step

How to clean roof tiles yourself

Follow these steps for a gleaming result.

1

Prepare

First, clear large twigs and leaves out of the gutter so the outlet is free and the dirt you brush off can drain away.

2

Apply cleaner

Lather the roof using the SoapFlow soap dispenser filled with CleanStart. It loosens dirt and algae from the tiles.

3

Brush from top to bottom

Use a sturdy brush attachment, extend the pole and work from top to bottom, so moss doesn't fall onto tiles you've just cleaned. Watch out for overhead power lines.

4

Rinse and empty the gutter

Rinse the roof with clean water through the pole; the dirt washes into the gutter. Finally, empty the gutter again to remove the loosened moss.

PureFlow in-line water softener

PureFlow in-line water softener

Doing the dormer and windows at the same time? PureFlow gives you limescale-free water straight from the garden hose — no more drying by hand at height.

Shop PureFlow
Brushes and attachments

Brushes and attachments

From a stiff roof brush to a soft wash brush: with HexaLock®, you can swap attachments in seconds for every job around the roof.

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See it in action

Eagle Extend® at work

3D animation of the Eagle Extend® system: One-Click HexaLock® attachment swapping, SureLock™ clamps, MultiHold and GroundGuard. It shows how the HexaLock® system (swap attachments in one click) and the SureLock™ clamps work together, safely from the ground. Press play to start the video.

Frequently asked questions about cleaning roof tiles

Answers to your questions, plus expert tips for the best result.

See all FAQs

Related applications

Not sure which kit you need?

Tell us what you want to clean, and our Pole Finder will put together the right combination in two minutes.