The mellow clay-tiled roofs of old Sonning are a big part of the village's charm, and they are easily damaged. Handmade clay tiles can be brittle with age, and a high-pressure jet can crack them, strip the surface or drive water underneath. So we do not use one, however stubborn the moss looks. Moss is removed by hand and with low-pressure methods, then a biocide treatment is applied to slow regrowth. During every roof clean in Sonning we check the ridge and roofline, replace slipped or broken tiles, and clear the gutters afterwards so the moss we have taken off does not end up blocking them. Repairs are kept like for like wherever we can.
Why roof cleaning matters in Sonning
A riverside village with plenty of shade is close to ideal for moss. Roofs that face north, sit under willows or big garden trees, or catch the mist rising off the Thames stay damp long after the rain stops, and moss and lichen spread across them quickly. Left alone, thick moss holds water against the tiles, lifts their edges and pushes debris into the gutters below. Older homes in the conservation area need care because their tiles and ridges may be original, while newer houses along Pound Lane and towards Charvil often have concrete tiles whose rough surface collects moss faster still. In both cases, gentle removal and a biocide treatment give the best result without shortening the life of the roof. We will always tell you plainly what we find, including whether your Sonning roof actually needs cleaning at all.
What our roof cleaning service in Sonning includes
- Careful moss removal by hand
- Low-pressure roof washing
- Biocide treatment to slow regrowth
- Slipped and broken tiles replaced
- Ridge and roofline checks
- Gutters cleared after every roof clean
Roof cleaning across Sonning
Our roof cleaning service covers Sonning and the RG4 postcode, including Sonning village, Sonning Eye, Charvil, Playhatch, Pound Lane, Holme Park, Woodley and Twyford. For a free, no-obligation quote call 01344 578902 or send us a few details.
Roof Cleaning & Repairs in Sonning — FAQs
Do you clean old clay tile roofs in Sonning?
Yes, carefully. We never use high pressure on clay tiles. Moss is removed by hand and with low-pressure methods, then treated with a biocide. Any slipped or broken tiles we find can be replaced, and if your home is listed we will talk through repairs with you first.
Why does moss grow so quickly on Sonning roofs?
Moss thrives where roofs stay damp and shaded. Being close to the Thames, with mature trees and misty mornings, many Sonning roofs dry slowly. A biocide treatment after cleaning helps slow regrowth, and keeping overhanging branches trimmed back lets the roof dry faster.
How long does it last?
With a biocide treatment, most roofs stay clear for several years.
Do you do roof repairs?
We replace slipped or broken tiles and fix minor roofline issues while we are on the roof.
