Roof treatment that kills moss and lichen at the root, not just off the surface

Roof cleaning physically removes visible moss, lichen, algae and dirt from the roof surface, usually with a soft wash or careful low pressure rinse. Roof treatment applies a biocide solution designed to kill the living organism at its root, including growth embedded below the visible surface that a rinse alone would miss. Treatment does not always produce an immediately clean-looking roof, since the dead growth needs time to weather away. Many Adelaide roofs benefit from both, a clean to remove the bulk of buildup and a treatment to stop it coming straight back. We assess your roof and tell you which one actually solves your problem.

No, when applied correctly. Our biocide solution and dilution rates are matched to your specific roof material, and we use soft wash application rather than high pressure, which is the main cause of tile cracking, granule loss and Colorbond coating damage. Sodium hypochlorite based treatments have been used safely on Australian roofs for years when applied at the right concentration and dwell time. The real risk comes from unlicensed operators using generic strength solutions or reaching for a pressure washer to speed up results, which is exactly what we avoid on every job.

You will usually notice a colour change from green or grey to brown within the first week as the biocide takes effect. Full dieback and natural weathering away typically takes two to six weeks, and rain actually speeds this along by gradually washing dead material off the roof. This is not an instant cosmetic fix, it is a biological kill process. If you want the dead growth removed straight away for appearance, we can schedule a gentle rinse or soft wash clean as a follow-up once the dieback has occurred.

Yes, when managed properly, which is what we do on every job. We identify where roof runoff lands, pre-wet sensitive garden beds with fresh water, and manage downpipes so concentrated treatment does not run directly into garden beds or stormwater drains. By the time treatment reaches plants and ground level it is significantly diluted from the working concentration used on the roof. We keep pets and people clear of the work area during application and while the solution is drying, and can advise on timing if you have particularly sensitive plants near the roofline.

Most Adelaide roofs need treatment every one to two years, but this depends heavily on shade, tree cover and roof orientation. South-facing pitches under established trees in leafy suburbs like Crafers or Stirling often need annual treatment, while open, sun-exposed roofs in coastal or newer estate areas can often go two years between treatments. We give you a realistic recommendation based on your specific roof rather than a generic schedule, so you are not paying for treatment you do not need or leaving your roof under-protected.

Yes, we back our roof treatment with a written result guarantee tied to the biological outcome, not a vague satisfaction promise. If the treated moss, lichen or algae has not died back and started weathering away within the expected timeframe for your roof and conditions, we return and address it at no additional charge. We are also fully insured for height work and chemical application, so you are covered on both the workmanship and the safety side of the job, which is worth confirming with any operator before booking.