Project Transformation
A steep-pitched clay tile roof on an Aylesbury annex, uncleaned for over 30 years, restored with cherry-picker access, controlled low-pressure cleaning, gutter clearance and protection with Chiltern EverGuard™ — revealing a warm terracotta finish.
BeforeAfterProject at a glance
About the project
The challenge
This steep-pitched clay tile roof on a residential annex in Aylesbury had gone more than 30 years without cleaning. Extremely heavy moss growth, widespread organic contamination and environmental dirt had obscured the natural clay finish. Marcus wanted the appearance restored using a method chosen specifically for the age, condition and construction of the clay roof.
Our approach
We inspect first, then decide how to clean. A drone survey confirmed the clay tiles were in good overall condition (only a single slipped tile), so the roof was suitable for carefully controlled low-pressure cleaning. Cherry-picker access avoided unnecessary foot traffic on the tiles; the heavy moss was removed first, followed by a controlled low-pressure clean, gutter clearance, Chiltern EverGuard™ and a full clean-down of the annex.
The result
Completed by two operatives in a single day. More than three decades of heavy moss and contamination were removed, recovering a warm red terracotta finish, with the gutters cleared, Chiltern EverGuard™ applied for ongoing protection and the whole annex — not just the roof — left clean.
Step by step
Every project follows a careful, surface-specific process — here’s exactly how we approached this one.
Rather than walking the clay tiles, we accessed the steep roof with a cherry picker — working close to the surface from a stable position with precise control over the cleaning angle, and reducing foot traffic on a roof that had been in place for many years.
After removing the heavy moss, a controlled low-pressure clean addressed the remaining organic deposits and decades of contamination — minimum effective pressure for the condition of the tiles — revealing the warm red and terracotta tones beneath.
Removing such a volume of roof moss creates a second job: the gutters were thoroughly cleared of the debris generated during the clean and the downpipes checked so the drainage system was not left obstructed.
With the contamination removed, Chiltern EverGuard™ was applied across the cleaned clay tiles to help inhibit the regrowth of moss, algae and lichen, typically for 12–24 months.
We don’t regard a roof clean as complete if the building beneath is left dirty. The timber facades were cleaned, the glass washed with our pure-water system and the working areas cleared, leaving the annex ready for handover.
A natural slate roof in Marlow with heavy moss, algae and lichen, cleaned with a carefully controlled very low-pressure method from scaffolding — no ladders or stand-offs on the fragile slate — and protected with Chiltern EverGuard™.
Two very different surfaces in High Wycombe — Indian sandstone entrance steps and a steep block-paved driveway — each given a tailored clean, with the driveway upgraded to polymeric-sand jointing and both protected with Chiltern EverGuard™.
A newer natural sandstone patio in Marlow with heavy moss, green algae and early black spot, cleaned carefully and protected with Chiltern EverGuard™, followed by a full gutter clean.
We'll assess your surfaces and recommend the right approach — no pressure, no obligation.
