Project Transformation
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™.
BeforeAfterProject at a glance
About the project
The challenge
This natural slate roof in Marlow had a heavy build-up of moss, algae, lichen and other organic growth. The homeowner wanted the roof cleaned, but his main concern was avoiding further damage: a previous contractor had placed a ladder stand-off directly against the slate, causing several tiles to fail and leaving a hole in the roof.
Our approach
Chiltern Surface Co began with a drone inspection, designed a non-contact access strategy and selected a carefully controlled very low-pressure cleaning method suitable for the condition of the slate. Professional scaffolding allowed the team to work from a secure platform without resting ladders or stand-offs on the roof. The complete roof was then treated with Chiltern EverGuard™ and the gutters and downpipes were cleared.
The result
Completed in one working day: heavy moss and organic growth removed, the natural slate appearance significantly improved, gutters cleared and Chiltern EverGuard™ applied for ongoing protection — all without placing access equipment or technicians directly on the fragile slate.
Step by step
Every project follows a careful, surface-specific process — here’s exactly how we approached this one.
Professional scaffolding gave our technicians a stable working platform at roofline level, so we could work methodically without resting ladders or stand-offs on the slate or walking the roof.
Using specialist equipment, we removed the accumulated moss, lichen and organic contamination at very low, carefully controlled pressure — a method chosen specifically for this roof, not a generic high-pressure wash.
With the roof clean, Chiltern EverGuard™ was applied across the complete slate roof to help inhibit the regrowth of moss, algae and lichen, typically for 12–24 months.
Roof moss removal creates a large volume of organic debris, so all gutters were cleared and every downpipe checked to keep water draining freely away from the property.
Heavy moss and organic growth removed and the natural slate restored — achieved without any direct contact with the fragile tiles.
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.
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.
