Roof Cleaning Regulations and Insurance: What Glasgow Homeowners Must Know

scottmooney0901
Aug 4
3 min read

If you're a homeowner in Glasgow considering roof cleaning, it’s not just about moss and cosmetic improvements—there are important regulations and insurance considerations you need to be aware of.

Many homeowners assume roof cleaning is a simple service, but the truth is: doing it the wrong way can void your insurance, damage your property, or put you at legal risk.

In this guide, we break down the key rules, safety standards, and insurance requirements surrounding roof cleaning in Glasgow—and how to protect your property (and your wallet).

Do I Need Permission to Clean My Roof in Glasgow?

In most cases, you don’t need planning permission to clean your roof. However:

If your home is a listed building, or located in a conservation area (such as parts of Glasgow’s West End, Shawlands, or Dennistoun), you may be restricted on how cleaning is carried out—especially if you're altering roof materials or using scaffolding.
For tenement flats or shared roofs, you must consult your factor or co-owners, as the roof is considered communal property under Scottish property law.

Always check with Glasgow City Council or your factor if you're unsure. At Dirt-Free Scotland, we can advise you during a free survey.

Health & Safety Regulations (HSE) You Should Know

Professional roof cleaning companies in Glasgow must follow UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations, especially when working at height.

Key requirements include:

Working at Height Regulations 2005: Roof work must be carried out with the correct safety systems—such as mobile scaffolding towers, fall arrest harnesses, or MEWPs (cherry pickers).
COSHH Regulations: Any cleaning solutions or biocides used must be handled and applied safely to prevent harm to people, pets, or the environment.
Public Liability and Employee Safety: Companies must protect workers and the public from injury or property damage.

If your roof cleaner turns up with a ladder and no safety gear—you’re taking a huge risk. A fall on your property could lead to liability claims against you.

Does Roof Cleaning Affect My Home Insurance?

Yes — in two major ways.

1. Neglecting Your Roof Can Invalidate Cover

Many Glasgow homeowners are shocked to learn that failing to maintain your roof can void your home insurance policy. Insurers often exclude damage from “wear and tear” or “lack of maintenance.”

That means:

Leaks caused by moss buildup
Water ingress from blocked gutters
Loose tiles dislodged in high winds

...may not be covered if you haven’t kept your roof in reasonable condition.

Professional roof cleaning is part of proactive maintenance.

2. Using Uninsured Contractors Puts You at Risk

If someone cleaning your roof falls or causes damage, and they’re not properly insured, you could be held liable—especially if they were operating unsafely on your premises.

Always ask for:

Public Liability Insurance (£1M+ is standard)
Employers Liability (if they have staff)
RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement)

At Dirt-Free Scotland, we are fully insured and provide all documentation before work begins.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Hiring “cash-in-hand” or uninsured roof cleaners. They often use unsafe ladders, pressure washers, and no biocide—damaging tiles and voiding warranties.

Using pressure washing on tiles. This is discouraged by manufacturers like Marley and Redland. It removes the protective surface from tiles and can cause leaks. Softwashing is the safest method.

Ignoring moss because “it’s always been there”. What starts as surface growth can lead to lifted tiles, broken pointing, and water ingress.

What Should a Professional Roof Cleaning Service Include?

When hiring a roof cleaning company in Glasgow, make sure your quote includes:

Site-specific RAMS
Full roof inspection
Safe access plan (e.g. scaffold, MEWP)
Moss removal and softwash (low pressure)
Biocide treatment (kills spores)
Gutter clearance
Insurance documentation

Why Choose Dirt-Free Scotland?

We’re one of Scotland’s leading softwashing experts, serving Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the wider Central Belt. Our team is:

✅ ISO 9001 & 14001 certified✅ SSIP and health & safety compliant✅ Fully insured for all roof access and cleaning✅ Equipped with MEWPs, scaffold towers, and biocide-safe systems✅ Trusted by homeowners, landlords, factors, and FM companies across Scotland