Roofers vs Roof Cleaners: What’s the Difference — and Why They Don’t Always See Eye to Eye

scottmooney0901
Aug 4
3 min read

If your roof is looking a little worse for wear, your first instinct might be to call a roofer. But depending on the issue, what your roof actually needs is a specialist roof cleaning service — not repairs.

While both professions deal with the health of your roof, they’re fundamentally different trades — and believe it or not, they don’t always see eye to eye.

In this post, we’ll explain the key differences between roofers and roof cleaners, who to call for what, and why there’s often friction between the two.

What Roofers Do

A roofer is a tradesperson skilled in installing, repairing, and replacing roofing systems. Their work typically includes:

Fitting new roofs (tiles, slates, felt, flat roofs)
Replacing broken or missing tiles
Repairing leaks and weather damage
Chimney lead flashing and structural repair
Building or reinforcing roof decking and timberwork

They are essential when your roof is damaged, leaking, or nearing the end of its lifespan.

What Roof Cleaners Do

A roof cleaning specialist, on the other hand, focuses on preventative maintenance. Their goal is to protect and preserve your roof—not replace it.

A reputable roof cleaning service includes:

Softwash moss and algae removal
Biocide treatments to prevent regrowth
Gutter clearance and downpipe checks
Inspection for signs of early damage
Before/after photos and full clean-up

Companies like Dirt-Free Scotland specialise in these non-invasive services using low-pressure, tile-safe techniques — keeping roofs in good condition and preventing costly repairs.

🆚 Key Differences at a Glance

Service Area	Roofer	Roof Cleaner
Repairs damage	✅ Yes	🚫 No
Installs new roofs	✅ Yes	🚫 No
Removes moss/algae	🚫 Rarely	✅ Yes
Preventative maintenance	🚫 No	✅ Yes
Pressure washing?	Sometimes (risky)	🚫 Never – softwash only
Cost	💰£££	💰£
Long-term preservation	🚫 Not focus	✅ Primary goal

Why Roofers and Roof Cleaners Don’t Always Get Along

Here’s where it gets interesting: roof cleaning, when done correctly, keeps roofs in good condition — meaning fewer callouts for roofers.

That’s right — preventative roof maintenance can put roofers out of work.

And while ethical roofers respect good maintenance, not all see it that way. Some common reasons for the tension:

1. Less Damage = Fewer Repairs

Clean, moss-free roofs are less likely to develop leaks, loose tiles, or rotten battens — cutting into the roofer’s bread and butter.

2. "Don't Touch It" Mentality

Some roofers advise homeowners to “leave moss alone,” fearing damage during cleaning. But often, this advice is based on pressure washing methods, not modern softwashing — which is tile-safe and BBA-compliant.

3. Conflicting Advice

Roofers may downplay the benefits of roof cleaning, while roof cleaners emphasise prevention. Homeowners get caught in the middle, confused about what’s actually best.

But the truth is: a clean roof lasts longer.It’s no different from servicing your boiler or cleaning your gutters.

Do Roof Cleaners Replace Roofers?

Absolutely not.We’re not here to replace roofers — we’re here to reduce preventable damage and spot issues early, before they become major repairs.

In fact, at Dirt-Free Scotland, we often work with roofers — referring customers when structural work is required after a cleaning survey. The two trades can (and should) complement each other.

When to Call Each

Call a Roof Cleaner if:

You see moss, algae, or black streaks
Your gutters are overflowing
Your roof tiles are dull, patchy or ageing
You want to extend your roof’s life

Call a Roofer if:

Your roof is leaking
You’ve got broken or missing tiles
You notice sagging, flashing issues, or water ingress
You need a new roof or major repairs

Avoid Cowboy Contractors

Some "handymen" offer to clean your roof using pressure washers or without biocide — leaving your tiles vulnerable and your moss regrowth inevitable.

Never hire someone who:

Uses high-pressure water on tiles
Lacks proper access/safety equipment
Doesn’t offer biocide treatment
Has no public liability insurance

Why Choose Dirt-Free Scotland?

We’re Scotland’s trusted softwashing specialists — serving homeowners across Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Central Belt with:

✅ ISO 9001 & 14001 Certification✅ SSIP & full health and safety compliance✅ Safe, long-lasting biocide treatment✅ MEWP and harness-trained technicians✅ Insurance and documentation provided before every job

We believe in honest roof care, not just repairs after the damage is done.