The Danger in Jet Washing Roof Tiles

Jet washing might seem like a quick fix for a dirty roof, but it can actually do more harm than good. The intense pressure can dislodge or crack tiles, strip away protective layers, and even blast water underneath the tiles. This can lead to internal damp, rotting timbers, and mould growth in your loft.

In towns like Lewes, Arundel, and Rye, where many properties have traditional or older roof types, pressure washing can cause irreversible damage. Even modern roofs aren’t always suitable for jet washing, especially if tiles are porous or poorly fixed. The aggressive blast can cause microfractures in older tiles, especially those made from natural slate or concrete.

The underlay beneath your tiles is not designed to be waterproof on its own; it’s meant to be a secondary barrier. Forcing water underneath the tiles undermines the structure of the roof and can cause problems weeks or even months later.

Instead, Skyhawk Flat Roofing recommends a safer method: manual moss removal using specialised tools, followed by an eco-safe biocide treatment. This ensures the moss is not only removed but prevented from coming back for months to come.

Our trained team assesses each roof before deciding on the right cleaning method—because protecting your tiles matters more than speed. Our services are fully insured, and we use scaffold towers or rope systems to ensure safe access.

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