Published on: March 31st, 2025
Roof Treatment vs Instant Roof Clean: What’s the Difference?
If your roof has started to look a bit worse for wear — maybe you’ve spotted moss or lichen creeping in — you’re probably wondering what the best cleaning option is. At Chemwash, we offer two professional solutions: a Roof Treatment and an Instant Roof Clean.
While both services target similar issues like moss, mould, and lichen, they work in very different ways. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand which option might suit your property best.
Roof Treatment
Slow-Release, Long-Term Results
A Roof Treatment is a spray-and-leave solution designed to kill off unwanted growth like moss, mould and lichen — gently, but effectively. Once applied, the treatment penetrates and kills the organic matter on your roof. Then, nature takes over, as the treatment will reactivate whenever it rains. The rainfall will gradually wash away the dead material over the following weeks and months.
Key benefits of a Roof Treatment:
- Long-lasting results and protection (up to 12 months)
- Cost-effective option
- No pressure washing involved
- Gentle and safe for all roof types (especially tile and older roofs)
This is a great option if you’re not in a hurry for instant visual results, and want long-term protection without any surface damage.
Instant Roof Clean
Same-Day Sparkle
If you want your roof to look fresh and clean right away, our Instant Roof Clean is the way to go. This is a full soft wash, where our team applies specially formulated detergents, then gently rinses every inch of the roof using our signature low-pressure system.
Key benefits of an Instant Roof Clean:
- Immediate visible results — perfect if you’re selling or painting
- Thorough removal of dirt, moss, mould and lichen
- Uses low-pressure washing (safe on metal roofs like Coloursteel or corrugated iron)
It’s worth noting that Instant Roof Cleaning is not recommended for clay or concrete tile roofs, or roofs with oxidised paintwork. This is due to the fragility of the surfaces and/or paint. For these roof types, a Roof Treatment is the safer and more effective option.
Not Sure Which One You Need?
That’s where we come in. If you’re unsure which service is best for your roof, don’t stress — our experienced Chemwash team is happy to help. We offer free, no-obligation quotes, and we’re more than happy to come take a look and assess your property. We can recommend the right solution for your roof, and your requirements.
Let’s Get Your Roof Back in Shape
Whether you’re after a long-term treatment or an instant transformation, Chemwash has you covered. With over 40 years of experience and a reputation for safe, effective exterior cleaning, we’ll get the job done right. No damage, no stress, just great results.
