Ross-on-Wye sits on a red-sandstone promontory, the town's name itself coming from a Celtic word for a spur of high ground, with St Mary's spire crowning the bluff and the streets falling away on every side toward the River Wye. It is a beautiful position — The Prospect, John Kyrle's public garden of 1696, looks out over the famous horseshoe bend in the river — but it is also a position that wrecks roofs. The promontory faces broadly north over the wide Wye floodplain, so the lower pitches sit in shade for much of the day, and the river throws up mist and damp air that settles over the town. Moss, lichen and gloeocapsa algae live on exactly that combination of shade and moisture, so a roof here carries noticeably more growth than an identical house up on the drier, more open farmland inland.
You see it most starkly down in the old town. The tight pattern of the High Street, Broad Street, Church Street and Wye Street is packed with tall period properties standing shoulder to shoulder, many of them red-sandstone or brick under natural slate. They shade each other for most of the day, the streets are narrow enough that very little direct sun reaches the lower slopes, and the lower town near the river is the same low, wet ground that has flooded repeatedly — the December 2000 floods put streets near Greytree and Brook End under water, which is why a flood-alleviation scheme followed. By the time someone calls us, a north-facing slate pitch in one of those streets is usually a thick mat of moss sitting in the laps, with rust weeping off old valley metal and gutters packed with washed-down growth.
The river itself is the constant. The Wye loops right around the foot of the town, and even in a dry summer that body of water keeps the air around Ross heavy with moisture. Damp air is what the growth feeds on, and the shaded, north-facing aspect means the roofs never properly dry out between wet spells. It is a genuinely different microclimate to the open countryside a few miles away — the same house, the same slate, greens up faster here because of where it sits.
Out on the edges of town it's a different roof but the same problem. The newer estates around Tudorville, Overross and the Ashburton side, along with the modern infill toward Wilton, are mostly post-war and modern concrete interlocking tile. Those tiles are textured, which gives spores something to grip, so in this damp valley air they mat up heavily — we lift the bulk off by hand from a tower or roof ladder before the biocide goes on. Whether it's a listed red-sandstone house below the spire or a 1990s semi on the Overross edge, the cause is the same Wye-valley damp, and so is the fix.
The one thing that genuinely changes the job in Ross is how much of the town is heritage. The conservation area, designated in 1976, covers most of the old town, and it holds around 154 listed buildings — three of them Grade I. That means an unusually high share of the roofs we quote on are natural slate or old hand-made clay on fragile red-sandstone structures, and those simply cannot be pressure-washed. Blasting splits the slate, strips the surface and drives water under the laps into a building that has stayed watertight for centuries by being left alone. So on Ross's heritage roofs we soft-wash and remove the moss by hand, working off a roof ladder that spreads the load, and then treat with biocide. It is slower than blasting a modern tile, but on a slate roof that costs a fortune to re-cover, careful is the whole point.
Each one has its own approach. On a town this old and this damp, method matters far more than equipment.
The roof that defines old Ross — natural slate on the red-sandstone and brick period houses along the High Street, Broad Street, Church Street and Wye Street, much of it inside the conservation area. Brittle, expensive to re-cover, and never to be pressured. These are soft-washed and hand-cleared of moss off a roof ladder, with biocide kept off the lime mortar, ashlar dressings and old leadwork.
Found on terraced cottages and outbuildings through the old town and on older properties out toward Walford, Bridstow and Weston-under-Penyard. Often a century or more old and fragile when wet — these are scraped by hand, never pressured, with extra care around the bedded ridges, hips and valleys where the tiles are oldest and most likely to crack.
The bulk of Tudorville, Overross and the newer roads on the edge of town. Marley and Redland tiles, usually heavily mossed because the textured surface grips spores and the Wye-valley damp keeps everything wet. We remove the moss by hand first, then biocide. Expect a noticeable colour shift as the treatment cures over a few weeks.
The later developments toward Wilton, Bridstow and the Overross fringe — 1990s onward, smoother concrete and the odd plain or pantile roof. Younger but still greening in this river-valley microclimate. These take the bulk-off-then-biocide treatment, and on the right surfaces a sealant to slow regrowth further.
From the listed heart of the town out to the surrounding HR9 villages — same Wye-valley damp, slightly different roof on each.
The Market House, the High Street, Broad Street and the streets falling away below St Mary's spire — tall, shaded, listed and conservation-area properties on red sandstone and brick under natural slate, all of it soft-wash and hand-scrape only.
The older lanes running down toward the river and the old wharf — period cottages and houses on slate and old clay, often on the shaded, north-facing slopes where the damp coming off the Wye lets moss take a real hold.
The main residential estates on the edge of town — post-war and later concrete-tile homes that mat up fast in the valley damp, and where whole streets reach moss age together, which is usually how we end up doing several on one road.
Just over the Wilton Bridge across the river, beneath the ruins of Wilton Castle — a mix of stone and brick cottages and newer homes on slate, clay and modern tile, all greening in the floodplain damp right beside the Wye.
The villages south and east of the town, toward the wooded slopes of Penyard — detached and period houses on clay, slate and tile, shaded by trees and rising ground that keep the roofs damp and mossy.
The surrounding HR9 villages spread across the south-Herefordshire countryside — stone and clay cottages alongside more modern housing, the same mix of heritage and current roofs we cover right across the Ross area.
Ross-on-Wye's conservation area was designated in 1976 and covers most of the old town, and within it sit around 154 listed buildings — three Grade I, eight Grade II*, and the rest Grade II. At the centre of it all is the red-sandstone Market House of the 1650s, a Grade II* building and the heart of the town. The whole character of Ross — the reason it markets itself as the birthplace of British tourism — is that unbroken run of red-sandstone and brick frontages climbing the promontory toward the spire, with their natural-slate and old clay roofs. A great many of those roofs sit on listed buildings, and they need a completely different hand to a modern tile, because force cracks old slate and drives water into a structure that has stayed watertight for centuries precisely because nobody blasted it.
For listed buildings, cleaning sits in a careful zone. Straightforward removal of biological growth normally doesn't need listed-building consent, because you're not altering the fabric of the building. Anything that touches the lime mortar, the ashlar dressings, the lead, or the original slate fixings usually does — and we'll tell you upfront if a job crosses that line so you can speak to Herefordshire Council's conservation team before booking. We keep biocide off lime mortar by sheeting and rinsing the edges, and where old lead flashings have weathered to a soft grey patina we'll usually recommend leaving them rather than scrubbing them back to bright metal, which is exactly the kind of thing heritage officers, reasonably, don't want to see.
It's worth remembering why Ross looks the way it does. The town grew up on its red-sandstone bluff above a crossing of the Wye, prospered on river trade and markets, and was famously shaped by John Kyrle — the "Man of Ross" — who laid out The Prospect and gave the town its public walks at the end of the seventeenth century. The polychrome-brick villas with their ashlar dressings, the terraced cottages, and the great slate roofs all date from that long period of prosperity, and they lean against each other up streets that were never designed for a pressure-washer hose. A single terrace can carry slate, old clay and later repairs all on one run — which is exactly why we survey each property properly rather than quoting a roof we haven't seen.
At quote stage we check whether your property looks listed and glance at the Historic England map before the survey. It costs us five minutes and can save you a planning headache — and on a natural-slate roof, getting the method right the first time is the difference between a clean that lasts and a repair bill in matched, reclaimed slate.
We come out, look at the roof, the access and the gutters, and tell you exactly what's needed and what it costs. No hard sell, no pressure to book on the spot — and on the older slate and listed properties in the conservation area we flag anything that touches listed-building rules first.
Heavy moss is removed by hand from a ladder, tower or roof ladder, gutters cleared at the same time. On Ross's fragile natural slate and old clay, and on the damp, thickly mossed concrete tile out on the estates alike, the bulk growth has to be lifted off — never blasted — before the biocide can reach the spores beneath.
An approved biocide is applied at the correct dilution. It kills algae, lichen and remaining moss spores at the root, without high-pressure water touching the slates — which matters even more in this shaded, river-valley microclimate where the damp off the Wye brings regrowth back fast.
The biocide keeps working after we've left, preventing regrowth for up to two years. Most customers don't need us back for a top-up before then.
A Ross-on-Wye roof clean keeps us on the ladders or tower most of the day regardless — heritage slate is slow, careful work — so it makes sense to pull the gutters through while we're up there. And the biocide is what holds the result for two years, which counts for a lot in a river valley this damp. You pay for neither; both come as standard.
The free gutter clear is more than a nicety here. In a town that already deals with damp and flooding off the Wye, a gutter packed with washed-down moss and grit is the difference between rain running cleanly away and rain spilling down the wall, soaking into render and porous old sandstone and finding its way to the eaves. We clear what comes off the roof as we go, so you're not left with a clean roof and blocked gutters. And because the biocide carries on working long after we've packed up, most Ross customers get two seasons or more before they'd even think about booking us back — in a microclimate this shaded and damp, that's the part that earns its keep.
Get my Ross-on-Wye quoteRoss throws up everything from brittle natural slate on listed town-centre houses to big modern estate roofs out at Tudorville and Overross, and the fragile ones take careful soft-washing and hand-scraping rather than fast pressure — which is part of why we won't quote a flat rate over the phone. Every roof's different. But to be straight with you, most roof cleans are £550–£950. A standard terrace or semi sits in that range; larger, steeper or more difficult roofs (heavy moss, awkward access, big detached houses) go up from there.
What moves the price:
Always included, never an add-on: a free gutter clear while we're up there, and the biocide that keeps moss off for up to two years.
How we quote: a free no-obligation survey, a written price the same day, no deposit, pay only when it's done. See our full roof cleaning cost guide →
No, because we match the method to the roof. The natural slate and old hand-made clay you find on the listed and conservation-area properties around the High Street, Church Street and Wye Street get soft-washing and hand moss-removal only — pressure on those splits slates and strips the surface. The modern interlocking concrete tile on the newer estates off Ashburton, Tudorville and the Overross edge can take a more robust low-pressure clean where that's the right tool. Either way, it's the biocide that stops the moss coming back, not the force of the water.
Up to two years, often longer, because the biocide we apply carries on killing fresh spores after we've left. Ross is a damp spot — the town sits on a north-facing promontory looking out over the Wye floodplain, and the river mist and shaded aspect keep roofs greening faster than open, south-facing ground. North-facing pitches in the shaded streets below St Mary's spire may colour up sooner than others. Pressure-washing on its own buys you about a season — the moss is back the next autumn because the spores are still in the slate. The biocide is the difference between cleaning the surface and treating the cause.
Yes, when applied properly. We use approved biocides at manufacturer-specified dilutions, applied in dry conditions so the active ingredient bonds to the roof rather than running off. Pets are kept indoors during application and for an hour after; planted borders are sheeted and watered down before and after. In a town sitting right above the Wye, with gardens running down toward the river, we're especially careful about run-off — the Wye is a protected river — and we've never had an issue with the water, ponds or wildlife in years of doing this.
Yes, and this is exactly the work we take most care over. Ross-on-Wye has a conservation area designated in 1976 with around 154 listed buildings within it — three Grade I, eight Grade II* and the rest Grade II — so a lot of roofs along the High Street, Church Street, Broad Street and Wye Street are natural slate or old clay on fragile red-sandstone structures. On those we soft-wash and remove moss by hand — never pressure — and we keep biocide off the lime mortar, ashlar dressings and old leadwork by sheeting and rinsing the edges. Straightforward removal of moss and algae usually doesn't need listed-building consent because you're not altering the fabric; anything touching mortar, lead or the original fixings does, and we'll flag it before we start so you can speak to Herefordshire Council's conservation team first.
It does. Ross sits on a red-sandstone promontory facing north over the Wye floodplain, and the lower town has a long history of flooding — the December 2000 floods inundated low-lying streets near Greytree and Brook End, and a flood-alleviation scheme followed. Even in a dry year that low, wet river ground and the mist rolling off the Wye keep humidity high, and high humidity is exactly what moss, lichen and algae live on. So Ross roofs tend to carry heavier growth than houses up on drier, more open ground. It doesn't change how we clean, but it does mean the free biocide treatment earns its keep here — without it the regrowth comes back quickly in this river-valley microclimate.
For most jobs, no. We work from a ladder or scaffold tower with a long-reach lance, which means no concentrated weight on the slates and no boot scuffs on the ridges. On steeper or older roofs — including the tall, narrow town-centre houses and the brittle natural slate common on the listed streets — we use a roof ladder hooked over the ridge to spread the load safely. We'll tell you in advance which method we're using on your property and why.
Three reasons that matter, in order. Slate and tile life — moss holds moisture against the surface, accelerating freeze-thaw damage and shortening the life of the roof, which on natural slate or old clay in the conservation area is a serious replacement cost. Gutters and downpipes — moss sheds and washes into the gutters, blocking them and pushing water down the wall instead of away from the house, which matters even more in a town that already deals with damp and flooding. Insurance and resale — some insurers query roofs visibly covered in growth, and a clean roof is a quiet but real factor in kerb appeal, especially for the period properties buyers pay a premium for in a town as picture-postcard as Ross. Cleaning costs a fraction of replacing slates or repointing ridges.
No roof stays clear forever — spores are always airborne, and in a damp river town like Ross they're never far away — but treating the cause keeps it clear for years not months: we soft-wash or hand-remove the moss, then apply a biocide that carries on killing spores for up to two years. Pressure-washing alone just removes what you can see — it's back next autumn. Biocide (plus, on the right surfaces, a sealant) is the longest-lasting answer.
Spring (March–May) and early autumn are ideal — dry enough for the biocide to bond, and it sets the roof up before the damp months when moss grows fastest, which in this river valley is most of the winter. We clean year-round, though; the biocide works whenever it's applied in dry conditions.
Depends on the roof. The modern interlocking concrete tile on the Ross estates can take a controlled low-pressure wash where it's the right tool; the natural slate and old clay on the town-centre and listed properties should never be pressure-washed — it splits slates, strips the surface and forces water underneath. On those we soft-wash and remove moss by hand, then treat with biocide. We always tell you the method first.
Timber-framed market town, listed black-and-white frontages, heavy Herefordshire damp.
Roof cleaning LedburyForest of Dean edge, stone and tile cottages tucked under wooded slopes, heavy moss country.
Roof cleaning MitcheldeanForest of Dean edge, tree-shaded clay-tile cottages, heavy moss country.
Roof cleaning NewentThe Guys did a fantastic job on my roof and worked nonstop all day to get the job done and left everything clean and tidy after themselves, highly recommend and would look to use again 👍, made a massive difference to the house.
The Guys did a fantastic job on my roof and worked nonstop all day to get the job done and left everything clean and tidy after themselves, highly recommend and would look to use again 👍, made a massive difference to the house.
Would strongly recommend. Swift with good work quality and kept the surrounding areas tidy. Looks like a new roof! Would 100% recommend.
Would strongly recommend. Swift with good work quality and kept the surrounding areas tidy. Looks like a new roof! Would 100% recommend.
Blake and Daniel cleaned my patio and path at the front and did a great job. They were friendly and professional and explained well what they were going to do. I also had a bad dark patch which came up really well which others had failed to remove. I would definitely recommend them if like me you have a patio or driveway that badly needs a thorough clean
Blake and Daniel cleaned my patio and path at the front and did a great job. They were friendly and professional and explained well what they were going to do. I also had a bad dark patch which came up really well which others had failed to remove. I would definitely recommend them if like me you have a patio or driveway that badly needs a thorough clean
100% recommend this team . From start to finish was kept informed.On the morning a text to say what time they will be there and arrived on time . Worked from 9:30 till 7:30pm on the roof and jet washing all the area after. Very professional and had all the kit even a drone to show you the results of the whole area . The difference is amazing and looks like a new roof . Really happy with the results and so many comments from neighbours too saying how good it looks . You will not be disappointed .
100% recommend this team . From start to finish was kept informed.On the morning a text to say what time they will be there and arrived on time . Worked from 9:30 till 7:30pm on the roof and jet washing all the area after. Very professional and had all the kit even a drone to show you the results of the whole area . The difference is amazing and looks like a new roof . Really happy with the results and so many comments from neighbours too saying how good it looks . You will not be disappointed .
Had our drive re sealed and repaired amazing job by Blake and Dan thanks very much for your hard work it looks amazing highly recommended company
Had our drive re sealed and repaired amazing job by Blake and Dan thanks very much for your hard work it looks amazing highly recommended company
What can I say other than WOW !! Massive thank you to Blake and Dan for all of your hard work, so professional and such an amazing job! Left everything spotless so pleased, highly recommend to everyone. Extremely happy
What can I say other than WOW !! Massive thank you to Blake and Dan for all of your hard work, so professional and such an amazing job! Left everything spotless so pleased, highly recommend to everyone. Extremely happy
Blake and team did a great job of cleaning and resealing our roof. They worked hard and communicated well by proactively keeping us updated at every stage. We are happy with the end result and the transformation was epic!
Blake and team did a great job of cleaning and resealing our roof. They worked hard and communicated well by proactively keeping us updated at every stage. We are happy with the end result and the transformation was epic!
We had excellent service from start to finish. The guys were very professional, discussed everything over the phone initially then a visit with the drone to allow accurate quarter and expectation management. On the day they were considerate with the neighbours, did a wonderful job with the roof and gutters and cleared up so well that everything looked far better than when they started. Cannot recommend more highly.
We had excellent service from start to finish. The guys were very professional, discussed everything over the phone initially then a visit with the drone to allow accurate quarter and expectation management. On the day they were considerate with the neighbours, did a wonderful job with the roof and gutters and cleared up so well that everything looked far better than when they started. Cannot recommend more highly.
Great guys. Amazing job on the drive and always answers the phone. Recommend 100%
Great guys. Amazing job on the drive and always answers the phone. Recommend 100%
Really impressed with Aquapro Roof cleaning. Very professional guys that done such a good job, that it looks like I’ve had a new roof installed, (after 40yrs of dirt and moss). Blake talked me through everything in detail, and answered any questions I had. Showed me the end result with his drone footage and left house clean and tidy. Highly recommended.
Really impressed with Aquapro Roof cleaning. Very professional guys that done such a good job, that it looks like I’ve had a new roof installed, (after 40yrs of dirt and moss). Blake talked me through everything in detail, and answered any questions I had. Showed me the end result with his drone footage and left house clean and tidy. Highly recommended.
Great service, lovely & friendly team. So happy with the patio.
Great service, lovely & friendly team. So happy with the patio.
Free gutter clean and biocide treatment with every roof clean. Listed and conservation-area roofs handled correctly. Fully insured, no-obligation quote, written the same day.
