Shurdington sits in a narrow strip between Gloucester and Cheltenham, right at the foot of the Cotswold escarpment below Leckhampton Hill and the Devil's Chimney. That position is lovely to look at and hard on roofs. Cool, damp air and rainwater drain down off the slope and settle over the village, the hill throws long afternoon shade across the eastern side, and the whole place sits low enough to hold humidity that higher, more exposed ground sheds. Moisture and shade are exactly what moss, lichen and gloeocapsa algae feed on — so a roof here will carry noticeably more growth than an identical house out on open farmland a couple of miles away.
You see it most clearly on the older, tree-lined plots. The lanes that run up towards the escarpment — Crippetts Lane, Greenway Lane and the network of older Greenway properties — are semi-rural, hedged and heavily shaded, and the stone and slate cottages along them hold damp far longer than modern materials. Add the leaf-fall from the mature trees that line so much of the village, around the Bell Inn, the recreation ground and the green by St Paul's, and you get north-facing pitches that barely dry out between October and April. By the time someone calls us, a roof like that is usually a thick mat of moss sitting in the laps with the gutters already choked with what's washed down.
Out on the newer parts of the village it's a different roof but the same problem. The estates strung along the Shurdington Road and the more recent Greenway Chase development are mostly modern concrete interlocking tile. Those tiles are textured, which gives spores something to grip, so even fairly young roofs mat up under this escarpment microclimate — we lift the bulk off by hand from a tower or roof ladder before any biocide goes on. Whether it's a period cottage near the church or a twenty-year-old semi off the main road, the cause is the same: damp air draining off the Cotswold edge, and not enough sun to dry the tiles out. The fix is the same too.
One thing that's specific to Shurdington is how split the village is. Great Shurdington and Little Shurdington, the old core around St Paul's, the ribbon of houses along the A46 and the modern closes behind it all sit close together but carry very different roofs — and the trees and the slope mean the damp doesn't fall evenly. A house tucked under the hill on the eastern side will green up faster than one of the open-plot bungalows out towards Badgeworth. It's why we survey each property rather than quoting a roof we haven't seen: in a village this varied, the right method changes from one street to the next, and on the older stone and slate we won't go anywhere near it with high pressure.
Each one has its own approach. Method matters more than equipment.
Common on the period cottages and farmhouses around St Paul's, the green and the lanes running up towards the escarpment. Heavy, porous and unforgiving — Cotswold stone holds damp and grows lichen readily, so it gets hand-clearing of the laps, a low-pressure rinse and a neutral biocide, never high pressure. Extra care around the bedded ridges and old leadwork.
Found on the older houses along Crippetts Lane, Greenway Lane and the Greenway core, and on cottages out towards Badgeworth. Durable but brittle when wet — these are hand-scraped from a roof ladder, never pressured. We keep biocide off the lime mortar and weathered lead, and treat the shaded north pitches that green up first.
The bulk of the Shurdington Road housing and the mid-century closes behind it. Marley and Redland tiles, usually heavily mossed because the textured surface grips spores and the escarpment keeps everything damp and shaded. We remove the moss by hand first, then biocide. Expect a noticeable colour shift as the treatment cures over a few weeks.
Greenway Chase and the newer infill plots — smoother concrete and the odd plain or pantile roof, mostly recent. Younger but still greening fast in this shaded, damp microclimate. These take the bulk-off-then-biocide treatment, and on the right surfaces a sealant to slow regrowth further.
From the old village core under the hill to the estates and new builds along the main road — same escarpment damp, slightly different roof on each.
The main body of the village around St Paul's, the green and the Shurdington Road frontage — a mix of older stone and slate cottages and post-war housing, with the shaded eastern plots under the hill carrying the heaviest moss.
The smaller hamlet at the southern end of the parish, more open and rural — older properties on stone, clay and slate, set among trees and farmland where leaf-fall and shade keep the north pitches damp.
The hedged lanes running up towards the escarpment, lined with older and larger properties on slate and stone. Heavily shaded and semi-rural, so these are some of the fastest-greening roofs in the village — careful hand-scrape work, never pressure.
The newer residential development off the Greenway — modern concrete tile, younger roofs that are nonetheless already colouring up under this damp escarpment. The standard bulk-removal-then-biocide treatment, with sealant where it suits.
The ribbon of housing strung along the main Gloucester–Cheltenham road and the closes behind it — mostly mid-century and modern concrete interlocking tile that mats up fast in the shade and damp, taking the standard hand-removal-then-biocide treatment well.
The semi-rural fringe out towards Badgeworth and up under Leckhampton Hill — open-plot bungalows and older farmhouses on a real mix of coverings, where we always survey first because the roof type and access change property to property.
Shurdington is an old settlement — it appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 — and that history still shows in the roofs around the village core. St Paul's Church, set beside the village green with its fields running away towards Badgeworth, is a medieval church best known for its tall, elegant broach spire, and it's listed at Grade II*. Around it sit the older cottages and farmhouses on Cotswold stone, hand-made clay and natural slate, often a century or more old. Those roofs need a completely different hand to a modern estate semi: on them we hand-scrape only, never pressure, because force cracks old tile and stone and drives water into structures that have stayed watertight for generations by being left alone.
For any property that's listed or clearly of age, 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 mortar, lead or the original tile-fixing usually does — and we'll tell you upfront if a job crosses that line so you can speak to Tewkesbury Borough Council's conservation team before booking, since Shurdington falls within the Borough of Tewkesbury. 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 — exactly the kind of thing heritage officers, reasonably, don't want to see.
It's worth remembering why the village looks the way it does. Shurdington grew up as a small farming community strung along the old route between Gloucester and Cheltenham, with The Greenway — once a drovers' road for driving sheep up onto the escarpment pastures — giving its name to a whole cluster of lanes and properties. Older buildings sit cheek by jowl with twentieth-century housing and recent new builds, so a short stretch of one lane can carry stone, slate, clay and concrete tile in turn. None of that is a problem to clean — but it's 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 or period and glance at the Historic England map before the survey. It costs us five minutes and can save you a planning headache.
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 village and lane properties we flag anything that touches listed-building or period rules first.
Heavy moss is removed by hand from a ladder or tower, gutters cleared at the same time. On Shurdington's shaded, thickly mossed concrete tile and on fragile old stone and slate alike, the bulk growth has to be lifted off 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 tiles — which matters even more under this damp escarpment where regrowth comes 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 Shurdington roof clean keeps us on the ladders or tower most of the day regardless, 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 under an escarpment this damp. You pay for neither; both come as standard.
The free gutter clear is more than a nicety here. With so many tree-lined and north-facing plots under the hill, gutters fill quickly with washed-down moss, grit and leaf-fall — and a blocked gutter pushes water down the wall instead of away from the house, soaking into render 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 Shurdington 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 Shurdington quoteShurdington throws up everything from porous Cotswold stone and brittle slate on the older cottages around St Paul's to big modern estate roofs along the Shurdington Road and at Greenway Chase, and the fragile ones take careful 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 up the lanes) 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. The older Cotswold stone, clay and slate you find on the cottages around St Paul's and the Greenway lanes get hand-scrape and biocide only — pressure on those will damage the surface. The modern interlocking concrete tile on Greenway Chase and the Shurdington Road estates can take a controlled pressure-wash 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. Shurdington sits at the foot of the Cotswold escarpment below Leckhampton Hill, so a lot of the village is shaded and catches the damp run-off and cooler air off the slope — that keeps roofs greening faster than open ground, and north-facing pitches under trees colour up soonest. Pressure-washing on its own buys you about a season — the moss is back the next autumn because the spores are still in the tile. 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 tile 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. Shurdington is a green village backing onto farmland and the escarpment nature reserve, so we're careful with run-off, and we've never had an issue with ponds, gardens or wildlife in years of doing this.
Yes, and this is exactly the work we take most care over. The older properties around St Paul's Church, the village green and the Greenway lanes carry Cotswold stone, hand-made clay or natural slate, often on roofs a century or more old. On those we hand-scrape only — never pressure — and we keep biocide off lime mortar and old leadwork by sheeting and rinsing the edges. St Paul's itself is a Grade II* listed medieval church, and Shurdington has a scatter of listed and period buildings; straightforward removal of moss and algae usually doesn't need listed-building consent because you're not altering the fabric, but anything touching mortar, lead or original fixings does, and we'll flag it before we start so you can speak to Tewkesbury Borough Council first.
It does. Shurdington lies right at the foot of the Cotswold escarpment, below Leckhampton Hill and the Devil's Chimney, so cool, damp air and rainwater drain down off the slope and sit over the village. A lot of plots are tree-lined and semi-rural — around the Bell Inn, the recreation ground and the Greenway lanes — which means shade and leaf-fall on top of the damp. Shade plus moisture is exactly what moss, lichen and algae live on, so Shurdington roofs tend to carry heavier growth than houses out on open, higher ground. It doesn't change how we clean, but it does mean the free biocide treatment earns its keep here.
For most jobs, no. We work from a ladder or scaffold tower with a long-reach lance, which means no concentrated weight on the tiles and no boot scuffs on the ridges. On steeper or older roofs — including the period stone and slate cottages around the village core — 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. Tile and slate life — moss holds moisture against the surface, accelerating freeze-thaw damage and shortening the life of the roof, which on Cotswold stone or natural slate 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 more under the escarpment where there's plenty of run-off and leaf-fall. Insurance and resale — some insurers query roofs visibly covered in growth, and a clean roof is a quiet but real factor in kerb appeal, which counts in a sought-after commuter village like this. Cleaning costs a fraction of replacing tiles or repointing ridges.
No roof stays clear forever — spores are always airborne, and under a shaded, damp escarpment like Shurdington's they're never far away — but treating the cause keeps it clear for years not months: we scrape or soft-wash the moss off, 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 under this escarpment is most of the winter. We clean year-round, though; the biocide works whenever it's applied in dry conditions.
Depends on the tile. The modern interlocking concrete tile on Greenway Chase and the Shurdington Road estates can take a controlled low-pressure wash where it's the right tool; the older Cotswold stone, clay and slate on the village cottages should never be pressure-washed — it strips the surface, cracks tiles and forces water underneath. On those we hand-scrape and treat with biocide. We always tell you the method first.
Regency villas, Cotswold-stone homes, post-war estates — just up the A46 to the north.
Roof cleaning CheltenhamVictorian terraces, the docks regeneration, post-war estates — a short run down the A46.
Roof cleaning GloucesterUnder Cooper's Hill on the same escarpment, post-war estates, heavy moss country.
Roof cleaning BrockworthThe 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. Older stone and slate cottages handled correctly. Fully insured, no-obligation quote, written the same day.
