Thatch roof cleaning removes moss, algae, lichen, leaves and debris that hold water in the grass. Green growth is a sign the roof stays damp: shade, the south side, overhanging trees and humid coastal or Lowveld air all keep it wet, and wet thatch rots sooner. Cleaning has to be gentle, because rough methods can tear the grass and leave the roof worse off. Most cleaning is followed by a treatment and some trimming of trees. Send one request and we pass it to independent thatchers and cleaners near you, who quote you directly.
Why thatch goes green
Moss and algae grow where the thatch does not dry out between rains. Look at which side is green: usually the south side, under trees, next to a taller wall, or in a valley full of leaves. On the KZN coast, the Garden Route and in the Lowveld, humid air keeps roofs damp for longer. Cleaning treats the symptom; letting sun and wind reach the roof treats the cause. Cutting back branches is often part of the job, and part of yearly maintenance. Lichen grows slowly and is less of a worry than thick moss, which acts like a sponge. Black streaks and a soft, dark surface on the grass are a sign the damp has gone deeper, and that part of the roof may need more than a clean.
How a roof is cleaned
- Brushing and combing with a soft brush or rake, working downwards with the grass, to lift moss and loose debris.
- Clearing valleys and the area behind chimneys of leaves and rotting matter.
- A treatment where needed, to kill off remaining growth, applied to the maker's instructions.
- Topping up any thin spots the cleaning reveals.
Pressure washing can damage thatch by blasting grass loose and driving water deep into the roof. Ask how the cleaner works before you agree. Cleaning is best done in dry weather, so the roof can dry quickly afterwards, and the ground below should be cleared or covered, because a fair amount of debris comes down.
Treat it once it is clean
A clean, dry roof is the right time for a water repellent or anti-fungal treatment, which slows the growth coming back. See thatch sealers and treatments. If the roof has a fire retardant, ask whether cleaning affects it and whether it needs re-doing afterwards. Products differ, so ask which one is used and how often it needs re-applying.
Before an inspection or a sale
A mossy roof looks older than it is and hides worn spots. Cleaning before a thatch inspection or before selling lets the inspector see the real condition. If the cleaner finds rot or deep holes under the moss, ask for photos and a repair quote at the same time. Buyers and inspectors notice a roof that has clearly been looked after.
What to put in your request
- Photos of the moss, algae or lichen
- Roof size, and which sides are green
- Trees over or next to the roof
- Any treatment or fire retardant on it now
- Whether it is for a sale or an inspection
Thatch Roof Cleaning for homes, lodges, farms and venues
- Homeowners: moss brushed off the shaded side of the house and the roof treated
- Estate homes and HOAs: thatch homes cleaned to keep the estate looking cared for
- Game lodges and bush camps: chalets under big trees cleaned and treated before the rainy season
- Guesthouses and B&Bs: a mossy roof cleaned so the building looks well kept to guests
- Farms and smallholdings: the farmhouse and lapa cleaned and trees cut back from the eaves
- Restaurants, pubs and beach bars: a beer garden roof cleaned of leaves and moss in the quiet season
- Resorts and holiday parks: coastal thatch units cleaned and treated on a regular rotation
- Wedding venues, schools and churches: the wedding lapa cleaned before the photo season
- Builders, architects and developers: a thatch roof cleaned before a renovated house goes on the market
Frequently asked questions
Do you clean thatch roofs yourselves?
Is moss bad for a thatch roof?
Can I pressure wash my thatch?
How often does a roof need cleaning?
Thatch Roof Cleaning by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg