Davey & Sons

Frequently Asked Questions | Davey & Sons Exterior Cleaning

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Roof Cleaning

How long before moss comes back after roof cleaning?

After a professional biocide treatment, organic growth typically takes three to five years to return, significantly longer than pressure washing alone. Does moss damage roof tiles? Yes, left untreated, moss retains moisture that can cause tiles to crack and degrade over time, making regular treatment a worthwhile investment.

Will roof cleaning damage my tiles?

Not when carried out correctly. We use a soft wash method — low-pressure application combined with a professional biocide — rather than high-pressure water. Is roof cleaning safe for all tile types? In the vast majority of cases, yes. We assess your roof before starting and will always advise if a surface requires special handling.

How often should I have my roof cleaned?

Most roofs benefit from a professional clean every three to five years, depending on surrounding vegetation and local climate. Properties near trees or in shaded areas may need attention more frequently. We'll give you an honest assessment during your free survey.

Do you use pressure washing on roofs?

No. We do not use high-pressure washing on roofs. High pressure can dislodge pointing, crack tiles, and force water under the surface. Our approach uses soft washing vs pressure washing, a low-pressure method with professional biocide solutions that cleans more thoroughly and lasts far longer.

Render Cleaning

What causes green stains on render?

Green staining on render is almost always caused by algae growth. Render is a porous surface, which means moisture is absorbed easily, creating ideal conditions for organic growth. Does pressure washing damage render? It can do. High pressure can break down the surface of weaker renders, which is why we use a low-pressure soft wash method instead.

Is it safe to clean K-Rend?

Yes. K-Rend and other monocouche renders are cleaned safely using our soft wash method. How to clean render safely comes down to two things: the right cleaning solution and the right pressure. We use professional-grade biocide treatments applied at low pressure, which cleans thoroughly without compromising the render's finish or warranty.

How long does render cleaning last?

Results typically last two to four years depending on the render type, aspect, and surrounding environment. Our biocide treatment continues working after the initial clean, which helps slow regrowth and keeps your render looking clean for longer.

Gutter Cleaning

How often should gutters be cleaned?

How often should gutters be cleaned UK? We recommend at least once a year, ideally in late autumn once leaves have fallen, and again in spring if your property is surrounded by trees. Regular cleaning prevents blockages that can cause water to back up and overflow.

Can blocked gutters cause damage to my home?

Can blocked gutters cause damage to foundations? Yes. Overflowing gutters direct water down external walls and around the base of your property. Over time, this can cause damp penetration, erosion, and in worst cases, structural issues. Regular gutter maintenance is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your home.

Do I need to be home for gutter cleaning?

Not necessarily. As long as we have access to the guttering, we can carry out the work without you being present. We'll confirm access requirements with you beforehand and send a condition report once the job is complete.

Soft Washing

What is soft washing?

What is soft washing? Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning method that uses biodegradable biocide solutions to remove organic growth, including algae, moss, lichen, and mould, from exterior surfaces. Unlike pressure washing, it cleans at the root level and leaves a residual treatment that prevents rapid regrowth. It's the recommended approach for roofs, render, and most exterior surfaces.

Is soft washing safe for my plants and pets?

Are exterior cleaning chemicals safe for pets and garden plants? Yes, when applied correctly. We use biodegradable solutions and take care to protect surrounding planting during treatment. Once dry, treated surfaces are safe for pets and children. We'll advise you on any specific precautions before we start.

What chemicals do you use?

We use professional-grade, biodegradable biocide solutions. What is biocide cleaning? It's the use of specialist treatments designed to kill and remove organic growth at the root, algae, moss, lichen, and mould, rather than simply dislodging surface material. Our products are industry-approved and used in accordance with all relevant safety guidelines.

Driveway & Patio Cleaning

Will jet washing damage my block paving?

Does jet washing damage block paving? It can, if the wrong pressure or technique is used. High-pressure water can disturb the jointing sand between blocks, leading to instability and weed growth. We use appropriate pressure settings and pre-treatment to clean effectively without causing damage. We can also re-sand and seal after cleaning if needed.

How long does driveway cleaning take?

Most standard driveways take between two and four hours, depending on size, surface type, and the level of soiling. We'll give you a realistic timeframe at the survey stage so you can plan accordingly.

Do you clean up after the work is done?

Absolutely. We treat every property as if it were our own. All debris and run-off water are managed as part of the job, and we leave your driveway or patio clean and tidy on completion.

General / Booking

Do I need to be home during the work?

In most cases you don't need to be present, provided we have safe access to the area being cleaned. We'll confirm the specifics with you when booking and keep you updated throughout the job.

Are you fully insured?

Yes. Davey & Sons carry full public liability insurance on every job we undertake. You're welcome to request proof of insurance at any stage.

How do I get a quote?

Simply get in touch via our contact form, email, or phone and we'll arrange a free, no-obligation survey at your property. We'll assess every surface, recommend the right treatment, and provide a fixed price before any work begins — no surprises on the invoice.

Which areas do you cover?

We are a Reigate-based exterior cleaning company Surrey, covering properties across Surrey and into Sussex. If you're unsure whether we cover your postcode, just get in touch and we'll confirm.

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