Our largest slate roof cleaning to date. This historic Tudor-style estate in Bexley features a massive natural slate roof spanning the main house and a separate carriage house. Years of algae, lichen, and organic buildup had darkened the slate from its original silver-gray to a patchwork of black and green. Our specialized low-pressure gentle cleaning process restored every square inch without damaging a single slate tile.
Before & After
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Main House — Aerial View
Slate
Main House — Front Elevation
Slate
Carriage House
Slate
The Challenge
This Bexley estate had not been cleaned in over six decades. The natural slate tiles were covered in a thick layer of Gloeocapsa magma (black algae), lichen colonies, and moss growth. The discoloration was so severe that the original silver-gray color of the slate was barely visible in most areas.
The property includes both a main house with a complex multi-gable roof system featuring six chimneys, multiple dormers, and steep pitches, plus a separate carriage house with its own expansive slate roof. The total cleaning area made this our largest slate project to date.
Our Approach
- Full roof inspection to identify damaged or loose slate tiles before cleaning
- Custom low-pressure cleaning solution formulated specifically for natural slate
- No high-pressure washing — slate is fragile and can crack under standard pressure
- Careful treatment around all copper flashings, lead valleys, and chimney caps
- Biodegradable cleaning agents safe for the surrounding formal gardens and landscaping
- Both main house and carriage house cleaned in a single visit
The Results
Every slate tile restored to its original silver-gray. The entire estate transformed.
Why Slate Roofs Need a Specialist
Pressure Washing Destroys Slate
Standard pressure washing can crack, chip, and delaminate natural slate tiles. Once damaged, individual slate tiles can cost $50–$200+ each to replace — and matching the original stone color is often impossible. Plus, having somebody walk around on a slate roof presents its own risks and safety concerns. One slip and catastrophic results are likely, especially from this height.
Gentle Cleaning is the Only Safe Method
Our low-pressure gentle cleaning process uses specialized solutions at garden-hose pressure to kill algae, lichen, and moss at the root. The organic growth dies and rinses away naturally, leaving the slate beautifully restored and completely unharmed.
Extends Roof Life by Decades
A well-maintained slate roof can last 100+ years. Algae and lichen growth traps moisture against the stone, accelerating deterioration through thousands of freeze/thaw cycles. The expansion and contraction are what weakens the surface and leads to cracking and breaking. Regular cleaning preserves the slate and protects your investment.
Have a Slate Roof in Bexley?
We specialize in cleaning the premium slate and tile roofs that make Bexley's historic homes so distinctive. Get a free inspection and see your slate roof transformed back to its natural beauty.
Call (888) 516-0008 or request a free quote online at www.forzaroofcleaning.com/freequote
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