How much does roof cleaning cost?
$0.15 – $0.60 cost per square foot
$250 – $600 average total cost
$250 – $600 average total cost
Get free estimates from roof cleaners near you, or view our cost guide below.
March 15, 2022
Reviewed by Tom Grupa and 2 expert roof cleaners on HomeGuide.Roof cleaning cost
Roof cleaning costs $250 to $600 on average, depending on the roof size, pitch, and material. Soft washing a shingle or tile roof costs $0.15 to $0.60 per square foot. Pressure washing a metal roof costs $0.20 to $0.70 per square foot. Roof moss removal costs $0.20 to $0.75 per square foot.
| National average cost | $440 |
| Minimum cost | $150 |
| Maximum cost | $1,000 |
| Average cost range | $250 to $600 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Table of contents
[hide]Roof washing cost by method
Roof cleaning prices are $0.15 to $0.70 per square foot, depending on the cleaning method. Soft washing with water and a chemical solution is best for asphalt shingle or tile roofs. Pressure washing is best for metal roof cleaning.
| Cleaning method | Average cost per square foot | Roof type |
|---|---|---|
| Soft wash | $0.15 – $0.60 |
|
| Pressure wash | $0.20 – $0.70 |
|
Roof soft washing cost
Soft washing a roof costs $0.15 to $0.60 per square foot and combines a chemical solution, such as bleach and water, sprayed through a low-pressure hose to remove dirt, mold, and algae. Soft chemical washing is the safest and most common roof cleaning method.
| Factor | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Average soft wash | $0.15 – $0.60 |
| Additional story / multi-level roof | + $0.10 – $0.20 |
| Steep Roof | + $0.15 – $0.20 |
| Roof blow | + $0.05 – $0.10 |
Pressure wash roof cost
Pressure washing a roof costs $0.20 to $0.70 per square foot, but contractors strongly recommend against pressure washing or power washing a roof because the water intensity may damage the roof material and knock off the granules on shingles.
Roof moss removal cost
Roof moss removal costs $0.20 to $0.75 per square foot, depending on the roof size. Moss buildup on a roof:
- retains heat, increasing cooling costs
- causes shingles to lift and curl
- holds moisture, causing shingles to rot
- clogs gutters
- continues to grow and worsen until cleaned
| Service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Roof moss removal | $0.20 – $0.75 per square foot |
| Roof moss prevention treatment | $100 – $250 |
Roof moss treatment cost
Roof moss treatment costs $100 to $250 and prevents new moss growth. If not treated, moss will continue to grow over time and may work its way under the shingles or tiles, causing damage and leaks.
Zinc strips cost $30 to $60 for a 50-foot roll to protect against moss and mildew growth. Avoid using zinc sulfate powder as it may run off the roof in rainwater and kill the surrounding landscape.
Roof cleaning price factors & services
The following factors affect the cost of roof cleaning:
- Roof size and shape – Prices increase for larger roofs or complex roofing systems that require more detailed work.
- Number of stories – Most roof cleaning companies charge extra to clean multi-story homes or multi-level roofs.
- Roof material – Cleaning delicate roof materials may require special tools, increasing costs.
- Roof pitch – Steeper roofs require more safety precautions and equipment, increasing costs.
- Location – Roofs in rainy regions require more frequent and vigorous cleaning. Roofs near the sea require extra cleaning time to remove salt and sand.
- Cleaning method – Pressure washing costs slightly more than soft washing. Roofing companies recommend soft washing for most roof materials.
- Roof condition – Roofs with excess dirt, mold, or algae buildup take longer to clean and may require physical scraping.
- Plant protection – Most companies use tarps to protect plants on the ground around the house before soft washing the roof with a mix of water and chemicals.
- Solar panels require a specialized cleaning solution and method, increasing the cost.
- Roof repair costs $200 to $800 for minor to moderate repairs. Roof cleaners may discover damage requiring repairs while cleaning.
- Metal roof painting costs $1.20 to $2.70 per square foot on average.
Roof cavity cleaning cost
Attic cleaning costs $100 to $500, depending on the size, accessibility, and type and extent of debris or damage. Costs increase for jobs that require removing old insulation, relocating stored items, or resolving pest problems. Cleaning the roof cavity is essential to maintain the home's indoor air quality.
Roof raking service prices
Roof raking costs $200 to $500, depending on the roof size, location, and number of stories. Roof raking involves gently pulling snow off the roof without damaging the shingles, eaves, and gutters.
Roof sealing and coating
Roof sealing and coating costs $500 to $2,000 on average or $1 to $4 per square foot, depending on the roof size and material, accessibility, sealant type, and number of layers.
Roof and gutter cleaning cost
Gutter cleaning costs $110 to $185 on average or $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot, depending on the home size and number of stories. Many companies offer a discount when combining gutter and roof cleaning services in the same visit.
Roof vent cleaning cost
Roof dryer vent cleaning costs $150 to $250 on average. Vertical roof vents are more prone to mold due to roof leaks and take more time to clean.
Roof cleaning FAQs
How long does it take to clean a roof?
Cleaning a roof takes 2 to 5 hours on average, depending on the size, complexity, pitch, and condition. Large or steep roofs may take a full day.
How often should you have your roof cleaned?
Have your roof cleaned every 1 to 3 years, depending on location. Roofs in rainy regions require cleaning more often than roofs in sunny areas. Consider an annual roof cleaning for homes under a thick tree canopy that frequently drops leaves, moss, or debris.
Signs your roof needs cleaning
Look for these signs your roof needs cleaning:
- Visible moss, lichen, algae, or mildew
- Black streaks, which often indicate mold
- Dirt or grime dulling the roof color
- Leaf or debris buildup
- Lifting or curling roof shingles
Is roof cleaning necessary?
Roof cleaning is necessary to prevent dirt, algae, and moss from damaging the roof over time and causing leaks. Cleaning also reduces summer cooling costs and increases the roof's lifespan.
Does cleaning your roof damage it?
Cleaning your roof with a soft wash does not damage it. Pressure washing or power washing may damage the roof.
Can you pressure wash a roof?
The Roof Cleaning Institute of America (RCIA) and the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) strongly advise against pressure washing a shingle or tile roof because the intense pressure can damage the material. Soft wash a shingle or tile roof instead. You can pressure wash a solid metal roof.
Getting estimates from roof cleaning companies
Before hiring a roof cleaning company and signing a contract:
- Get three in-person estimates to compare.
- Look for cleaners who are members of the RCIA or ARMA.
- Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
- Select a company that is licensed, insured, and has been in business longer than five years.
- Request a written estimate, contract, and warranty.
- Avoid making large upfront payments. Use a payment schedule instead.
Questions to ask roof cleaners
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Are you a member of the RCIA?
- Do you charge a flat fee, hourly rate, or per square foot?
- Is it safe to pressure wash my roof?
- What type of cleaning chemicals will you use on my roof?
- Will the chemicals harm my pets or plants?
- Will you cover my plants before cleaning the roof? If yes, do you charge extra for it?
- Will you blow off the roof before cleaning it?
- How long will the cleaning take?
- What safety precautions will you take?
- How often should I have my roof cleaned?
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