How Much Does An Average Roof Cleaning Service Cost?

You have a couple of choices when it comes to roof cleaning. One option is grabbing a ladder and doing the work yourself.

That’s money saved! But do you have the time, the right equipment, and the expertise?

Roof cleaning seems easy enough. Climb your roof, bring a house, then spray away. However, a large percentage of dirt and grime won’t be easy to remove.

You need a roof cleaning expert to get the job done right. But how much should you pay, and what should you look for in a roof cleaning service?

How Much Can A Roof Cleaning Cost?

Roof cleaning costs anywhere between $100 to the thousands. The cost depends on several factors, including roof size, materials, and labor.

An average home has a roof of about 1,700 square feet. Cleaning can cost around $350. Larger homes with a roof as large as 2,500 square feet can run up to $1,750.

Of course, these are just averages taken nationwide. You can get a free quote from our experts for a more accurate estimation.

Roof Cleaning Cost Breakdown

Every roofing contractor has their own criteria for how much they quote. But for most contractors, the cost breakdown looks like this:

Roof Size

Roof cleaning services can charge more or less between $0.20 and $0.70 per square foot. For smaller homes that require minimal effort, you can spend as little as $0.05 per square foot.

On the other hand, larger homes with more complex roofing layouts can cost as much as $0.90 per square foot. Note that the average roof for residential American homes is 1,700 square feet.

Here is the estimated cost breakdown of the low and high-end roof cleaning costs:

• 1,000 square feet – $200 to $700
• 1,500 square feet – $300 to $1000
• 1,700 square feet – $350 to $1,200
• 2,000 square feet – $400 to $1500
• 2,500 square feet – $500 to $1750

Cleaning Method

Roof cleaners use different cleaning methods depending on what needs to be cleaned. The cheapest would be a simple blower cleaning, removing leaves on the gutter, or a simple wash.

Removing dirt, grime, or algae feeding on your shingles is a different story. Specific chemicals are needed to remove them and protect your roof from discoloration.

Chemical washes can cost $0.20 to $0.30 per square foot. It usually handles moss, algae, and lichen with ease. But, the treatment can last a couple of days to complete.

Another common cleaning method is a high-pressure wash, which costs around $0.20 to $0.65. But this isn’t recommended for all types of roofs.

Most would use high-pressure washing on metal and other durable roof types. Low-pressure washes are better suited for asphalt roofs and can cost between $0.30 to $0.70 per square foot.

Low-pressure washing takes more time, which is why it’s more expensive than high-pressure washing. If you want a more intricate and hands-on approach to roof cleaning, there’s soft wash.

Roof cleaners use less than 100 psi of water pressure, brushing, and bleaching to remove dirt, grime, and algae build-up. Because of the intricacy, it costs $0.30 to $0.75 per square foot.

Roof Shape

Standard roofs won’t cost you anything extra. However, roofs with a couple of gables, steep slopes, and other hard-to-reach areas can cost an additional $0.15 per square foot.

Labor

Labor accounts for a large percentage of your roof cleaning costs. Some charge you for a percentage of the total cost of materials. Others charge by the hour.

But as mentioned earlier, this depends on your roof type and the required cleaning methods. Be sure to get a quote first so you’ll have an estimate to work with.

Materials

If you plan to clean your roof, you will need the proper cleaning and roofing materials. The average pressure washers on Amazon are priced between $150 to $300.

Before using it, remember to check if your roofing material can handle the pressure. In most cases, a low-pressure wash is recommended.

When using chemical wash, you’d want professional roof cleaners to handle it for you. There’s no set amount to use. Plus, you can’t just “eyeball” a chemical wash.

Additional Roof Cleaning Services Costs

Most roof cleaners offer a variety of services beyond your basic cleaning package. Here’s a cost breakdown for popular roof cleaning service add-ons:

• Moss prevention: $150 to $250
• Gutter cleaning: $0.70 to $1.30 per linear foot
• Stain prevention: $20 to $30 per gallon
• Stain removal: $50 to $100
• Solar panel cleaning: $150 to $350

Signs That You Need to Clean Your Roof

It’s not every day that we check up on our roof to see if it’s clean, so it’s often left on the back burner. But there are signs you can easily spot even without climbing up yourself, such as:

• Black streaks
• Dirt or mold buildup
• Layers of leaves piling up
• Lifted roof shingles
• Moss or algae build-up (check the shaded areas)

Why Should You Hire a Roof Cleaning Service?

“Why would I hire roof cleaners? The rain does the cleaning for me.” This is a typical argument people make when it comes to roof cleaning.

However, there could be underlying issues that can be spotted and addressed early with the help of professionals. Remember, roof repairs cost a lot.

Algae and moss can build up, causing shingles to lift and curl. Over time, it can result in water intrusion, wood rot, moisture damage, and roof leaks.

If you spot any visible signs listed earlier, it’s best to ask for a quote from professional cleaners. As a rule of thumb, it’s recommended to get your roof cleaned annually or every couple of years.

Roof Cleaning Considerations

Hiring a roof cleaning service ensures your roof gets a professional, thorough, and long-lasting cleaning that won’t damage your roof in the process.

If you’re planning to hire a roof cleaning service, here are the costs you need to consider:

Roof size: The average size of an American roof is 1,700 square feet, which can cost between $300 to $1,200 to clean.

Cleaning method: There are several cleaning methods, including high, low, and soft-pressure washing, chemical washing, and your typical blower cleaning.

Roof shape: Some roofs have hard-to-reach areas that need cleaning. Those with gables or steep slopes might require a harness to clean, which can cost extra.

Labor: Labor takes up a huge chunk of the overall cost. Some charge by the hour, others ask for a percentage of the total cost.

Cleaning your roof sounds trivial, but it can save you more in the long run. Plus, it can make your home look brand new! Get a free quote from our experts today!