How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Clean a Roof in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

The cost to pressure clean a roof runs between $150 and $1,000, with an average price of $459 for most homeowners. Knowing the average costs up front helps you budget and decide when to book service. Scheduling roof cleaning every two to five years heads off moss, debris, and moisture damage, extending the life of your roof. Bringing in a roofing pro keeps you safe on the ground and delivers reliable results.

Roof Pressure Cleaning Cost Factors

Your price ultimately depends on factors like roof size, pitch, height, material, and the cleaning method your pro recommends. Heavy moss or years of grime can tack on extra time—and extra dollars.

Home Size

Most pros quote by the square foot or by the "square" (100 square feet). If your roof is around the typical 2,000 square feet, expect pricing right in the middle of the range.

Roof Condition

Excess dirt, moss, or debris means extra prep time and cleaning solution, so expect your contractor to add a surcharge after the initial inspection.

Labor

Labor is usually the largest part of your invoice, so any extra complexity—think heavy moss, steep angles, or years of buildup —drives the price up. Most pros charge by the square foot, though some will quote $35 to $80 per hour instead.

Accessibility

Extra-steep pitches, intricate shapes, or third-story heights slow a crew down and require more safety gear, so plan on a higher bill if your roof is hard to reach.

Additional Services

• Moss prevention treatment: A buildup of moss on your roof can block gutters, absorb heat (increasing cooling costs), and keep shingles wet, wearing them out prematurely. Most roof cleaners remove moss as part of their service. They may also suggest applying a treatment to prevent moss from returning so quickly, like zinc oxide strips. Expect to pay $100 to $250 for moss, algae, or lichen removal treatments.

• Roof sealant: Licensed roofing contractors can seal your roof. This helps repel water, reflect sunlight, make it flame and corrosion-retardant, and increase its longevity. The average cost to seal a roof is $200 to $500.

• Cleaning or repairing gutters and downspouts: Blocked or broken gutters can lead to expensive roof repairs. It makes sense to have these cleaned while someone is already up on the roof.

Cost by Material

Different roof types may require different cleaning techniques, which can influence your total cost.

Tar and Gravel

Cleaning a tar and gravel roof calls for water plus a mold- and mildew-killing solution. Your pro can use bleach, but will take steps to protect nearby landscaping.

Rubber

Your cleaner will usually start with mild detergent and water on a rubber membrane, switching to a rubber-specific solution if years of grime have set in.

Metal

Metal panels are sturdy enough for a controlled high-pressure or hot-water wash, which quickly clears dirt, moss, and lichens without chipping or cracking the surface.

Slate Shingles

As with metal, cleaning slate involves water and a small amount of liquid detergent. The tiles are heavy but can crack if someone steps carelessly.

Clay

Clay tile is a lot like ceramic, so the cleaning methods are similar. Clay is more porous, so it can’t take pressure-washing. Instead, you can use a garden sprayer with a product like Roof Wash.

Wood

Wooded roofs require a low-pressure wash to avoid damage. Professionals use gentle chemical solutions to remove moss, lichen, and other debris without harming the wood.

Concrete

Concrete tiles are popular in temperate climates with wet weather. Moss buildup is often the biggest problem for this material.

Cost by Method

The cost to pressure wash a roof also varies depending on the method used. A low-pressure wash, recommended for materials like wood or slate, costs more due to the extra care and time required. In contrast, high-pressure washing, often used on more durable metal roofs, is less expensive on average. Choosing the right method depends both on your roof’s material and the condition it’s in.

Common Project Add-Ons

In addition to roof cleaning, many homeowners choose to bundle other exterior maintenance tasks with their pressure washing service. Common add-ons include pressure washing siding, gutter cleaning, and window cleaning, which can improve overall curb appeal and efficiency.

• Pressure washing exterior surfaces: $220–$450

• Gutter cleaning: $ 50–$150

• Window cleaning: $150–$300

Budgeting for Roof Pressure Cleaning

When planning for roof pressure cleaning, setting a realistic budget is key to avoiding unexpected expenses.

• Stick to a regular cleaning schedule: Most pros recommend roof cleaning every two to five years. This can help reduce buildup and save on labor costs. Some professionals offer discounts for repeat service.

• Keep your gutters clear: Clear gutters protect the roof and reduce debris buildup. If you’re comfortable on a ladder, you can tackle single-story gutters yourself and save on the service call.

• Consider treatments and sealants: Depending on your climate and roof type, treatments can help prevent moss and algae growth, reducing future cleaning needs.

• Compare quotes: Get estimates from multiple local roof cleaners. Seasonal specials can also help you save.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.