How Much Does Roof Cleaning Cost in 2025?
Roof cleaning costs an average of $459
On average, roof cleaning costs homeowners between $295 and $623, with an average cost of $459
Key roof cleaning cost factors include home size, roof type, and cleaning method.
Soft washing and low-pressure washing are the most common cleaning methods.
Extra services like algae removal, treatments, and sealing can increase the total cost.
Roof cleaning supports improved roof longevity, enhances curb appeal, and helps prevent costly repairs.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Expect to spend an average of $459 on professional roof cleaning, with most jobs landing between $295 and $623, or an average of $0.20 to $0.60 per square foot. Rates depend on your roof’s size, material, and the cleaning method your pro recommends.
Because the job involves slick surfaces and ladders, hiring a professional is the safest way to protect both your roof and yourself while preserving curb appeal. Scheduling a cleaning every two to five years keeps moss, debris, and moisture damage at bay while protecting curb appeal.
Roof Cleaning Cost Factors
Your final roof cleaning price hinges on roof size, pitch, height, material, and the cleaning approach the pro recommends. Heavy moss or years of grime can add time—and cost—to the job.
Home Size
Many contractors charge by the square foot of the roof or by the square; each square is 100 square feet. The average house roof is 2,000 square feet.
| Roof Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 750 | $150–$450 |
| 1,000 | $200–$600 |
| 1,250 | $250–$750 |
| 1,500 | $300–$900 |
| 2,000 | $400–$1,200 |
| 2,500 | $500–$1,500 |
| 3,000 | $600–$1,800 |
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
Because labor makes up most of the bill, complexity matters. Extensive moss, steep angles, or years of buildup push rates higher. Most pros price by the square foot, but some quote $35 to $80 per hour instead.
Accessibility
Extra‑steep pitches, intricate shapes, or third‑story heights slow crews down and call for added safety gear, so budget for a higher line item if access is tricky.
Additional Services
Many roof‑cleaning pros can tackle other maintenance while they’re up there, and bundling tasks trims both time and invoice totals. Common add‑ons include:
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.
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 $1 to $4 per square foot.
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 Roof Material
Different roof types may require different cleaning techniques, which can influence your total cost.
Tar and Gravel
Cleaning a tar and gravel roof requires water and a solution that eliminates mold and mildew. Pros may use bleach, but it requires care to avoid damaging plants nearby.
Rubber
Pros often clean a rubber membrane roof with a mild detergent and water, 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
One of the issues with this material is that it does not always stand up well to high-pressure blasts of water. The best option is a low-pressure wash that protects the material but still provides a thorough cleaning. Professionals use specially selected chemical solutions that are gentle on the wood and tough on moss. This can be used to remove lichen, moss, and other debris.
Concrete
Concrete tiles are popular in temperate climates with wet weather. Moss buildup is often the biggest problem for this material.
Cost by Cleaning Method
Your roof material influences the type of cleaning method professionals will use. The two main types of cleaning include pressure washing and soft washing.
Pressure Wash
A pressure wash delivers 1,300 to 2,800 psi—more than enough to dent, chip, or void the warranty on asphalt, shake, slate, or tile. For most materials, pros steer clear of this approach and opt for gentler methods.
Soft Wash
Soft washing is a common, gentle roof cleaning method. It’s often more expensive than pressure washing because it involves more labor-intensive techniques. Pros use low-pressure hoses (under 1,000 psi), scrub brushes, and cleaning solutions to kill algae and moss.
Chemical Wash
Chemical washes kill living organisms like moss, lichen, and algae. This type of cleaning doesn't use pressurized water but rather relies on the cleaning solution to remove growth on your roof.
Low-Pressure Wash
Low-pressure washing falls somewhere between a high-pressure wash and a chemical wash. It's not as intense as a standard power washing, so it's good for shingle roofs. But there is just enough pressure to remove dirt and debris. You can also add a cleaning solution to tackle moss and algae.
Budgeting for Roof Cleaning
Roof cleaning requires requires professional tools and expertise, but there are several steps you can take to ensure your project stays budget-friendly:
Stick to a regular cleaning schedule: Most pros recommend roof cleaning every two to five years. This can help reduce buildup, saving you on repairs as well as labor for each cleaning. Some professionals also offer discounts when you sign up for a consistent schedule.
Keep gutters clean: Clean gutters help protect your roof and reduce the buildup of organic material. If you live in a single-story home and are comfortable with the project, you may be able to tackle this step yourself.
Consider treatments and sealants: Depending on your climate and roof type, it may be worthwhile to look into treatments to reduce the growth of moss and algae on your roof.
Compare quotes: Contact multiple roof cleaners in your area to compare prices. Some pros also offer seasonal specials, which can help you save money if you book in advance.
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. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, roof cleaning is a necessary task. A clean roof keeps moisture from seeping under shingles, cuts down on decay, and can add 10 to 20 years to its life. Routine cleanings also sharpen curb appeal and let a pro spot loose flashing or soft spots before they turn into repairs that cost thousands of dollars. In short, a modest cleaning bill now protects you from a far larger roofing invoice later on.
If your roof is dirty, mossy, or covered in algae, start by washing your roof. In many cases, this is all that’s needed, but it’s also a helpful first step to uncovering any other issues. If your roof cleaning pro discovers missing, loose, or damaged shingles while washing, or if you notice that the flashing leaks, it may be time for repairs.
Plan on a cleaning every two to five years, but let climate guide your schedule. If you live in a damp, moss‑prone region, aim for the shorter end of that range; arid areas can wait longer. Sticking to a regular cadence keeps algae from eating into shingles and helps you avoid bigger repair bills down the road.
Schedule the job in late spring or early summer when daylight is long, temperatures are steady, and shingles are dry. A fall touchup after the leaves drop also helps you head into winter with a clear surface. Cold, icy conditions make cleaning risky and can trap water under shingles, so steer clear of freezing forecasts.
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