How much does roof cleaning cost?
Ashburn, VA

How much does roof cleaning cost?

Ashburn, VA

How much does roof cleaning cost?

$0.15 – $0.60cost per square foot
$250 – $600average total cost

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$0.15 – $0.60 cost per square foot

$250 – $600 average total cost


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Kristen Cramer
Written by
Kristen Cramer
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Tom Grupa

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.

Roof cleaning cost - chart
Roof cleaning cost - chart
Roof cleaning cost
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.

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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.

Roof washing cost by method - chart
Roof washing cost by method - chart
Roof cleaning cost by roof type
Cleaning method Average cost per square foot Roof type
Soft wash $0.15 – $0.60
  • Asphalt, slate, or wood shingles
  • Cedar shake
  • Clay or concrete tile
  • Tar and gravel
  • Rubber
Pressure wash $0.20 – $0.70
  • Metal standing seam
  • Solid metal

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Roof soft washing cost

Soft washing a roof costs $0.15 to $0.60 per square foot and is the safest and most common method. Soft washing involves spraying a chemical solution, such as bleach and water, through a low-pressure hose to remove dirt, mold, and algae.

Roof soft washing cost
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

Soft wash roof cleaning asphalt shingles
Soft wash roof cleaning asphalt shingles

Pressure wash roof cost

Pressure washing a roof costs $0.20 to $0.70 per square foot. However, 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.

Contractor Power Washing A Roof With A Steep Pitch
Contractor Power Washing A Roof With A Steep Pitch

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

Roof moss removal and treatment cost
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 per 50-foot roll and protect against moss and mildew growth.

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. Steeper roofs require more safety precautions and equipment, increasing costs.

  • 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 condition – Roofs with excess dirt, mold, or algae buildup take longer to clean and may require physical scraping.

  • Location – Roofs in rainy regions require more frequent and vigorous cleaning. Roofs near the sea require extra cleaning time to remove salt and sand.

  • Landscape 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 $150 to $3,000 for minor to moderate repairs. Roof cleaners may discover damage requiring repairs while cleaning.

Asphalt shingle roof cleaning - before and after
Asphalt shingle roof cleaning - before and after
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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.

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 or $1 to $4 per square foot, depending on the roof size and material, sealant type, and number of layers.

Roof and gutter cleaning cost

Gutter cleaning costs $110 to $185 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

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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 your 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. In comparison, metal roof painting costs $1.20 to $2.70 per square foot on average.

Still have questions? Ask a pro.

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?