How Much Does Roof Cleaning Cost?

How Much Does Roof Cleaning Cost?

When it comes to home maintenance, one of the most crucial parts, which is not just about aesthetic appeal but also about extending the life of your roof, is roof cleaning. Roof cleaning can even help with energy efficiency. The average cost of roof cleaning ranges from $50 to $100 per hour. The average cost is typically $765 for cleaning a 1,700-square-foot roof. You can expect the lowest cost as low as $150 for basic blower cleaning on smaller roofs.

It’s important to understand the cost associated with roof cleaning so that you can budget for this essential service effectively. If you are considering roof cleaning and wondering about the cost involved, you’ve come to the right place. Read this comprehensive cost guide and see that estimating the budget for your roof cleaning gets easier.

Keep In Mind

• Different roof types and materials require specific cleaning methods, impacting overall costs.


• The degree of dirt, moss, or algae buildup can vary, influencing the time and effort required, and thus the price.


• Extra work like gutter cleaning or minor repairs during the roof cleaning process can add to the total cost.

Roof Cleaning Costs Overview

• Average Cost: Typically $765 for cleaning a 1,700-square-foot roof.


• Lowest Cost: As low as $150 for basic blower cleaning on smaller roofs.


• Highest Cost: Up to $2,700 for soft wash cleaning for a 3,000-square-foot, three-storey roof, which is the most comprehensive service.

Average Roof Cleaning Prices by State in Australia

Cost by Roof Size

If you hire a professional to clean your roof, on average, it will cost you between $0.20 and $0.70 per square foot. If you opt for straightforward methods like blower cleaning, it can be as cheap as $0.05 per square foot. However, if your roof needs extensive cleaning or is particularly steep, prices can reach up to $0.90 per square foot. Below is a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to pay based on your roof's size:

Cost by Number of Storeys

When you hire a roofing contractor for your roof cleaning, you can expect to pay more if you have multi-storey homes. Typically, contractors add about $0.10 per square foot for two-storey and three-storey homes. This happens all because working at greater heights involves more labour and increases safety risks. So, if your home has multiple storeys, make sure you budget for these additional costs, which account for the extra effort and precautions required to clean your roof safely and effectively at those elevated levels.

Cost by Cleaning Method

• Blower Cleaning: The blower cleaning method is suitable for any type of roof, but remember that it’s not the most effective overall. If you want to get rid of loose debris, it can be removed by using a blower, but it may not be able to efficiently remove moss growth or stains that are difficult to remove. However, it's a budget-friendly option, which costs you between $0.05 and $0.10 per square foot.


• Chemical Wash: A chemical wash is the best option for roofs with extensive moss development, as in this cleaning method, professionals use powerful cleaning solutions to disintegrate algae and moss. It might not be as useful, though, for clearing ordinary debris. The price range for this service is between $0.20 and $0.30 per square foot.


• High-Pressure Wash: If you have a metal roof, you can consider giving it a high-pressure cleaning. With this technique, dirt and grime are blown away with pressured water, leaving your roof looking renewed. The cost per square foot ranges from $0.20 to $0.65.


• Low-Pressure Wash: A low-pressure wash roof cleaning service is more common and won’t void your roof warranty. A gentle touch is necessary when it comes to handling delicate materials such as wood shakes, slate shingles, and tiles. However, low-pressure washing effectively removes dirt from these surfaces without causing any harm. Expenses usually range from $0.30 to $0.70 per square foot. Generally, costs range from $0.30 to $0.70 per square foot.


• Soft Wash: A soft wash cleaning method safely removes dirt and stains off asphalt shingles, concrete, and clay tiles by using low-pressure water along with specialized cleaning products. The cost of this kind of treatment is a little higher, ranging from $0.30 to $0.75 per square foot.

Additional Roof Cleaning Costs

• Roof Repairs: The average cost is $950, depending on the extent of damage.


• Gutter Cleaning: Add-on service costs around $70 to $100, or $0.80 per linear foot on average.


• Moss Removal/Prevention: Part of the overall roof cleaning cost; there are severe cases that may require chemical treatment and a soft wash. Moss prevention treatment costs approximately $200.


• Roof Sealing: Professionals usually charge $0.65 to $5 per square foot for sealing.


• Roof Painting: For metal roofs, you can expect to pay around $2 per square foot for painting to prevent moss and enhance insulation.

Factors Influencing Roof Cleaning Cost

Several factors influence the cost of roof cleaning in Australia. Here’s a detailed look at the key factors affecting these costs, these will help you create a realistic budget for your roof cleaning:

• Size of the Roof: One of the most important factors that influences the cost of roof cleaning is the size of your roof. If you have a larger roof, this means it requires more time, labour, and materials, which generally raises the overall cost of roof cleaning.


• Material type: The type of roofing material also influences the cleaning costs. Generally, terracotta tiles require a gentler cleaning method than metal roofing, which could impact both the approach as well as cost.


• Condition of the Roof: If you haven’t cleaned the roof of your home for years, it’s likely to be covered in debris, moss, algae, or mould. If your roof is in poor condition, it will require more intensive cleaning, which leads to higher costs. The roof is that part of the home that you should not neglect but regularly maintain.


• Method of Cleaning: The method that your roofing contractor will use for cleaning your roof also impacts the cost, whether it is soft washing, high-pressure cleaning, or chemical washing. Each method has its own set of requirements and associated costs.


• Accessibility: Accessibility also plays a major role in increasing the cost of roof cleaning. If you have a single-storey home with a flat roof, it will be easier and cheaper to clean it. But when it comes to cleaning multi-storey homes with steep or complex roofs, it may require special equipment and additional safety measures, which raises the labour as well as the cost.

Roof Cleaning Budgeting Tips

• Always get 3 or 4 quotes from different roof cleaning services to find the best deal according to your preferences and budget.


• If possible, hire professional cleaners during the off-peak season. Many companies offer discounts during off-peak seasons because of lower demand.


• If you keep your roof clean throughout the year, you can prevent heavy buildup and reduce the need for more extensive cleaning services.


• Always remember that professional companies also offer bundle services. If you combine roof cleaning with other services like gutter cleaning or any unexpected roof repairs, there is a high chance of getting discounts and reduced costs.

Choosing a Reliable Roof Cleaning Service

You have to keep these essential things in mind when choosing a reliable roof cleaning service to clean the roof of your home:

• The first and foremost thing you should do is ensure that the company you’re hiring is properly licensed and insured. This provides security for you and your belongings if accidents or damage occur while cleaning.


• Always look for a company with a good track record and positive reviews. Keep in mind that expertise and reliability are often gained through experience, which ensures that your roof will be in good hands.


• You can inquire about the techniques they are going to use to clean roofs and ensure they are appropriate for the type of roof you have. Various materials may necessitate unique cleaning methods to prevent any harm.

Conclusion

For effective budgeting and maintenance, you must understand all the costs and factors affecting roof cleaning. Homeowners can make sure their roofs are well-maintained by taking into account the size, material, condition, and cleaning technique, in addition to additional costs and budgetary tips. Choosing a reliable, experienced, insured, qualified, and experienced roof cleaning company that gives guarantees helps to further assure homeowners of satisfactory results and peace of mind.