Costs & Guides

The cost of cleaning a roof will be discussed in this article, along with the many methods employed, labour costs, your location, and how access to the roof is achieved. All of these factors will have an impact on the price of roof cleaning.

How Much Does It Cost to Clean a Roof?

Cleaning a roof costs between £8 and £12 per square metre on average. This will include the labour, equipment, and materials needed to complete the work, as well as any safety equipment required to reach the roof, such as scaffolding.

Roof cleaning costs are also impacted by the size and nature of the roof, the number of persons performing the work, how easy or difficult it is to gain access to the roof, and your location within the United Kingdom.

The cost of having your roof cleaned is determined on the total square metres of your roof. The larger the area to be covered, the more time and materials will be required.

A normal terraced roof will measure 50-60 square metres, a semi-detached roof would measure 65–75 square metres, and a fully detached home will measure 100–115 square metres.

This, of course, is dependent on the roof style. Gable and hipped roofs should be reasonably easy to clean, however due to its shape, a mansard or gambrel roof will take more effort.

The cost of roof cleaning is determined by the number of employees required to complete the task properly and safely. The cost of labour will be reflected in the number of tradesmen required to clean your roof.

Larger roofs may require two persons to accomplish in a fair amount of time, although smaller roof sections may usually be completed by one person.

The roof cleaning charges you are quoted will be influenced by your location in the United Kingdom. Due to greater business expenditures such as insurance and business premises, this service will be more expensive in London and the southeast than in other parts of the country.

Roof cleaning will be less expensive in the north of England, the Midlands, and some rural areas of Wales and Scotland, while pricing in some large cities may still be higher.

To obtain a sense of the average cost, acquire three or four quotes from local roof cleaning firms.

The cost of roof cleaning will be influenced by the level of access to your roof and the method utilised to get there. The amount you pay will be influenced by your ability to access the property itself, particularly the roof.

The mode of access used by the roof cleaning firm will also be a pricing consideration. Some businesses will only clean roofs with ladders, while others will employ a scaffold tower. A cherry picker may be used to access the roof area by larger and potentially more expensive companies.

The access technique chosen may be determined by the shape of the roof, and this decision will be reflected in the roof cleaning costs.

Roof Cleaning Prices

Property Type	Roof Size	Minimum Cost	Maximum Cost	Average Cost
Terraced house	50-60 sqm	£400-£480	£600-£720	£500-£600
Semi-detached	65-75 sqm	£520-£600	£780-£900	£650-£750
Average detached house	100-115 sqm	£800-£920	£1200-£1380	£1000-£1610
Large detached house	115-130 sqm	£920-£1380	£1380-£1560	£1150-£1470

What are the Supply Costs of Cleaning a Roof?

If you’re looking at the cost of roof cleaning, you might want to know how much it would cost if you did it yourself, excluding labour costs.

Working on a roof, particularly a wet roof, is a very risky job that should only be done by professionals or people who have the right safety equipment.

However, how much of the expense of roof cleaning is accounted for by supply prices will vary depending on the method used.

Some organisations use pressure washers to clean roof tiles, which can be a cost-effective and time-saving solution. Many individuals already own a pressure washer and may contemplate using it to clean their roofs, but most roofing professionals do not suggest it.

Soft washing, which employs a chemical called a biocide, is a popular alternative. This eliminates moss, algae, and lichen that grow on roofs, and it’s frequently used in conjunction with scraping.

This will be more time-consuming and labor-intensive than pressure washing. The price of the biocide is determined by the type and size of the roof to be covered.

Another alternative is to steam-clean the roof. This is comparable to pressure washing, but the roof cleaning equipment is quite specialised; therefore, it is not a do-it-yourself project. It will be comparable in price to pressure cleaning the roof in terms of expense.

Scraping garbage and growth from a roof’s surface is a low-cost solution. However, this will require a significant amount of effort and would avoid the use of high-pressure equipment or chemicals.

Although it will be less expensive than employing pressure equipment or biocides, the outcome may not be as successful.

What are the additional Costs of Roof Cleaning?

Roof tile cleaning will improve the appeal of your home, but there may be additional charges associated with this work, as well as optional services to enhance your home’s attractiveness.

Consider clearing the debris from the gutters and the surrounding area. Some businesses will remove the gutters before cleaning the roof tiles and then reattach them afterward.

Before the job begins, make sure that all leaves, moss, and debris are removed from the gutters and that the fascia, soffits, and walls are clean.

Window Cleaning

Any technique of roof cleaning might result in splattered windows, which can be an additional expenditure if you don’t want to clean them yourself.

Window cleaning costs can range from £20 to £50 for an average home with seven windows, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find a local firm.

Roof Tile Repair

If a firm destroys one of the roof tiles while cleaning it, it will have to be repaired or replaced.

The cost of tile repair varies depending on the type of tile, where the damaged tile is on the roof, and where you live.

Restoring a cracked roof tile costs between £170 and £500, while repairing a ridge costs between £150 and £600.

Guttering, Soffits & Fascia

Guttering that is in good working order is critical for the upkeep of your property. If your guttering is in poor condition, it is worth updating because the risk of dampness entering your property is considerable.

It’s possible that this will cost you more than the cost of new gutters. Depending on the material and covered area, prices might range from £500 to £1500.

Similarly, your soffits and fascia must be in good working order, so how much can you expect to pay if you clean your roof and discover that they need to be replaced?

Again, it depends on the type of material used, such as uPVC, wood, or aluminium, as well as the quantity required. Soffit and fascia cost between £5 and £50 per linear metre.

New Roof

A roof that is heavily covered in moss, algae, and lichen can disguise a multitude of sins, and the true condition of the roof may not be seen until it is cleaned.

It’s possible that the roof is beyond repair and that a replacement is required. Because sizes, styles, roof coverings, and local pricing vary so much, it’s difficult to give an exact cost for a new roof.

However, as a general rule, expect to pay between £7,000 and £15,000.

Cost-Affecting Factors

While estimating the cost of roof cleaning, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your budget.

Minimum Fee

Some providers charge a minimum cost for roof cleaning. This will include the cost of any roof cleaning equipment, labour, and additional costs such as gas, insurance, and so on. Any quotations should mention whether or not there is a minimum fee.

Excess Mileage Charges

It’s best to hire a local roof cleaning firm whenever possible, as choosing a contractor from out of town could result in extra mileage and travel costs.

Unfortunately, if your property is in a distant location, these fees may be unavoidable and must be budgeted for.

Size of Roof

The size of the roof is perhaps the most important consideration when budgeting for a roof cleaning. The larger the cleaning area, the longer it will take, resulting in more labour and material expenditures.

Roof Style

The roof’s shape and style are also factors to consider. Mansard or dormer roofs may have additional expenditures related with their design.

A significant part of the roof may usually be cleaned without repositioning roof cleaning equipment; however, other roof styles will necessitate more adjustments and movement across the roof to reach all regions.

Scaffolding & Other Access Methods

When collecting quotes for roof cleaning, take note of the company’s or contractor’s preferred way of access. This is a company to avoid if they propose ladders for safety reasons.

The best solutions are scaffolding, a scaffold tower, or a cherry picker. Working from ladders on a wet roof is risky and should not be attempted.

While these estimates are less expensive, the implications for you as a homeowner if something goes wrong are substantial. Although a scaffold tower or cherry picker is more expensive, it is safer for workers and your roof.

Even with the use of a roofing ladder, walking on a roof often results in broken tiles that must be replaced, increasing your costs.

Timeline

The amount of time it takes to clean the roof will be a financial consideration. This could be due to the amount of the roof area or the type of the roof, but the longer the job takes, the more labour and materials it will cost.

Property Location

The cost of roof cleaning is affected by where you reside. Because London has higher insurance and business-related costs than the rest of the UK, pricing in the city will always be higher.

To obtain a sense of what is a realistic cost in your area, request three or four quotes from local roof cleaning contractors.

Tradesmen Costs for Roof Cleaning

Roof cleaning labour rates vary depending on where you live in the country, but on average, it costs roughly £8-£12 per square metre.

The sort of cleaning performed will decide how long the job takes and, as a result, the cost. Roof cleaning machinery can complete an ordinary roof in 1-2 days, however scraping by hand might take up to 2-3 days. Cleaning that requires a lot of labour will always be more expensive.

The amount of roof cleaning required will have an impact on the labour cost. A large, severely moss-covered roof will take more time and personnel to clean than a smaller, lightly soiled roof.

How Long Does It Take to Clean a Roof?

The time it takes to clean a roof is determined by several factors, including the size of the roof, the extent of the cleaning required, access (ladders, scaffolding, cherry picker), and the cleaning method used.

Property	Roof Size	Pressure Washing	Soft Wash	Steam	Scraping
Terraced house	50-60 sqm	4-5 hours	1 day	6-8 hours	1-2 days
Semi-detached	65-75 sqm	1 day	2 days	1-2 days	2-3 days
Average detached house	100-115 sqm	1-2 days	2-3 days	2-3 days	3-4 days
Large detached house	115-130 sqm	2-3 days	3-5 days	3-4 days	3-5 days

Cleaning a roof with pressure washers or steam cleaners is faster than scraping and gentle washing, which is a more physical process that takes significantly longer.

Pressure washing a terraced house roof can take 4-5 hours, whereas scraping or soft washing can take 1-2 days.

Progress will be significantly faster if a cherry picker is used to access the roof because the worker will be able to travel about the roof area at the press of a button.

Using a scaffold tower to reach various portions of the roof will necessitate moving the tower around the property, which will inevitably slow down the process.

A semi-detached roof can be steam cleaned in one day if done from a cherry picker, but it will take 1.5 to 2 days if done by a scaffold tower.

The amount of moss, lichen, algae, or grime on the roof surface will also influence how long it takes to clean it. Cleaning a highly moss-covered roof requires patience and attention because there may be hidden harm underneath.

To avoid further damage, a professional cleaning company will continue with caution.

Types of Roof Cleaning

Roof cleaning can be done in a variety of ways, and some organisations specialise in one approach or offer a variety of options at different pricing.

Regardless of the approach you choose for your roof, you should receive at least three quotes to ascertain the average price for your area and the size of the roof.

Soft Washing

This roof cleaning procedure uses a biocide to kill any plant life that has grown on your roofing, such as moss, lichen, or algae.

Scraping, which includes manually removing moss or lichen from roof tiles and then washing the roof area with a biocide, is frequently done in conjunction with it.

Pros
The chemical is left on the roof and is activated every time it rains. This provides ongoing protection and maintenance of the roof surface.
This method does not involve large volumes of water delivered at high pressure, which can potentially cause damage to the roof.
Biocides used in soft washing will remove black algae, which pressure washing does not remove.
Cons
The process can be slower than using a pressure washer or steam cleaner.
It is a more labor-intensive job, with hand tools often employed to remove the moss from the roof surface.
Some people may not be happy about using chemicals to clean their roofs.

Steam Cleaning

It is a procedure similar to pressure washing, but instead of high pressure, it uses high temperatures to clean.

Although the steam is given at a lesser pressure, it is effective in the removal of moss, lichen, and algae. It also prevents these plants from regrowing in an environmentally friendly manner.

Pros
Effectively removes plant growth, surface dirt, and debris from the roof surface.
Does not require the use of chemicals.
The steam is delivered at a lower pressure than a jet washer and is, therefore, less likely to damage tiles or slates.
Cons
Professional equipment is needed for this method, and by definition, this will be more expensive than other roof cleaning techniques.
Steam alone will not kill all the algae and lichen spores, and the process needs to be augmented with a biocide application to stop regrowth.
Cleaning at high temperatures may not be suitable for some conservatory roof cleaning, especially those with uPVC frames.

Pressure Washing

Cleaning a roof using a pressure washer is a divisive topic, with many pro and con arguments. Despite this, there are numerous companies and enterprises that provide this service.

Most people are aware of how successful pressure washers are for cleaning driveways, bricks, and walkways, but it is unclear whether they are appropriate for cleaning all types of roofing.

Pros
This method is quick, and a terraced house roof can be cleaned in a matter of hours.
Due to the speed of this technique, it is often cheaper than other more labor-intensive roof cleaning methods.
There are a lot of companies offering this service, so it is easy to get several quotes for your roof.
Cons
+ The benefits of high pressure washing all types of roofing material are debatable within the industry.
+ There is a greater potential for damage, particularly to slates, pointing and ridge tiles when using high-pressure cleaning.
+ If done incorrectly, this method can allow water to ingress through the roof underneath the tiles.

Moss Scraping

This form of roof cleaning is time-consuming and requires more effort than using high-pressure washers or steam cleaning equipment.

The moss is scraped off the roof’s surface with a long-handled instrument. It’s frequently followed by a biocide wash that stays on the roof and activates whenever it rains.

Pros
Scraping the moss off the roof manually ensures that all of the plants are removed.
There is no need for high-pressure water, which has the potential to cause damage or water ingress.
This is a cleaner method of removing moss and lichen from your roof, causing less mess in the process.
Cons
Scraping moss off the roof is labor-intensive and will take a lot longer to clear the roof.
It is not possible to scrape algae off of the surface of the roof, and this will need to be removed by applying a biocide.
Direct access to the roof surface may be needed, and this could potentially cause damage to the roof tiles.

Benefits of Cleaning a Roof

“Is it worth cleaning a roof because it is built to endure the weather and elements of nature?” one could wonder. Of course, your perspective and priorities will influence your decision, but there are certain advantages to cleaning a roof.

Protecting the Roof

Removing moss from the roof minimises water retention on the roof surface, as well as the risks that come with leaving it there. Apart from the potential harm caused by moisture, when the temperature dips below freezing, the water will freeze and expand in any gaps between the roof tiles.

This might cause the tiles to become dislodged and slip over time.

Preventing Long Term Damage

Water retained by moss can get underneath the roof tiles and eventually start to affect the integrity of the roof timbers. By cleaning the roof, you are preventing potential long term damage and expensive repairs to the roof structure.

Untreated algae and lichen will continue to grow and spread on your roof, and this is not a good environment for your roof tiles, which will degrade over time.

Maintaining Gutters & Drainpipes

The problem of moss falling into gutters and obstructing them not only causes overflowing, which can cause inside wet and exterior mess, but the water-filled moss can expand in drainpipes and gutters, leading them to explode in freezing temperatures.

Aesthetics

A roof that has been cleaned of moss, algae, and lichen can frequently appear new and have greater curb appeal.

This is especially advantageous if you are planning to sell your home. A clean roof conveys that the home has been well-maintained and not neglected.

Moss can also attract birds and insects, causing them to settle in your roof space and contributing to the mess on the roof and in the gutters.

Functionality

Roof cleaning for conservatories is very crucial in terms of operation. The conservatory roof is not allowing light and warmth into the space if it is coated in moss, algae, or lichen. A stained conservatory roof is also unattractive.

FAQs

How often should you clean a roof?
It depends on the environment in which the house is located. If your roof is in a shaded, wet position, it will be more susceptible to moss, while other roofs may be prone to black algae or lichen.

A roof may need to be cleaned once a year in these circumstances, while less impacted roofs may only need to be cleaned every two to three years.

Is it okay to pressure wash a roof?
Many tile producers advise against jet-cleaning roofs. The protective coating on the exterior of the tiles might be stripped away by the high pressure of the water.

It has the potential to harm or displace tiles. Pressure washing a roof is also a nasty process that usually only removes surface grime and moss. Algae on the tiles is usually unaffected by high-pressure washing and must be removed with a biocide cleaning chemical.

Can water get into the property during a roof clean?
A skilled roof cleaning firm will take precautions around roof light windows and during conservatory roof cleaning to avoid water infiltration.

Water should always be directed downwards, not upwards, where it could get trapped beneath tiles or slates.

What happens if I don’t remove the moss off my roof?
Moss prefers damp conditions to grow and thrive. If left alone, it will continue to develop and spread across the roof like a live thing.

The moss absorbs moisture and expands in freezing temperatures. This can produce roof tile cracks, and if left unattended, tiles can get damaged to the point where they need to be replaced.

What does it mean to “soft wash” a roof?
Soft washing refers to cleaning the roof without using a pressure washer, rather than chemicals and biocides to remove dirt, moss, and algae.

Some concerns, such as black and red algae, are resistant to pressure washing and require the use of a specialised chemical wash.