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Updated October 2026. Prices come from published US cost guides from This Old House (updated March 2026), Fixr and HomeGuide, checked this month.
Roof cleaning cost in the US averages about $600–$675 for a typical 1,500-square-foot roof, with most jobs falling between $300 and $1,050. Per square foot, homeowners usually pay $0.20–$0.70, and soft washing, the method most shingle and tile roofs need, runs about $0.30–$0.75.
This guide is written for roof cleaning and soft washing companies deciding how much to charge, but it works just as well if you’re a homeowner checking a quote. We cover cost by roof size, method and material, the adjustments pros make for pitch and height, and a quick calculator that turns a home’s footprint into a roof cleaning price.
Roof cleaning cost at a glance
| Typical cost | Source | |
|---|---|---|
| Average job (1,500 sq ft roof) | $600–$675 | This Old House |
| Typical range | $300–$1,050 | This Old House |
| National average (all sizes) | $440 | HomeGuide |
| Per square foot, all methods | $0.20–$0.70 | This Old House |
| Soft wash per square foot | $0.30–$0.75 | This Old House, Fixr |
| Separate moss prevention treatment | $100–$250 | HomeGuide, Fixr |
Sources don’t agree perfectly. HomeGuide puts soft washing lower, at $0.15–$0.60 per square foot, while This Old House and Fixr put it at $0.30–$0.75. That spread is normal: prices vary a lot by region, roof pitch and how bad the algae or moss is.
Roof cleaning cost calculator
Enter the home’s footprint (the ground-floor area, or the roof area if you already know it), pick the roof pitch and material, and the calculator estimates roof area and a low, typical and high price.
Need to price a roof together with a house wash and driveway? Use our full pressure washing estimate calculator.
Roof cleaning cost by roof size
| Roof size | Typical range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $50–$750 | $400 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $75–$1,125 | $600 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $100–$1,500 | $800 |
| 2,200 sq ft | $110–$1,650 | $880 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $125–$1,875 | $1,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $150–$2,250 | $1,200 |
Source: This Old House, updated March 31, 2026. The low end of each range reflects simple methods like blowing debris off, not a full soft wash.
Roof cleaning cost by method
| Method | Per sq ft | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Blower cleaning | $0.05–$0.10 | Leaves and loose debris only |
| Chemical wash | $0.20–$0.30 | Rubber, tar and gravel |
| High-pressure wash | $0.20–$0.60 | Metal roofs |
| Low-pressure wash | $0.30–$0.70 | Wood shakes, slate |
| Soft wash | $0.30–$0.75 | Asphalt shingles, clay and concrete tile |
Source: This Old House, March 2026. Fixr notes moss and algae removal is usually included in a soft wash or chemical clean, so it's rarely a separate line item unless you add a preventive treatment.
Soft washing is the standard for shingle roofs because high pressure can strip granules and void warranties. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association advises against power washing asphalt shingles. Read our soft washing vs pressure washing guide for the details.
How much to charge for roof cleaning (for contractors)
National averages tell you what homeowners expect to see. Your own price has to cover chemicals, labor, travel and risk on a roof. Here's a simple way to build it.
1. Measure roof area, not the footprint
A roof is bigger than the home's footprint because of pitch. Multiply the footprint by a pitch factor: about 1.05 for a 4/12 pitch, 1.12 for 6/12, 1.20 for 8/12, 1.30 for 10/12 and 1.41 for 12/12. Add overhangs, dormers and porch roofs if they're large. Satellite tools are accurate enough to quote from.
2. Start from a per-square-foot rate for the method
For soft washing, most published ranges sit between $0.30 and $0.75 per square foot. New companies often start near the middle and raise prices as reviews and demand grow.
3. Add for height and pitch
Fixr and This Old House both show about $0.10 more per square foot for each extra story. HomeGuide lists steep roofs at $0.15–$0.20 more per square foot. Steep or high roofs need more setup, more safety gear and more time.
4. Set a minimum
HomeGuide puts the low end of roof cleaning at about $150, but almost no roof job is worth doing for that once you count drive time, setup, chemical and cleanup. Many companies set a roof minimum well above their flatwork minimum.
5. Bundle gutters and house washes
HomeGuide lists gutter cleaning at $110–$185 and notes many companies discount when gutters and the roof are done in the same visit. Bundling a roof soft wash with a house wash and gutters raises the ticket without adding another trip.
For the bigger picture on pricing every service you offer, read how much to charge for pressure washing.
What drives roof cleaning prices up or down
- Roof size and pitch: more area and steeper slopes mean more chemical and more time.
- Number of stories: taller homes need more reach and more safety setup.
- Material: tile, slate and wood need gentler, slower methods.
- Growth level: heavy moss may need a second application or manual removal.
- Access: landscaping to protect, tight lots and no nearby water add time.
- Add-ons: moss prevention treatments ($100–$250), zinc strips ($30–$60 per 50-foot roll per HomeGuide) and gutter cleaning.
How often should a roof be cleaned?
HomeGuide recommends cleaning a roof every one to three years. Homes in shady, humid areas usually need it more often, which makes roof cleaning a strong recurring service. A typical job takes two to five hours.
Safety gear for roof cleaning
A roof wet with sodium hypochlorite is slippery. If you or your crew go on the roof, use a roofer's fall protection kit (anchor, lifeline and harness) and check OSHA fall protection rules before you hire. Many roofs can be soft washed from a ladder or the ground with a 12V pump and the right nozzle; see our best soft wash system guide.
- Guardian 00815 rooftop safety kit (50 ft lifeline): Check price on Amazon
- Remco Fatboy 7.0 GPM 12V pump: Check price on Amazon
Quote and book roof jobs faster
Roof jobs are high-ticket, so a fast, professional quote matters. Field service apps like Jobber let you send line-item quotes with photos, follow up automatically and collect deposits online. Compare options in our best pressure washing software guide, and if you're building out your equipment, see the best soft wash system for roof work.
Related guides
- Gutter cleaning cost (with pricing calculator)
- Pressure washing estimate calculator
- How much to charge for pressure washing
- Best soft wash system
- Soft washing vs pressure washing
- Window cleaning prices (with calculator)
- Exterior cleaning price index 2026
- Soft wash chemicals and mix ratios
- Best Soft Wash Pump: 12V vs 24V vs Gas
Frequently asked questions
How much does roof cleaning cost?
Most homeowners pay $300–$1,050, with an average of about $600–$675 for a 1,500-square-foot roof. HomeGuide puts the national average at $440 across all roof sizes.
How much does soft wash roof cleaning cost?
Soft washing usually costs $0.30–$0.75 per square foot, according to This Old House and Fixr. HomeGuide lists a lower range of $0.15–$0.60.
How much should I charge to clean a roof?
Measure the roof area, start from a per-square-foot rate in the $0.30–$0.75 range for soft washing, add about $0.10 per square foot for each extra story and more for steep pitches, then make sure the total clears your minimum.
Is roof cleaning worth it?
Removing algae and moss improves curb appeal, and moss left in place can hold moisture against the roof. HomeGuide suggests cleaning every one to three years.
Can you pressure wash a shingle roof?
It's not recommended. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association advises against power washing asphalt shingles. Use a low-pressure soft wash instead.
Is there a free roof cleaning cost calculator?
Yes, the roof cleaning cost calculator above is free. It multiplies your roof footprint by a pitch factor, then applies a rate for the roof material and method, a stories adjustment and your minimum charge. Treat the result as a starting quote and adjust it for your market.
Does a steep roof cost more to clean?
Usually, yes. HomeGuide lists a steep-roof surcharge of about $0.15 to $0.20 per square foot. Steeper pitch also raises the true surface area, which the calculator handles with its pitch factor.
