Roof Cleaning Prices - Factors That Affect Roof Cleaning Prices

Roof cleaning prices depend on several factors. It is important for homeowners to understand these costs so they can choose a service that fits their needs.

The size, shape and type of the roof impacts the cost of cleaning. Steep roofs and those with a lot of gables can increase cleaning prices as they require extra safety equipment to work on.

Water Pressure

The type of washing or cleaning method a company uses also affects roof cleaning prices. High pressure power washing costs more than soft wash, which combines low-pressure water (less than 1,000 psi, about the strength of a garden hose) with scrub brushes and cleaning solutions.

Soft wash helps protect asphalt shingles and removes moss and dirt without damaging the surface. It can cost anywhere from $0.30 to $0.75 per square foot.

Steep or complex roof shapes can add $0.10 to $0.15 per square foot to the final bill, as they are harder to access and clean. And houses with two or more stories can be costlier than single-story homes, due to extra safety equipment and higher labor costs. The price of preventive treatments, like zinc strips, can also increase the overall cost.

Chemical Wash

Chemical roof cleaning is a specialized process that uses specialized cleaning solutions and low-pressure water to remove dirt, stains, and organic growth like moss and mildew from a roof. This process is more effective than high-pressure washing, which can damage a roof’s surface and dislodge shingles or tiles.

The cleaning solution typically contains chemicals such as sodium percarbonate, which cleans a roof without the harsh odor that bleach produces. Other common ingredients are potassium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite.

Regular chemical soft wash maintenance will enhance the curb appeal of a property and extend the life of the roof. It will also prevent damage and protect the integrity of the roof structure, saving owners money in the long run. In addition, it can increase the resale value of a property.

Safety Equipment

When cleaning a roof, it’s important to have the right safety equipment to protect yourself from injury. For example, a full face mask is recommended to protect against dust particles and fixed objects that you might hit with your tools.

Additionally, a hard hat can protect you from falling debris or chemicals that might splash on your head.

Other important safety equipment includes a pump-up sprayer, which is a milder version of a pressure washer. This can be used to spray water or cleaning agents onto tough spots and stains on the roof. Also, rubber gloves and a face shield are necessary for protection from harsh chemicals.

You’ll need a long transfer hose to move the cleaner around the roof surface, too. Bleach-rated hoses can be expensive but are better than a cheap one that will quickly discolor from bleach or other chemicals.

The Roof’s Square Footage

The roof’s square footage can significantly influence the total roof cleaning services cost. This is because a roof’s surface area is where most of the buildup accumulates. The more of it there is, the harder it will be for cleaners to access and remove it. Additionally, multistory homes tend to be more expensive to clean, as they are higher off the ground and require additional safety equipment to work on.

Concrete tile roofs also require a more delicate cleaning method and are usually more costly than asphalt shingle roofs. This is because high water pressure can damage the tiles. To avoid this, a professional should use a soft washing technique with a chemical solution to kill living organisms and remove the gunk. Zinc strips can also be installed on the roof to prevent moss growth, which can add another $50 to $100 to the overall cost.