Few homeowners realise what a great job their roof does until they run into problems! The UK climate is pretty wet, providing ideal conditions for moss, algae and lichen to thrive. In addition to looking unpleasant, these organic materials can cause considerable damage to your roof if they're not dealt with.
We're all too familiar with this problem at the Roof Clean Spray Team, and we use our expertise to ensure that our clients' roofs are spotless and moss-free.
We'll tell you in more detail exactly why roof cleaning is so important a bit later, but the main aim of this blog is to talk about the cost of roof cleaning.
Some info blogs keep you in suspense, leaving the details you want to see until the end. We prefer to give you the low-down first, and then explore the finer points later.
So, let's jump right into our roof cleaning cost guide without further delay!
Average roof cleaning prices in the UK typically fall somewhere between £700 and £6,000...
Yes, that's quite a difference, isn't it? So why is this? What causes such a massive gap between the lowest and highest prices?
To find out, we need to investigate the various aspects affecting the cost of roof cleaning, so let's get on the case:
Larger, more complex roofs will need more time and effort to clean, resulting in higher costs. As a rough guide, moss removal and soft washing for a large four or five-bedroom detached house will come in at between £2,500 and £4,800. For a two-bed terraced house, the cost will be between £700 and £900, so you can clearly see the difference!
Less robust materials, such as slate or clay roof tiles, often require specialised care and equipment to avoid damage, which increases roof cleaning costs. On the other hand, standard asphalt shingles, concrete tiles and metal roofs* may be less expensive to clean as the processes are more straightforward and less time-consuming.
*Some metal roofs may require anti-corrosion treatment
Heavily soiled roofs, or those infested with moss and other organic growth, will require a lot more intensive work, leading to a higher cleaning cost.
This is a perfect place to pause and recommend the benefits of regular cleaning! Having your roof cleaned fairly frequently keeps it in good condition, reducing the need for costly repairs or even more costly replacement.
Also, the roof will be inspected for damage and any minor repairs must be sorted out before roof cleaning goes ahead. Most roof cleaning companies will tackle these repairs, but for significant damage, you might need to consult roofing contractors.
Professional roof cleaners, like the Roof Clean Spray Team, have a range of cleaning methods and specialist equipment at their disposal. Some are designed for use on specific surfaces, while others are perfect for all types of roofing materials.
Let's check out a few of the common methods to show you what we mean:
A pressure washer is very effective at blasting away surface dirt, but it can be too powerful for some materials such as old or fragile roofs. On the whole, most roofing companies recommend that you avoid pressure washing your roof entirely and stick to other methods to avoid tile damage.
The high-pressure jet of water can strip away the protective layer on the tiles, making them more porous. Tiles can also be dislodged, leading to water ingress into loft spaces, and cracked or damaged tiles can be completely destroyed.
That said, in the right hands and in the right setting, pressure washers can be a useful tool for roof cleaning! However, there are better options on offer, such as...
Soft washing is a great alternative to having your roof pressure-washed, using low-pressure water combined with eco-friendly cleaning agents to kill moss, algae, and lichen. It’s gentle and effective for most roof types, including slate and clay tiles, making it the perfect choice.
Steam cleaning uses high-temperature, low-pressure steam to clean roofs. It’s a modern and eco-friendly solution that is less harsh than jet washing but still highly effective for removing moss, dirt, and algae.
Also called manual scraping, this is where moss growth, algae and debris are removed by hand using special scrapers that won't damage the tiles. It's pretty time-consuming, but gets the job done!
This is the most cost-effective method of having moss removed, although it doesn't usually address heavy staining or severe algae infestation.
That's why biocide treatment is often added, where special chemicals are applied to eliminate organic growth and prevent it from returning (at least for a while). This typically adds a further £10 (approximately) to the overall cost, depending on how much moss there is.
These are great gadgets that allow the cleaning crew to work from ground level, avoiding the need for mobile platforms or ladders! A gentle jet of water is pumped through telescopic poles to reach the whole roof, removing light dirt and debris. They are especially useful for cleaning solar panels that have accumulated a layer of grime or algae.
On the downside, they aren't the best option for moss removal or heavy soiling.
DOFF cleaning is an eco-friendly method that uses a superheated water system to gently remove moss, algae, and grime. The low-pressure, high-temperature water is perfect for heritage buildings and delicate roofs, although it can be used on a range of different materials without causing any damage.
It's a fantastic (and popular!) method, although it comes at a higher price.
Typically used for historic buildings or stone roofs, TORC cleaning is a specialised system combining water, air, and fine granules to gently remove dirt, moss, and paint. Its gentle but powerful swirling vortex action makes it suitable for just about any surface you can think of!
This is the most expensive option listed here, but the results speak for themselves.
A professional roof cleaner has to factor in any accessibility issues when planning and costing a roof cleaning project. The price will vary depending on how difficult it is to reach your property and your roof.
For example, do they need a cherry picker, and if so, can they get it close enough to the building to use safely?
Making alternative arrangements may increase the overall cost, especially if scaffolding is required. This is often the case for any properties with more than two storeys.
Basically, larger companies will have bigger overheads to cover, so they may charge premium rates, while smaller local companies will be eager to attract customers, and may offer lower prices.
This isn't an exact science, though, but it's wise to check out a few quotes.
Even so, we can guarantee that the Roof Clean Spray Team offers the best prices!
Check out our post “Is roof cleaning necessary”.
We're a team of professional roof cleaners, so you'd expect us to say no!
In fact, we understand that homeowners might want to do this to save money, as the cost of professional roof cleaning cost can be significant.
However, you should consider these points very carefully before climbing up on your roof:
On the whole, we strongly advise against DIY roof cleaning unless you can guarantee your safety. Aside from this, a professional roof cleaning service will provide perfect results no matter how dirty your roof is.
It's best to allow at least a day for a small roof, and two or three days for a larger roof.
The actual time taken to clean your roof depends on the method used, the total area, and whether the cleaning crew will be applying treatments and using special equipment.
The key is to use a professional cleaning company and avoid rogue traders. The best way to do this is to consult sources like Checkatrade or online reviews (although be very wary of fake entries!). One of the best ways to find a good company is by word of mouth, or asking them for testimonials from previous customers.
Our roof cleaning cost guide has given you an idea of what you might pay, but in the end, you want to know whether it's worth the investment.
We can say without hesitation, using our experience of cleaning roofs on a professional level, that there are several benefits that make it very worthwhile!
Want to see the evidence?
Then check out the following list...
With benefits like this, you can see why we recommend roof cleaning as part of your regular maintenance schedule.
Read our post "Does moss damage roof tiles".
So, we've come to the end of our blog titled "How much does roof cleaning cost?" and we hope it's been useful in spelling out the details - not only about the costs but also some of the associated issues.
The Roof Clean Spray Team is proud to offer expert advice and guidance on all things related to roof cleaning, but most of all we love seeing the overwhelmingly positive reactions after a roof cleaning project.
When you need expert roof cleaning services, we'll select the right method for the right price and restore your roof to like-new condition. Contact us today and join our growing list of satisfied customers!
