Roof Cleaning Cost

By Melissa
Last updated 26th February 2025 - Reading time: 9 mins
At a Glance
  • The average cost of roof cleaning is around £450.
  • The job will usually take between 3 to 7 hours.
In this guide, you'll find the following:
  • A complete roof cleaning price list.
  • How long roof cleaning takes, and a general overview of what kind of jobs can be performed to keep your roof clean.
  • How to find and hire a roof cleaning company.

How much does roof cleaning cost?

The average cost of roof cleaning is around £450.

This guide will cover how much it is to clean a roof, and how those costs can differ depending on the size of the house. We'll explain which types of roofs are suitable for different types of roof cleaning, such as roof jet washing, and how to find and hire a roof cleaner near you to get the job done.

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pressure washing

Average Cost for Pressure Washing a Roof:

Depending on the complexity of the job, it usually takes: 3 – 7 hours

£450

How Much Does Roof Cleaning Cost?

The cost of roof cleaning varies depending on the size of your home, the level of dirt and build-up, and the ease of access to your property.

The average cost of roof cleaning using pressure washing is around £450, based on an average-sized semi-detached house with good ease of access.

Costs can rise to £600 for roof pressure washing for larger, detached homes, and especially those spread over multiple storeys. The extra costs come from the added risks associated with working at height, as well as the cost of scaffolding hire.

The roof of my house has accumulated a lot of dirt and pollution over time. How much will it cost to have it pressure washed by a professional?

"This would be expensive as you would need a scaffold as it would be too dangerous to get a jet wash up there. Even then, I wouldn’t recommend it. Have a word with a cleaning service and they will advise you if it can be done"

Roof Cleaning Price List

Let's take a closer look at the average cost of roof cleaning in the UK when using pressure washing, considering different house sizes, and their associated durations.

Job Description Duration Labour Cost
Pressure washing detached house roof 6 – 7 Hours £550 – £600
Pressure washing semi-detached house roof 4 – 5 Hours £350 – £450
Pressure washing terraced house roof 3 – 4 Hours £450 – £500
Pressure washing bungalow roof 3 – 5 Hours £300 – £450
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Why Do I Need To Keep My Roof Clean?

Pressure washing your roof is an easy way to improve your home's appearance and function. Since your home's roof isn't something you look at each day, dirt and grime can build up over time without you noticing. Pressure washing can be a simple way to clean up what would otherwise take days in just a few hours.

Whether you're presenting your home for sale or simply want to give your home that fresh, new feel, pressure washing can be a good solution. What's more, when roof cleaning specialists work on your roof, many companies will offer whole-home pressure washing as well, which can help you save on the overall price of maintaining driveways and patios.

Pressure washing is an efficient method of roof cleaning and is a simple solution for homeowners looking for a roof cleaning service that can be completed in a matter of hours.

Without upkeep, your home's roof runs the risk of becoming damaged due to dirt build-up, which could lead to bigger problems, such as the need to have your entire roof replaced in extreme cases. The cost of flat roof replacement is around £2,000 on average - far higher than the cost to keep your existing roof regularly maintained.

If you need more generalised repairs, the cost of roof repairs fall into the region of £650 for roof treatments and larger repairs.

As well as your home's roof, you should also keep your gutters clean and free of debris to ensure rainwater is able to drain correctly. The cost of gutter cleaning is around £200, and can usually be tabbed on as an additional cost when having your roof cleaned.

Also on the cleaning list is your home's windows, a job separate to roof or gutter cleaning. Window cleaning costs vary depending on house size, but are usually in the region of £40 for a standard semi-detached house.

I’m considering buying a timber framed house with a roof clad with cedar shingles. Could anyone give me some idea of what it should cost to clean and treat the roof?

"Rough estimate £30 per square metre, low pressure wash plus timber treatment, also scaffold for access may be required."

What to Consider When Hiring a Roof Cleaning Company

Pressure washing is a skilled activity, and hiring a professional roof cleaning company is a good way of ensuring a safe and efficient job.

You should first consider the company's reputation. Someone who has been in business for 20 years will have more experience than a company fresh on the scene, and when it comes to working at height on a critical area of your home, it's worthwhile choosing the most experienced company for the job.

Make sure to choose a company familiar with pressure washing power settings if opting for roof jet washing. Pressure washers are dangerous, and if too much pressure is applied, the force can damage windows and roof tiles and even break the roof entirely if misused. In these cases, you will need to have your roof tiles replaced, with the average roof tile replacement cost being in the region of £200.

It's important to check if pressure washing is a suitable option for your roof. If you have clay or slate roof tiles, pressure washing can be too forceful and can cause damage to the tiles, leading to cracks and, in some cases, complete breakage.

You should check to see if your roof cleaner has appropriate insurance in place to protect themselves and you in the event of any accidents. This is especially important if your home is next to a public footpath, as the roof cleaner will have to place access equipment on that land to reach your home's roof.

Be sure to ask if you can add on any additional house cleaning activities to your project if necessary. Things like gutter cleaning, moss removal, and even roof tile replacement can be great add-ons to optimise your spending.

Lastly, make sure to shop around for the best prices, and get quotes from at least 3 experts to ensure you're getting a fair assessment.

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Can I Clean my Roof Myself?

Cleaning a roof is a skilled activity. There are many risks involved that can cause significant damage to your home if the tool is used incorrectly, leading to roof damage, broken windows, and the creation of cracks or leaks.

In particular, pressure washers are considered dangerous pieces of equipment to work with, and they should be handled by those who are licensed in its use.

If you haven't used a pressure washer before or aren't used to working at height, it's not advised to attempt to pressure wash your roof or home due to the risks it poses to both yourself and your home.

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Checklist: Hiring a Roof Cleaner in the UK

Due to the risks involved in using roof cleaning equipment at height, the best course of action is to hire a professional roof cleaner to take care of the job for you.

When hiring a roof cleaner, here's what you should consider:

  • Hire companies using the most efficient equipment.
  • Compare materials, pressure levels, and safety aspects.
  • Consider a company with a solid reputation in the field.
  • Make sure they fully detail all work to be performed, and provide a written quote.

FAQs

How Much Does Pressure Washing Cost?

It can run between£150 and £500 for a single-storey home. Depending on the size and if you have the siding and other areas pressure washed, pricing will differ for each homeowner.

How Long Does Pressure Washing Last?

It will require a minimum of 3 to 5 hours for a single-storey home. Depending on the dirt build up, it can take up to 4 to 8 hours to complete the entire home.

How Often Should the Home Be Pressure Washed?

Most roofing companies will suggest every 18 to 42 months. If the home is very dirty, some companies might suggest getting it done more often, but most homes only need it done once every 18 to 42 months.

Can I Pressure Wash My Roof Myself?

Pressure washers are available to buy from DIY stores - however, this doesn't mean their use is recommended for everyone.

When working at height, such as cleaning your home's roof, it isn't recommended that you use a pressure washer yourself as there is increased risk due to the location. For quick and easy results, it's best to hire in a professional pressure washing company to take care of the roof for you.

Is Pressure Washing Safe?

Pressure washing can cause damage to your home and surfaces if the tool isn't used correctly. It can also damage unsuitable surfaces and materials, such as clay brickwork or roof tiles, and it is especially unsuitable for slate roofs as it can dislodge tiles and cause leaks.

If you're unsure about the suitability of pressure washing on your home's roof, it's best to consult a professional who will be able to give you the best advice, tailored to your situation.

What Are Some Alternatives to Pressure Washing?

In cases where roof materials are too delicate for pressure washing, alternative methods can be found.

These methods usually include manually scrubbing tiles, or soft washing methods, such as those using soft brushes and cleaning solutions.

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