Conservatory Roof Cleaning Cost

Most homeowners in the UK will pay in the region of £80 to £300 to have the exterior of a conservatory roof cleaned. For a typical medium-sized conservatory, the cost would likely be around £150.

The figures provided here cover the exterior of the roof only, which includes roof panels, bars, ridges and any other surface that is accessible. However, this isn’t the same service as a full conservatory valet, which covers everything both inside and outside of the conservatory. This service usually costs in the region of £350 to £750, and in some cases even more.

The price quoted will predominantly depend on the size of the conservatory, along with whether the roof is made up of glass or polycarbonate. Other considerations are how easy the roof is to reach and how much build-up is currently on the roof itself, as more in-depth cleans require more time and are therefore more expensive.

How Much Does Conservatory Roof Cleaning Cost?

Generally, the cost of a conservatory roof clean is between £80 and £300, and this covers the exterior of the roof only. A full conservatory valet costs between £350 and £750+.

The majority of conservatory roof cleaners will price jobs on a per-panel basis, typically £8 to £16 per panel, with roofs with a lot of dirt build-up costing towards the higher end of the scale. Many will also set a minimum job price of around £75 to £90.

Here's a look at typical prices for the most common conservatory cleaning jobs:

All of the figures above are inclusive of VAT, but when you obtain quotes in writing, you should ensure that any details on VAT are covered. Some sole traders are not VAT-registered, and some are, so be clear before committing to the work.

Some cleaning companies will use terms like ‘full clean’, ‘deep clean’ and ‘valet’ quite loosely for marketing purposes. As such, you should always be completely clear on what is included in the service being quoted to ensure you don’t purchase a costly exterior-only clean under the belief you will receive a full interior and exterior valet.

Conservatory Roof Cleaning Labour Costs

Due to the small amount of materials required for a cleaning job such as conservatory roof cleaning, the majority of the price is for labour. Cleaners will provide their own equipment and solutions, and will likely only require a water connection.

Cleaning companies tend to charge in a few different ways:

• Fixed Price: The most common approach. A cleaner will either visit the property or ask for a few pictures to get an idea of the size and time required, and provide a job quote from there.
• Per Panel: Usually standing at around £8 to £16 per panel, depending on the condition of the roof. This makes quoting pretty easy to estimate, again following pictures or a visit.
• Hourly: Some cleaners will work to an hourly rate, somewhere in the region of £25 to £35 per person, per hour. However, this is more common for internal cleaning work as opposed to roof cleaning.
• Minimum Pricing: The majority of companies will have a minimum price for a job in the region of £75 to £90 to ensure that travel, set-up and equipment use is covered on smaller jobs.

There are a number of other factors that can impact the cost of a job:

• Number of cleaners: A single cleaner will be able to handle most jobs for small and medium-sized conservatory roofs, but for larger roofs, there may be a requirement for two cleaners. This would cost more but could mean the job is finished more quickly.
• Size of the conservatory: Simply put, the more roof panels and the larger the roof, the more expensive the job will be.
• Accessibility: Restricted access to the roof, or a roof that can only be accessed over an obstacle, will be more difficult to clean and take longer.
• Condition of roof: If the roof is thick with dirt and algae, a more in-depth clean will be required, which adds time to the cleaning.

For the majority of homeowners, a fixed price is the easiest to work with, and it makes it much easier to compare quotes from multiple cleaning companies, not to mention the peace of mind that the job won’t cost any more depending on the time it takes.

Conservatory Roof Cleaning Prices by Size

The table below shows typical roof-only cleaning prices for three common conservatory sizes:

The floor area above is only a rough guide, as the shape of the roof and the access can often have a bigger impact than simply the size.

For example, a simple lean-to roof is incredibly quick to clean as it is a single slope with straight roof bars. At the same time, a Victorian roof will have multiple facets to worry about, not to mention a centre hub and decorative elements, which will all add time and cost to the job.

What's Included in Conservatory Roof Cleaning?

Typically, a standard conservatory roof clean may include:

• Removal of dirt and debris: Leaves, twigs, moss and other pieces of debris will be removed and cleared from the surface of the roof.
• Washing of roof panels: Each panel will be washed, usually with a soft brush through a water-fed pole.
• Cleaning of glazing: Some cleaning services may also include the cleaning of external glazing.
• Cleaning of roof bars: The aluminium or uPVC bars that sit between the panels will be cleaned, as these are common places for debris and algae to collect.
• Cleaning finials and cresting: Decorative features along the ridge, where they can be safely reached.
• Rinsing the roof: A final rinse, often with purified water to reduce water marks.
• Cleaning external frames around the roof: Some companies include the eaves beam and frames at roof level.

Services differ from company to company, so it’s always best to have a quote in writing with everything included in the service clearly stated.

Glass Conservatory Roof Cleaning Cost

The cleaning of a glass conservatory roof will cost in the region of £100 to £250, again based on size, shape and condition.

Glass roofs tend to show the dirt much more clearly, so there are a few key issues that cleaners will deal with when cleaning one:

• Dirt and water marks: Rain dries on the glass and leaves marks, particularly on low-pitched roofs where water sits for longer. Many cleaners will go the extra mile and rinse with purified water to help avoid fresh marks.
• Algae: Green algae often forms along the lower edges of panels and around roof bars, especially on shaded roofs.
• Bird droppings: These can bake onto the glass in warm weather and may need soaking before they can be removed, or more in-depth cleaning.
• Roof bars: Dirt and algae collect in the joints between the glass and the bars, which often need extra attention.

Polycarbonate Conservatory Roof Cleaning Cost

Cleaning a polycarbonate conservatory roof will cost between £100 and £250, all depending on the size, shape and condition of the roof itself.

Polycarbonate is used as it is lightweight and durable, but it is prone to scratching much more easily than glass. Many polycarbonate panels will also have a UV-protective layer on the outer surface, which can be damaged by unsuitable cleaning products or methods. Damage to this layer can leave the panels looking cloudy or discoloured over time.

For that reason, polycarbonate roofs should be cleaned gently. Depending on the manufacturer's instructions, this can involve:

• Lukewarm water with a mild detergent, or a cleaner that's designed for polycarbonate.
• Soft brushes, sponges or microfibre cloths, rinsed often so grit isn't dragged across the sheet.
• Avoid abrasive pads, scouring products, solvent-based cleaners and harsh chemicals.
• Avoid high-pressure water where the manufacturer advises against it.

Particularly heavy moss and algae may take longer to remove from polycarbonate than glass due to the extra care required during the clean. It would be a good idea to mention the material of your conservatory roof when you are obtaining quotes, as it may slightly impact the price.

Conservatory Roof and Gutter Cleaning Cost

Combining a conservatory roof and gutter clean together costs somewhere in the region of £130 to £320, as companies will typically charge between £20 and £60 extra for the gutter cleaning service.

Conservatory gutters can quickly collect:

• Leaves
• Moss
• Dirt
• Organic debris, such as seeds, blossoms and twigs

If these gutters become blocked, rainwater can build up and overflow onto the frame, which is why it’s worth considering having them cleaned at the same time.

You can often take advantage of better rates when arranging the services together, as it only means one trip and set-up for the cleaning company. However, this differs from company to company, so it’s worth asking at the time of quoting to see if you can take advantage of any deals.

Full Conservatory Cleaning and Valeting Costs

A roof clean will focus purely on the external roof, whereas a full conservatory valet will be a much more thorough service that covers the entire structure. This will cost in the region of £350 to £750, and in some cases more if the conservatory is particularly large.

A full conservatory valet could include:

• Roof panels
• External glazing
• Frames
• Sills
• Doors
• Gutters
• Downpipes
• Finials
• Cresting
• Internal glazing
• Internal frames

Some services may also include the cleaning of the interior of the roof panels and any other difficult-to-reach areas of the interior roof. As we mentioned earlier, it’s best to ask exactly what is included in a full valet, as words like ‘valet’ and ‘clean’ can be used quite loosely in the industry.

What Affects Conservatory Roof Cleaning Costs?

There are several different factors that will impact the overall cost of conservatory roof cleaning.

Size

Simply, the larger the area, with more panels and roof bars, the longer the job will take and the more it will cost.

Roof Material

Glass and polycarbonate are very different materials that have different considerations when it comes to cleaning. Polycarbonate requires much gentler care to avoid scratches, while some coated glass may need particular cleaning products. The material doesn't always change the price, but it can affect the method and time involved.

Roof Shape

Lean-to roofs are the simplest to clean, while more complex structures like gable or Edwardian conservatories have many more elements to worry about, including decorative features. P-shaped designs can also be more time-consuming due to the differing shapes and angles.

Roof Condition

Any roof that has regular maintenance will generally have less built-up dirt to clean. For roofs that are thick with dirt, moss and algae, cleaning can take quite a lot longer. Some cleaners will also charge a higher rate per panel for those in poor condition.

Accessibility

Not a common problem for conservatories, but there are some cases where accessibility provides some challenges. Any roof that can only be reached over obstacles like ponds and flower beds generally makes the job slower and therefore more costly.

Roof Height

Conservatory roofs that are particularly high or on sloping gardens may need some additional equipment to clean, which will add to the cost.

Additional Services

The addition of services like gutter cleaning will add to the price, but you may also get a better combined rate due to the extra work.

Location in the UK

Cleaning rates in the UK differ from area to area, as with most trades. Areas like London and the South East tend to come in at the higher end of those rates, while prices can be lower elsewhere in the UK.

Additional Conservatory Cleaning Costs

There are a range of additional services that may be available from your cleaning company, and bundling them into a single job can mean better pricing.

How Long Does Conservatory Roof Cleaning Take?

Below is a table that outlines how long the job may take based on the size of the conservatory roof:

How Often Should a Conservatory Roof Be Cleaned?

While there is no specific timing laid out for conservatory roof cleaning, many homeowners will have their roofs cleaned once or twice a year, while others may need it a little more often. Depending on the material of the roof panels, the manufacturer may have some guidance on how much maintenance is required.

Factors that affect how often your roof needs cleaning include:

• Nearby trees: Naturally, a conservatory that sits beneath or close to trees will collect leaves and debris much faster than one in an open garden and will likely need more regular cleans.
• Bird activity: Roofs become quite popular with birds, meaning that they can be fouled pretty quickly. If your area sees a lot of bird activity, it may need more attention.
• Shaded areas: Roofs that get little direct sun stay damp for longer, which encourages algae and moss, and once algae is present, it tends to spread.
• Local pollution: If your property is near busy roads or industrial areas, it may see a faster build-up of dirt.
• Roof material: Self-cleaning glass may need less frequent manual cleaning than standard glass or polycarbonate, provided it gets enough daylight and rain.
• Manufacturer recommendations: Your roof or glazing manufacturer's maintenance guidance should take priority.

Can You Pressure Wash a Conservatory Roof?

High-pressure washing is generally not suitable for conservatory roofs unless the roof manufacturer specifically recommends an appropriate method.

Too much pressure could potentially damage seals, coatings and other roof components or force water into areas where it shouldn't go.

Cleaners will commonly use water-fed poles with a soft brush head to clean the roof more gently. Always check the roof manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance guidance before using a pressure washer or cleaning product.

Can I Clean a Conservatory Roof Myself?

Some homeowners will opt to clean their conservatory roofs themselves, and low lean-to roofs are typically the easiest to work with from the ground.

Typical DIY costs include:

So a basic DIY kit can cost around £50 to £140, which may be similar to the price of a single roof clean from a cleaning company.

The main issue with completing this work as a DIY project is the working at height element. Never walk, climb or kneel on the roof. Conservatory roofs are not designed to support a person's weight.

You should clean a conservatory roof from the ground wherever possible, using suitable equipment such as hoses and telescopic poles. If you can't safely reach the roof from the ground, consider hiring someone to clean it instead.

Conservatory Roof Cleaning vs Roof Repairs

Cleaning a conservatory roof can make potential problems much easier to see once they're no longer hidden by dirt and algae. Issues like damaged seals, cracked panels, leaks, loose bars and end caps, damaged flashing and blocked or damaged gutters may become more noticeable after a clean.

Many cleaners will review the roof while cleaning and may point out issues or potential issues, but may not be able to complete repair work themselves.

If your conservatory roof is leaking, take a look at our roof leak repair guide.

If the roof is beyond repair or you're considering replacing it, see our conservatory roof replacement cost guide.

Is Conservatory Roof Cleaning Worth It?

There are a few simple ways to keep costs down:

• Combine roof and gutter cleaning: By booking in multiple jobs at once, you can often get better rates than if booked separately.
• Keep on top of debris where you can safely do so from ground level: Removing loose debris that can be reached without working at height may reduce the amount of cleaning needed later.
• Compare up to three quotes: Prices vary between companies, so comparing quotes gives you a better idea of the going rate in your area.
• Be clear about what you need: Specify whether you want a roof-only clean, a full exterior clean or a full valet, so you're not quoted for work you don't need.
• Keep on top of it: Roofs that are cleaned regularly tend to cost less per visit than roofs with years of built-up algae and moss.

What Does a Conservatory Roof Cleaning Quote Include?

When it comes to comparing multiple quotes, you should ask for the inclusions on the quote in writing so you can ensure you're comparing like for like. Look for things like:

• Labour: Is it a fixed price, per panel or an hourly rate?
• Cleaning products: Are products suitable for your roof material included?
• Access: Does the quote include any equipment needed to reach the roof safely?
• Roof bars and decorative features: Are the ridge, finials and cresting included?
• Gutters: Is gutter clearance included or charged separately?
• Frames and glazing: Does the price cover the roof only or other parts of the conservatory?
• VAT: Is VAT included in the quoted price, where applicable?