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myRoof Cleaning Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost of roof cleaning is around £575.
- The job will usually take between 3 to 7 hours.
- 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 a roof cleaner near you.
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How much does roof cleaning cost?
The average cost of roof cleaning is around £575.
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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£575
Table of Contents
- How Much Does Roof Cleaning Cost?
- Roof Cleaning Price List
- How Long Will It Take To Pressure Wash My Roof?
- Why Do I Need To Keep My Roof Clean?
- Do You Need Scaffolding To Pressure Wash A Roof?
- What to Consider When Hiring a Roof Cleaner Near You
- Can I Clean a Roof Myself?
- Checklist: Hiring a Local Roof Cleaner in the UK
- FAQs
How Much Does Roof Cleaning Cost?
The cost of roof cleaning can vary depending on the following factors:
- The size of your home
- The level of dirt and build-up
- The ease of access to your property
So, what's the average cost to clean a roof?
The average cost of roof cleaning using pressure washing is around £575, based on an average-sized semi-detached house with good ease of access.
Costs can rise to £900 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 added cost of scaffolding hire to safely access your home's roof.
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.
| Job Description | Duration | Labour Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure washing detached house roof | 6 – 7 hours | £550 – £900 |
| Pressure washing semi-detached house roof | 4 – 5 hours | £400 – £550 |
| Pressure washing terraced house roof | 3 – 4 hours | £400 – £550 |
| Pressure washing bungalow roof | 3 – 5 hours | £350 – £500 |
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How Long Will It Take To Pressure Wash My Roof?
The best way to judge how long to set aside for roof pressure washing is to simply look at the size of your house - the bigger it is, the larger the roof will be, and the longer the job will take.
It's important to remember that some cleaning professionals will charge by the hour, bumping up your overall costs.
Here's what you need to know:
| Job Description | Duration |
|---|---|
| Pressure washing detached house roof | 6 – 7 hours |
| Pressure washing semi-detached house roof | 4 – 5 hours |
| Pressure washing terraced house roof | 3 – 4 hours |
| Pressure washing bungalow roof | 3 – 5 hours |
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Why Do I Need To Keep My Roof Clean?
Helps to Improve Your Home’s Appearance
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 daily, 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.
Improves Rainwater Run-Off
Freeing your property's roof from built-up moss, algae, and other debris can help improve rainwater flow after heavy showers.
As well as your home's roof, you should also keep your gutters clean and free of debris to ensure rainwater can 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.
It's important to note that incorrect pressure washing can cause water damage, which is why a roofing professional should carry it out to ensure your roof is suitable for the treatment.
Reduces the Need for Costly Roof Repairs
Without upkeep, your home's roof risks becoming damaged due to dirt buildup, 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 £2,500 on average - far higher than the cost to keep your existing roof regularly maintained.
If you need more generalised work, the cost of roof repairs can be anywhere from £60 for small roof repairs, and up to £1,000 for larger repairs.
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."
Do You Need Scaffolding To Pressure Wash A Roof?
Additional scaffolding hire may be needed to pressure wash your roof safely, but it's determined on a case-by-case basis.
Here are some scenarios to help put this into context:
Scaffolding Likely To Be Required
- Your property is two storeys or taller
- There's limited or tight access around your property, making it hard to use ladders safely
- Your property's roof has a steep pitch, increasing the job's complexity and safety risks
Scaffolding Usually Not Required
- Your property is single-storey (e.g. bungalows)
- If you want your standalone garage or shed pressure washed, scaffolding won't be necessary
- In situations where your roof cleaner can access using long-reach pressure washing systems
What to Consider When Hiring a Roof Cleaner Near You
Ensure Roof Suitability
Before choosing a roof cleaning contractor, it's important to first check if pressure washing is suitable for your roof.
If you have older clay or slate roof tiles, pressure washing can be too forceful, dislodging tiles and causing damage or leaks.
This can lead to cracks, and in some cases, complete breakage.
In these cases, you will need to have your roof tiles replaced, with the average roof tile replacement cost being in the region of £215.
Company Reputation and Experience
Once you're sure your roof is suitable for pressure washing, you can move on to consider the company's reputation and experience.
A roof cleaner who has been in business for 20 years will have more experience than someone fresh on the scene. Experience is especially important with roof cleaning as it's such a skilled, high-risk profession, where mistakes can really cause issues.
Alongside their years in the industry, make sure that you choose a company that understands how to adjust pressure washing power settings.
Pressure washers are dangerous, and if too much pressure is applied, the force can damage windows, roof tiles, and can cause serious roof damage if misused.
Check For Insurance
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.
They should have public liability insurance as an absolute minimum. This is especially important if your home is next to a public footpath, as the roof cleaner may have to place access equipment on that land to reach your home's roof, which could lead to accidents.
If the roof cleaning company has employees, it's a legal requirement for them to carry Employer's Liability Insurance.
Checking for insurance before agreeing to work with a roofing company can help you to understand their professionalism and stop you from being held liable for damages if they're uninsured.
Additional Jobs
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.
Can I Clean a Roof Myself?
Pressure washing is a skilled activity, and hiring a professional roof cleaning company is a good way of ensuring a safe and efficient job.
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 trained in their 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 Local 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:
- Do they have experience? Ensure the person you hire has experience cleaning your specific type of roof.
- Are they insured? Look for Public Liability Insurance to protect themselves and you if an accident happens during the work.
- Do they offer a guarantee? Ask about any guarantees on their work, what's covered, and if they fix any issues that arise.
- Have you been given an itemised quote? Ask for an itemised breakdown of project costs, including any scaffolding hire (if required).
- Is your roof suitable? Before hiring someone, double-check your roof material is suitable for pressure washing.
- Do they have examples of similar work? Take a look at their past work, as well as any photos or videos.
- Do they have positive reviews? Check their MyJobQuote profile to read feedback from other homeowners.
FAQs
When Is the Best Time of Year to Clean My Roof?
Spring and summer are the best times for roof cleaning in the UK. The mild temperatures help biocide treatments work effectively, and dry weather means safer working conditions. Spring is ideal for treating moss before its main growth period, while summer offers the longest daylight hours for completing the job.
How Long Does Pressure Washing Last?
A professionally cleaned roof typically stays clean for 2 to 4 years, depending on your location and surroundings. Applying a biocide treatment after cleaning can help extend results by killing remaining spores and slowing regrowth of moss.
How Often Should the Roof 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.
Will Pressure Washing Void My Roof Tile Warranty?
High-pressure washing can void your roof tile warranty, and major UK manufacturers typically warn against it, as the force of pressure washing can strip the protective surface layer from tiles. Check your warranty before deciding if pressure washing is right for your roof.
Can Moss on My Roof Cause Damage?
While light moss is usually harmless, heavy growth can cause problems by holding moisture against your tiles, which can freeze in winter and lift them out of position. Moss can also clog gutters and add weight to your roof.
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.
