Although your roof is predominantly out of sight, it collects its fair share of dirt and debris, and in some environments, may even grow unsightly mold. All of this adds up to a need for a bit of cleaning. Occasionally cleaning your roof is part of a good maintenance program to prolong the life of your roof, especially in the dry, dusty regions of Texas.
Pressure washing a roof is a job that is best left up to professionals. However, climbing around on your rooftop is somewhat of a dangerous task, and adding chemicals or high-pressure water only makes it less safe. The national average cost to pressure wash a roof is $490.
Related: How Much Will Gutter Cleaning Cost?
Factors that Affect the Cost to Pressure Wash a Roof
Many factors go into determining the cost to pressure wash a roof. Where you are located, and the size of the roof are the two most significant factors. However, the pitch of the roof and the number of stories are also important. This is why there is a fairly wide variation in costs.
Size
The size of the roof is the single most significant factor that affects the cost to pressure wash a roof. The price per square foot is between $0.15 and $0.68 per square foot. The total square footage of a roof is typically a little larger than the home to account for elevations. For example, an average-sized home (1,500 sq. ft) typically has a roof of about 2,250 square feet and costs between $338 and $1,530 to pressure wash the roof.
Difficulty
How high the roof is and the pitch will determine what equipment is needed and how much risk is involved. These details translate into determining the difficulty of the job to pressure wash the roof and therefore affect the price. A single-story home is the easiest. Each additional story adds an average of $0.10 per square foot to the total cost.
Type of Wash
Some companies offer a range of different roof washing services designed to accomplish different tasks. A chemical wash is often the most expensive, between $0.20 and $0.30 per square foot. Chemicals are intended to remove moss, algae, or lichen that commonly grows on roofing materials.
The most common method of cleaning a roof is a high-pressure wash. This service costs between $0.20 and $0.70 per square foot and is good for removing built-up dirt and debris. If the roof has a build-up of moss, a chemical wash is needed first to remove the moss. And then, a power-wash is done as a follow-up to remove dirt and debris.
Some homeowners favor a low-pressure or soft wash as a gentler alternative that does not damage shingles or other roofing materials. This method can also be combined with chemicals to provide a complete cleaning process. This type of wash typically costs between $0.30 and $0.70 per square foot.
Roofing Material
Residential and commercial roofs are made from a variety of materials. And different materials have different cleaning needs. Asphalt shingles, cedar shake shingles, and tile are all moderately durable roofing materials. These roofs can handle low-pressure and chemical washes well. High-pressure washes can damage compromised shingles.
By comparison, metal roofs, commonly made from steel panels, are very durable and can handle all washing methods. And flat roofs which tend to be covered in asphalt cannot handle high-pressure washing at all and do best with straight chemical washes.
Related: 3 Reasons to Hire a Professional Window Cleaner
Region
Local economies also heavily influence the price that you will pay to have a roof pressure-washed. Rural areas tend to have a lower cost of living, and therefore lower service costs, and metropolitan areas are comparatively much higher. If you are located in the Pacific Northwest or the West Coast of the US, you will pay more than in the Midwest.
Shine is an industry leader in window cleaning and exterior building maintenance. For nearly two decades, our focus has been on building long-term customer relationships through quality. Learn more about us today!
How Often Should You Pressure Wash a Roof
Many professional roofers caution against high-pressure washing because it can damage some roofing materials. However, it is a common practice, especially for durable metal roofs. Your roof should be cleaned annually in most cases, especially in the hot and dry Texas climate.
Additional Services
Pressure washing the roof brings your attention to many other exterior maintenance needs that are easily overlooked. Consider adding gutter cleaning, window washing, and pressure-washing your siding along with the roof for an instant overhaul on your home’s curb appeal. Try to get several quotes (at least 3) from service providers in your area for individual and bundled services before deciding.
Do Roof Coating Products Work?
Since many roofing professionals caution that there are risks with pressure washing your roof, you may be interested in finding out if there is a way to reduce the frequency that pressure washing is needed. And there are many products on the market that claim to prevent moss or algae build-up, or that may repel moisture. But do they work?
Some coatings offer a range of benefits that include:
- Insulation (energy-saving)
- UV Protection
- Mold Resistance
- Moisture Resistance
- Reflective (lower utility bills)
The average cost to apply a protective coating on your roof is $975. Some companies that offer roof cleaning services may also provide coatings as an additional add-on service.
Related: Does Pressure Washing Damage Vinyl Siding?
The Bottom Line on Pressure Washing a Roof
Many homeowners choose to pressure wash their roofs on average once per year to remove a build-up of dirt and debris. Texas homeowners have to deal with a dry, hot climate that produces many dust build-up on roofs. In this case, a high-pressure or low-pressure wash is the most effectively remove the build-up of dust. The average cost is around $490 per roof.
Shine Window Cleaning is your top choice for exterior cleaning needs. We service both residential and commercial buildings in the Austin, Texas, area. For professional help with your windows, walkways, gutters, roofs, and more, we can help. Contact us for a free quote today.
