Roof Cleaning Cost
Last updated 29th August, 2025
Want to find out how much cleaning costs?
This roof cleaning price guide covers all the costs involved with removing moss from roof tiles. We explore pressure washing as well as other methods of roof moss removal.
Carry on reading for more information!
Table of Contents
How Much Does Roof Cleaning Cost?
Assuming a typical roof construction, such as a 3-bed semi-detached home with no access problems, then you are looking at around £500 to clean the roof using a pressure washer.
These prices generally include:
- Erecting ladders and other safe access equipment.
- Covering flower beds and patios with tarpaulins.
- Checking the roof for damage.
- Pressure washing the roof.
- Treating the roof using a fungicide chemical while preventing chemical run-off.
- Cleaning the site and removing debris or waste material.
To remove dirt and moss manually using a scraper and brush is often cheaper, with the average manual roof moss removal cost between £300 and £500.
Be wary of any prices quoted which are drastically cheaper than other quotes you have received. This type of roofing work is popular amongst unqualified and inexperienced tradesmen.
In the UK, Trading Standards have put out several warning notices in the last few years advising homeowners to be wary of cold callers offering roof cleaning services due to a large number of complaints from customers having their roofs damaged and shoddy, ineffective work. The prices mentioned on this page are examples of the costs quoted by reputable traders.
Roof Cleaning Prices
Here are a few average costs for hiring someone to pressure wash your roof clean:
| House Type | Roof Type | Avg. Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terraced | Not Applicable | £450 | 4-6 hours |
| Semi-detached | Gable Roof | £450 | 4-6 hours |
| Detached | Gable Roof | £550 | 5-7 hours |
| Semi-detached | Hip Roof | £600 | 6-8 hours |
| Detached | Hip Roof | £850 | 7-9 hours |
Cost Breakdown
Individual costs for hiring a tradesman to pressure wash the roof of a 2-storey semi-detached house with a hip roof and easy access - Total Cost: £600
Materials
£210
Tradesmen
£240
Access Tower
£150
Labour Costs and Time Frames
Roof cleaners tend to charge around £200 to £250 per day.
Depending on how badly the moss has built up, it can take anywhere from 4 to 9 hours to remove the moss using a pressure washer and treat it with chemicals to prevent future build up.
What Does Roof Cleaning Involve?
Roof tiles can suffer from moss or lichen growth, or just a general buildup of dirt and pollution over the years. Generally, this growth or dirt is just cosmetic and rarely causes any damage to the roof itself.
However, if moss is causing problems or the roof hasn't been cleaned in some time, you may want to hire a professional to remove moss, lichen, and other grime.
Ahead of any roof cleaning, the roof should be:
- Inspected carefully for any damaged or missing tiles.
- Repaired if issues are discovered.
Going ahead with roof cleaning without fixing underlying problems risks water getting into the roof and potentially causing further damage. So, it's important to check the roof is sound before proceeding.
Once the moss and dirt have been removed, chemicals to inhibit future moss growth can be sprayed onto the tiles, which can keep moss at bay for several years.
Bear in mind that, with some roof tiles, pressure washing can actually wear the tiles prematurely, thereby reducing their effective lifespan. If in doubt, consult a roofing professional or the roof tile manufacturer to ensure pressure washing is safe for your roof.
Can You Clean Your Own Roof?
If you have pressure washing equipment and can safely access the roof, it is theoretically possible for you to carry out this job yourself. However, it is a risky option for anyone without extensive experience working at height.
You may also damage the roof if you don't know exactly what you're doing, and this could result in additional costs for repairs.
Approval and Permission
Although you do not usually require permission for cleaning your roof, if you are in a conservation area or you live in a listed property, you may have to seek permission from your local authority before this work is carried out.
It's also worth noting that, if scaffolding is involved, there may be permits related to blocking or hanging over public pavements. You should always investigate whether these are required before work starts.
