Last updated: May 28th, 2025
Is your roof covered in moss or stubborn stains? Professional roof cleaning doesn’t only let your roof look fresh again, it also helps to prevent costly damage. This guide covers everything you need to know about roof cleaning costs in the UK. We’ll look at different cleaning methods, give you detailed pricing for your property type and show you the best ways to save money!
How Much Does Roof Cleaning Cost in the UK?
The average roof cleaning cost ranges between £350 to £700 in the UK and the average roof cleaning cost per m² ranges between £5 to £20 depending on the cleaning method chosen. The final price depends on factors like roof size, property type, cleaning method, moss coverage level and accessibility requirements. We’ll cover all these factors in detail, but let’s take a quick look at some average costs first:
Roof Cleaning Cost by Property Type
| Property Type | Pressure Washing | Manual Cleaning | Soft Washing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bungalow | £350 – £450 | £450 – £700 | £650 – £900 |
| Terraced House | £350 – £450 | £450 – £650 | £600 – £800 |
| Semi-Detached | £400 – £550 | £550 – £750 | £700 – £950 |
| Detached House | £550 – £750 | £750 – £1,100 | £1,000 – £1,400 |
Roof Cleaning Cost Per Square Metre
As mentioned earlier, the average roof cleaning cost per m² ranges between £5 to £20, depending on the cleaning method chosen. Understanding the cost per square metre helps you calculate pricing for your roof size. If you don’t know what these methods mean and which one you’ll need, don’t worry – we’ll explain it in the next chapter.
| Cleaning Method | Price per M² |
|---|---|
| Basic Pressure Washing | £5 – £10 |
| Manual Cleaning | £10 – £15 |
| Steam Cleaning | £10 – £15 |
| Soft Washing Treatment | £15 – £20 |
| Scaffolding (if required) | £15 – £20 |
Money Saving Tip: Compare Roof Cleaning Prices in Your Area!
What Do the Different Methods of Roof Cleaning Mean?
Let’s look at the most common cleaning methods, the average costs involved and what each approach has to offer:
1. Pressure Washing:
The most budget-friendly option at £5-10 per m², pressure washing quickly blasts away surface moss and debris. Best suited for concrete tiles in good condition, this method provides immediate visual improvement but moss typically returns within 12-18 months without biocide treatment.
2. Manual Cleaning with Biocide:
Costing £10-15 per m², this thorough approach involves hand-scraping moss followed by professional biocide application. Takes 1-2 days but provides 3-4 years of moss-free results. Ideal for delicate tiles, heavy moss coverage, or roofs requiring careful treatment.
3. Steam Cleaning:
An eco-friendly option at £10-15 per m² using superheated water to kill moss without chemicals. Perfect for properties near water sources or environmentally sensitive areas. Effective on all roof types with minimal environmental impact and good longevity.
4. Soft Washing Treatment:
The premium service at £15-20 per m² combines gentle cleaning with advanced moss-prevention treatments. Most expensive upfront but delivers 4-5 years of protection, making it cost-effective long-term for homeowners prioritizing lasting results.
Roof Cleaning Costs by Different Roof Types
The material your roof is made of also affects cleaning costs and the methods that can be chosen:
| Roof Type | Price Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Roofs | £350 – £650 | Easier access but often requires drainage clearing |
| Metal Roofs | £400 – £750 | Specialized cleaning to prevent coating damage |
| Concrete Tile Roofs | £450 – £850 | Most common, suitable for all cleaning methods |
| Clay Tile Roofs | £500 – £950 | Moderate pricing, careful pressure washing acceptable |
| Slate Roofs | £550 – £1,100 | Delicate material requiring gentle hand removal |
Average Roof Moss Removal Costs Per M²
Moss removal is one of the most common reasons homeowners need roof cleaning services. Here’s what you can expect to pay for different moss removal approaches:
| Moss Coverage Level | Price per M² | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Light Moss Coverage | £5 – £10 | Using pressure washing for quick removal |
| Moderate Moss Buildup | £10 – £15 | Requiring manual scraping and treatment |
| Heavy Moss Infestation | £15 – £20 | Needing intensive cleaning and prevention |
| Biocide Treatment | £2 – £5 | Additional cost for long-term moss prevention |
What Factors Affect Your Roof Cleaning Cost?
1. Moss Coverage Severity
Light moss buildup allows for quick pressure washing methods. Heavy moss infestations covering large areas of the roof require manual removal with biocide treatment for effective elimination.
2. Roof Size and Complexity
Larger roofs naturally require more time and materials. Complex roofs with multiple levels, chimneys, dormers, or unusual shapes require extra care and specialized access equipment.
3. Accessibility and Safety Requirements
Ground-level access keeps operations straightforward. Roofs requiring scaffolding, cherry pickers, or complex safety equipment need additional setup time and specialized equipment.
4. Roof Material and Age
Modern concrete tiles withstand pressure washing effectively. Delicate slate, old clay tiles, or heritage materials require gentle hand removal methods and specialized care.
5. Geographic Location
London and South East England have higher labour rates and business costs. Remote rural locations may require additional travel time for contractors to reach your property.
6. Seasonal Timing
Peak season during spring and summer sees highest demand for roof cleaning services. Off-season bookings during autumn and winter often have greater availability and flexibility.
How Often Should You Clean Your Roof?
How often a roof cleaning is necessary depends on your treatment choice and also some environmental factors:
- Pressure washing only: Every 1-2 years as moss regrows quickly without prevention treatment
- Manual removal with biocide: Every 3-4 years providing excellent long-term value
- Premium soft washing: Every 4-5 years offering maximum protection and longevity
- High-risk properties: Annual cleaning for roofs with heavy tree cover or north-facing exposure
5 Money-Saving Tips for Roof Cleaning
Here are our five best money-saving strategies without sacrificing on the quality:
1. Invest in Biocide Treatment
While manual removal with biocide costs more initially, it provides 3-4 years of protection compared to 1-2 years for pressure washing alone. One £750 biocide treatment replaces multiple £400 pressure washing sessions.
2. Schedule Off-Season Cleaning
Book services between October and February when contractors offer 10-20% discounts. Weather conditions are still suitable for most cleaning methods while avoiding peak season pricing.
3. Bundle Multiple Services
Combine roof cleaning with gutter cleaning, driveway pressure washing, or window cleaning for package discounts of 15-25%. Contractors appreciate larger jobs and pass savings to customers.
4. Address Issues Early
Clean roofs when moss coverage is under 30% to qualify for basic pressure washing. Waiting until heavy infestation develops forces expensive manual removal methods.
5. Compare Multiple Quotes
Obtain at least three detailed quotes as prices vary significantly. Ensure quotes include the same scope of work and guarantee periods for accurate comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does roof moss removal take?
Pressure washing typically takes 3-7 hours depending on property size and moss coverage. Manual removal with biocide treatment requires 1-2 days for thorough completion and proper application.
How much does bungalow roof cleaning cost?
Bungalow roof cleaning costs £350-£700 on average, depending on size and method chosen. Single-storey access often reduces safety equipment requirements, keeping costs lower than multi-storey properties.
Will roof cleaning damage my tiles?
Professional cleaning using appropriate methods should not damage tiles. However, high-pressure washing on old, damaged, or delicate materials can cause problems, making method selection crucial for tile preservation.
How do I calculate my roof cleaning cost?
Measure your roof area in square metres and multiply by £5-20 depending on your chosen method. Add extra costs for scaffolding if required, and factor in any additional services needed.
When is the best time for roof cleaning?
Late spring through early autumn provides optimal weather conditions for all cleaning methods. Avoid winter months when freezing temperatures affect biocide treatments and create additional safety concerns.
Do I need scaffolding for roof cleaning?
Scaffolding requirements depend on roof height, pitch, and complexity. Most single and two-storey properties can be cleaned using ladders and safety equipment, while three-storey or complex roofs often require scaffolding.
