{
  "slug": "roof-cleaning-cost",
  "title": "Roof Cleaning Cost Calculator",
  "heading": "Roof Cleaning Cost Calculator",
  "category": "financial",
  "url": "https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/roof-cleaning-cost",
  "summary": "Soft wash roof cleaning cost by square footage, pitch, and staining severity.",
  "description": "Roof cleaning — typically a low-pressure soft wash with a cleaning solution to kill algae, moss, and lichen — is priced per square foot of roof area, adjusted for roof pitch (steeper roofs need more safety gear and time) and staining severity. 2026 US national averages run roughly $0.20-$0.45 per sq ft for a standard soft wash on a moderate-pitch asphalt shingle roof, with steep or multi-story roofs and heavy black algae staining pushing toward $0.50-$0.75 per sq ft. Pressure washing is generally not recommended for asphalt shingles since it can strip granules and void manufacturer warranties, so most reputable roof cleaners use the soft-wash method by default. This calculator applies pitch and staining multipliers to a base rate so you can compare quotes; roof cleaning every 2-4 years in humid, shaded climates prone to algae growth is typical, while drier climates may go longer between cleanings.",
  "formula": "Total = Roof Sq Ft × Base Rate × Pitch Multiplier × Staining Multiplier.",
  "dateModified": "2026-09-06",
  "run_url": "https://www.revenuelab.fyi/api/public/calc?tool=roof-cleaning-cost",
  "inputs": [
    {
      "id": "sqft",
      "label": "Roof area",
      "kind": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "default": 2000,
      "unit": "sq ft",
      "min": 500,
      "max": 6000
    },
    {
      "id": "baseRate",
      "label": "Base soft wash rate",
      "kind": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "default": 0.3,
      "unit": "$/sq ft",
      "min": 0.15,
      "max": 0.8
    },
    {
      "id": "pitch",
      "label": "Roof pitch",
      "kind": "select",
      "hint": null,
      "default": "1",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "1",
          "label": "Low/moderate pitch"
        },
        {
          "value": "1.3",
          "label": "Steep pitch"
        },
        {
          "value": "1.6",
          "label": "Very steep / multi-story"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "staining",
      "label": "Algae/moss staining level",
      "kind": "select",
      "hint": null,
      "default": "1",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "1",
          "label": "Light"
        },
        {
          "value": "1.3",
          "label": "Moderate"
        },
        {
          "value": "1.6",
          "label": "Heavy"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "outputs": [
    {
      "id": "totalCost",
      "label": "Total roof cleaning cost",
      "format": "currency",
      "hint": null,
      "primary": true
    },
    {
      "id": "perSqft",
      "label": "Effective cost per sq ft",
      "format": "currency",
      "hint": null,
      "primary": false
    }
  ],
  "worked_example": {
    "inputs": [
      "Roof area: 2000 sq ft",
      "Base soft wash rate: 0.3 $/sq ft",
      "Roof pitch: Low/moderate pitch",
      "Algae/moss staining level: Light"
    ],
    "outputs": [
      "Total roof cleaning cost: $600",
      "Effective cost per sq ft: $0.30"
    ]
  },
  "how_to": {
    "title": "How to use this",
    "steps": [
      "Enter roof area (sq ft).",
      "Enter base soft wash rate ($/sq ft).",
      "Enter roof pitch.",
      "Enter algae/moss staining level.",
      "Read your total roof cleaning cost on the right — it updates as you type.",
      "Hit Share to keep the scenario or send it to someone."
    ]
  },
  "scenarios": [
    {
      "name": "Conservative",
      "description": "Lower-end numbers — what if things land soft?",
      "values": {
        "sqft": 1200,
        "baseRate": 0.18,
        "pitch": "1",
        "staining": "1"
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Typical",
      "description": "Defaults — the most common real-world setup.",
      "values": {
        "sqft": 2000,
        "baseRate": 0.3,
        "pitch": "1",
        "staining": "1"
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Ambitious",
      "description": "Higher-end numbers — what if things really pop?",
      "values": {
        "sqft": 3200,
        "baseRate": 0.48,
        "pitch": "1",
        "staining": "1"
      }
    }
  ],
  "limitations": [
    "Results are estimates before tax, fees, and inflation unless an input explicitly covers them.",
    "Rates are treated as fixed for the whole period — variable-rate products will drift from this projection.",
    "This is educational maths, not financial advice. Check anything contractual with the lender or your accountant."
  ],
  "faq": [
    {
      "q": "Is pressure washing safe for my roof?",
      "a": "For asphalt shingles, no — high-pressure washing can strip protective granules and void the shingle manufacturer's warranty. Reputable companies use a low-pressure soft wash with an algaecide solution instead, which is safer and often more effective long-term."
    },
    {
      "q": "What causes those black streaks on my roof?",
      "a": "Black streaking is typically caused by Gloeocapsa magma, a algae that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles; it thrives in humid, shaded conditions and spreads over time if untreated, which is why northern and shaded roof slopes often stain first."
    },
    {
      "q": "How often should a roof be cleaned?",
      "a": "Every 2-4 years is typical in humid or shaded climates prone to algae and moss; drier climates with more sun exposure may only need cleaning every 5+ years or when visible staining appears."
    },
    {
      "q": "Do zinc or copper strips reduce future cleanings?",
      "a": "Yes — zinc or copper ridge strips release ions when it rains that inhibit algae regrowth, and many roof cleaners recommend installing them after a cleaning to extend the interval before the next service is needed."
    }
  ],
  "related": [
    "https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/gutter-cleaning-cost",
    "https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/ice-dam-removal-cost",
    "https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/ridge-vent-installation-cost"
  ],
  "license": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "citation": "RevenueLab — Roof Cleaning Cost Calculator (https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/roof-cleaning-cost)"
}