Soft washing an asphalt shingle roof of about 1,500–2,000 sq ft costs $350–$1,000, with $600 typical. A moss or lichen treatment adds $100–$250, and gutter brightening $100–$325. Shingle roofs should be soft washed, never pressure washed.
Roof soft wash: $350–$1,000, $600 typical
Moss or lichen treatment add-on: $100–$250
Roof plus gutter brightening: $450–$1,325
Roof plus a 2,000 sq ft house wash: $600–$1,750
The shingle makers' trade group says not to use a power washer on asphalt roofs
Prices verified November 2026 · Cross-referenced against 65+ American pricing sources · See methodology
01 / PricesUSA · November 2026
Roof cleaning prices
National prices for a typical home, labor and cleaning solution included.
Roof cleaning pricesPer job, low to high with the typical price marked.
Roof soft wash plus a 2,000 sq ft house wash$1,000$600–$1,750
Roof soft wash plus gutter brightening$790$450–$1,325
Gutter face brightening (outside of the gutters)per job
$100
$190
$325
Roof soft wash plus gutter brighteningper job
$450
$790
$1,325
Roof soft wash plus a 2,000 sq ft house washper job
$600
$1,000
$1,750
Pressure washing labor rate (hourly)per hour
$50
$75
$150
Minimum charge for a small jobper visit
$100
$150
$250
US prices, November 2026. Low is a simple job in a low-cost area; high is a bigger job or a high-cost city.
02 / By city195 cities priced
Does roof cleaning cost change by city?
Yes. The same job costs more where labor and rent cost more. Here's how pressure washing prices in the biggest US metros compare with the US typical of $400.
Pressure washing prices in the 12 biggest US metrosEach city's typical pressure washing price against the US typical of $400.
Those black streaks on shingles are mostly algae. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association says not to use a power washer, brush or broom to clean algae off an asphalt roof, and that high-pressure washing is likely to damage it. High pressure can knock off the granules that protect the shingles. Roof cleaners use a low-pressure spray of cleaning solution and let it work.
Pressure washing a shingle roof can also put your roof warranty at risk. Metal roofs can take more pressure; tile and slate need a gentle touch.
02
What drives the price
Roof size first, then pitch and height: steep roofs need harnesses and more time, and each extra story adds cost. Thick moss or lichen can need hand removal, which costs more. Steep, tall or hard-to-reach roofs cost the most.
03
How often to clean a roof
Sources range from every one to three years in damp, shaded spots to every five years or more in dry climates. Clean it when streaks or moss show up, not on a calendar. Zinc strips near the ridge (about $30–$60 for a 50-ft roll) help keep moss from coming back.
04
Save money
How to save
Book the roof with the house wash: together they run $600–$1,750, one trip and one set-up. Add gutter brightening ($100–$325) in the same visit, while the crew is set up.
05
Watch out
Red flags
Walk away from anyone who plans to use high pressure on shingles, can't name the solution they'll use, or won't show liability insurance. Ask how they'll protect plants below the roofline from runoff.
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05 / Questions5 answers
Roof cleaning cost: FAQ
Does roof cleaning void my shingle warranty?
Roof guides say soft washing is the method shingle makers approve. High-pressure washing can damage shingles and may void your warranty, so check your warranty's cleaning terms first.
How long does roof cleaning take?
Usually two to five hours for a typical home, longer for steep or very mossy roofs.
Will roof cleaning kill my plants?
Not if the crew wets and covers plants and rinses them after. Ask how they handle runoff before you book.
What causes black streaks on a roof?
Mostly algae, which grows best on damp, shaded roofs. Moss is the bigger worry, because it holds moisture on the roof.
Can I clean my roof myself?
It's risky: roofs are steep and slippery when wet. If you try, never use high pressure on shingles. Most homeowners are safer hiring a pro with harnesses and insurance.
These are independent estimates from national cost guides, company price pages, local price guides and BLS wage data. No company can pay to change them, so always get two or three quotes for the same list of surfaces. Last reviewed November 2026. Read the full methodology →