Roof Cleaning Cost Calculator
How to Calculate The Cost of Roof Cleaning in Miami, Florida
Cleaning your roof isn’t just about curb appeal, it’s about protecting your investment, prolonging the life of your roofing system, and preventing hidden damage from algae, moss or debris. At Kleanway Cleaning Services, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in the Miami-area understand what factors drive cost and how to budget accordingly. In this guide we’ll break down the typical cost ranges you’ll see locally, what affects those costs, how our estimating process works, and smart tips to get the best value.
What Is the Average Cost of Roof Cleaning in Miami?
In the U.S., roof-cleaning typically runs $0.20 to $0.70 per square foot, meaning a 1,500 sq ft roof would cost between about $300 and $1,050.
However, in South Florida (where steep pitches, two-story homes, high humidity, and tropical storms can all add complexity), you should expect the cost to sit toward the upper end of that range or even slightly higher depending on condition, roof type, and accessibility.
Typical ballpark for the Miami area:
- Small single-story home (1,000 sq ft roof) → $400-$900
- Medium home (1,500 sq ft) → $700-$1,300
- Large or multi-story (2,000 sq ft +) → $1,200+
(These are example estimates, your actual quote will consider the factors below.)
What is the Cleaning Cost by Size, Cleaning Method, Roof Type, Stories & Labor
Roof Size
The larger the surface area to clean, the higher the cost. Most professionals charge by the square-foot of roof area (which includes overhangs and takes slope into account). Public data:
- 1,000 sq ft → $50–$750
- 1,500 sq ft → $75–$1,125
- 2,000 sq ft → $100–$1,500
Keep in mind, Florida homes often have “usable roof area” larger than footprint because of slopes and eaves.
Cleaning Method
Different methods carry different costs:
- Blower cleaning (removing loose debris) $0.05-$0.10/sq ft
- Chemical wash (anti-algae/moss agents) $0.20-$0.30/sq ft
- High-pressure wash $0.20-$0.60/sq ft — but caution: high pressure may damage some roof materials.
- Low-pressure wash $0.30-$0.70/sq ft
- Soft‐wash (lowest pressure + detergents + manual) $0.30-$0.75/sq ft.
We typically favour soft-wash for asphalt shingle and tile roofs because it’s safest in humid/tropical climates and reduces risk of damage or voiding warranties.
Roof Type / Material
Roofing materials affect both method and cost. Example ranges:
- Asphalt, clay, concrete tiles: soft-wash $0.30-$0.75/sq ft.
- Metal panels: high-pressure may be acceptable $0.20-$0.60/sq ft.
- Rubber or tar-&-gravel: chemical wash $0.20-$0.30/sq ft.
- Also: steep roofs, complex shapes, lots of valleys and features increase cost (extra safety, more labor). For example: adding $0.10/sq ft or more for each story above the first.
Number of Stories / Accessibility
If you have a two- or three-story home, or your roof is hard to access (lots of trees, steep pitch, multiple levels), expect to pay more – often $0.10-$0.15/sq ft higher or more.
Labor & Other Cost Drivers
Labor makes up the bulk of the cost: equipment, crew, insurance, etc. Hourly rates for crews may range widely (some sources show $17-$36/hr) depending on region.
Other drivers: travel time, equipment setup, safety harnesses, disposal of waste, clean-up of debris etc.
Other Exterior Cleaning Service Average Costs
Beyond the core roof cleaning, many homeowners opt for extras. At Klean Way we can bundle some of these to increase value:
Service | Typical Range |
$0.70-$1.30 per linear foot | |
Moss removal (if heavy) | $0.20-$0.70 per sq ft |
Moss prevention treatment | $150-$250 flat |
Stain removal (after cleaning) | $50-$100 |
Stain-blocking sealant | $20-$30 per gallon (covers ~300 sq ft) |
Zinc-oxide treatment for algae/moss prevention | $0.05-$0.15 per sq ft |
$150-$350 |
Note for Florida homes: the combination of humidity, shading from palm trees, frequent rain, and potential hurricane debris means moss/algae/mildew prevention treatments may be more worthwhile and thus add cost but deliver real value in extending roof life.
Signs You Need Roof Cleaning
Here are the signs that your roof needs attention:
- Black streaks or dark stains on the roof surface
- Visible algae, moss, or lichen growth (especially in shaded areas)
- Accumulated damp leaves/debris, especially around valleys/flashing
- Bird droppings or nesting debris that can trap moisture
- Lifted/shifting shingles, or signs of granule loss (indicating moisture retention)
Prompt cleaning when you spot these signs can save you from more costly repairs or full roof replacement down the road.
Conclusion
If you’re a Miami-area homeowner looking to protect your investment and keep your roof in top shape, getting a clear, upfront cost estimate is the first step. At Kleanway Cleaning Services we make the process simple: inspect, measure, choose method, quote. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for and why. Give us a call for a free quote and take one more thing off your home-maintenance to-do list with confidence.
Next Steps
- Contact us to schedule your FREE roof inspection and quote.
- Ask about our other cleaning packages.
- Book early, our schedule fills fast!
FAQs:
The cost to clean a roof can vary widely depending on the size of the roof, the type of roofing material, how dirty it is, and where you live. On average, you might pay anywhere from $0.15 to $0.50 per square foot for a soft wash or pressure cleaning. But with larger homes or more difficult roof types, it could be more.
Yes, professional roof cleaning can be well worth the cost. Hiring a trained, insured cleaner ensures that the job is done safely and correctly. Especially for delicate roof materials. It also helps prevent damage and prolongs the life of your roof by removing moss, algae, and other harmful growths.
If done improperly, cleaning (especially with high pressure) can damage shingles, tiles, or other roofing materials.
The cost can be relatively high, depending on your roof.
There’s potential for warranty issues: some roofing warranties may be voided if roofers use aggressive pressure without proper technique.
If not done regularly, cleaning may not provide long-term value.
Slate roofs require extra care because the material is brittle. Cleaners typically use soft washing (low pressure + specialized cleaning solutions) to remove algae, moss, or stains. Because of the careful technique and longer labor time, slate roof cleaning often costs more than a standard asphalt shingle roof.
The local cost for metal roof cleaning depends on your region, the type of metal (standing seam, corrugated, etc.), and how tall or steep your roof is. In many areas, you can expect rates similar to or slightly below shingle roofs because metal is durable, but get a local quote to be precise.
As a general rule, roof cleaning can cost between $0.15 to $0.50+ per sq ft. Some very easy roofs (small, low slope) may cost less, while complex roofs, or those needing specialty cleaning (like slate or tile), may cost more.
Tile roofs (clay or concrete) typically cost more to clean than asphalt shingles because of their shape and fragility. You might pay in the range of $0.25 to $0.60+ per square foot, depending on tile condition, pitch, and local labor rates.
For most residential roofs, the total cost will depend on square footage, pitch, accessibility, and the amount of buildup. On an average suburban home (say, 2,000 sq ft roof area), cleaning could run anywhere from $300 to $1,000+, but this is a rough estimate, local quotes are always best.
In Florida, given the climate (humidity, lots of sunlight, frequent rain), organic growth like algae and moss is common. This can push cleaning costs toward the higher end of the range. On average, roof cleaning in Florida might cost around $0.30-$0.50 per sq ft, but it depends heavily on your county, roof size, and condition.
