Typical roof cleaning prices in NH
Our minimum for a soft wash roof cleaning is $400. Most roofs we clean on the Seacoast and in Southern NH land somewhere between $400 and $900, and roofs with heavy moss can run higher.
| Roof condition | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Black streaks, little or no moss, average-size roof | $400–$600 |
| Streaks with scattered moss, or a larger or two-story roof | $600–$900 |
| Heavy moss or lichen, steep or large roof | Quoted on site, usually $900+ |
We price roofs on time and materials rather than a flat rate by house size, because two roofs the same size can be completely different jobs. The ranges above are what those jobs typically come out to.
From our recent jobs
Why moss matters more than roof size
The cleaning solution is the most expensive part of a roof job, and moss is what drives how much of it we use and how long we're on the roof.
Black streaks only. Those streaks are an algae called Gloeocapsa magma. When that's all there is, we apply the solution, let it work, and rinse. It's the fastest and least expensive version of the job.
Moss. Moss takes more work. First we remove as much of it as we can without damaging the shingles. Then we apply the solution to kill what's left at the root. Dead moss doesn't all let go the same day; it releases over the following weeks as it dries and the rain washes it off. We make sure the moss is dead before we leave, and in the rare case that a good amount is still hanging on a month or two later, we come back.
A roof that's been let go for years uses a lot more solution and a lot more time than one with a thin layer of streaks, even if the two houses are the same size.
Other things that affect the price
- Pitch. Steep roofs take longer to work safely.
- Height and stories. A two-story roof takes longer to reach and treat than a ranch.
- Access. Tight lots, heavy landscaping, or long distances from where we can set up add time.
- Lichen. The crusty, flat growth that often shows up next to moss is slower to break down than streaks.
Be wary of a flat roof price given over the phone without anyone looking at the roof. Until someone sees how much moss is up there, nobody knows how much solution or time it will take.
Why roofs shouldn't be pressure washed
High pressure strips the protective granules off asphalt shingles, can drive water up under the shingles and flashing, and will void most shingle warranties. It also only knocks the growth off the surface, so it comes back fast. A soft wash kills the algae and moss at the root with low pressure, which is the method the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association recommends. More on that on our roof cleaning page.
How often does a roof need cleaning?
Most NH roofs do well with a cleaning every 2 to 3 years. Shaded roofs under heavy tree cover, and north-facing slopes that never dry out, grow back faster. Cleaning while it's still mostly streaks is also cheaper than waiting until the moss is thick, for all the reasons above. If you're not sure where yours stands, here are the signs your roof needs cleaning and the best time of year to do it.
Getting an accurate quote
The only way to price a roof accurately is to see it. We give free estimates, tell you what we see, and give you the price before any work starts. Many customers add gutter cleaning to the same visit since we're already set up at the roofline.
Call us at (603) 416-1498 or submit a request online. We serve the NH Seacoast, Southern Maine, and the Lakes Region.
Get a free roof cleaning estimate
We'll look at the roof and give you a price before any work begins.
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