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Roof Cleaning Costs: Real Numbers
Those dark streaks on your roof are Gloeocapsa magma — an algae that feeds on limestone in asphalt shingles. It's not just ugly — it's actively damaging your roof. Here's what professional roof cleaning costs in Jacksonville in 2026.
Average Prices by Roof Type
| Roof Type | 1,500 sq ft | 2,500 sq ft | Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingles | $250 – $400 | $400 – $600 | $0.20 – $0.35 |
| Tile Roof | $350 – $500 | $500 – $800 | $0.25 – $0.45 |
| Metal Roof | $200 – $350 | $350 – $500 | $0.15 – $0.30 |
| Flat/Commercial | $300 – $450 | $450 – $700 | $0.20 – $0.40 |
Why Roofs Must Be Soft Washed
Non-negotiable: roofs must be cleaned using soft wash methods, never pressure washing:
- Asphalt shingles — high pressure blasts off protective granules, reducing lifespan by years
- Tile roofs — can crack under high pressure
- Metal roofs — dents and strips protective coating
- Every major manufacturer specifies soft washing only — pressure washing voids the warranty
Soft washing uses low pressure (under 300 PSI) with biodegradable solutions that kill algae at the root level.
What Affects Cost?
Roof Size
Primary cost driver. Most companies price by square footage.
Roof Pitch (Steepness)
Steep roofs (8/12+) require safety equipment and harnesses, adding 20-40% to cost.
Roof Material
Tile roofs cost more — technicians must walk carefully to avoid cracking tiles. Metal roofs are typically fastest and cheapest.
Level of Growth
Light algae streaking: one application, 20-30 minutes. Heavy moss and lichen: multiple applications and manual scraping — doubling labor time.
The ROI of Roof Cleaning
- Extends roof life 5-10 years — algae eats shingle material; removing it stops the damage
- Reduces cooling costs — clean roofs reflect more sunlight, reducing attic temps by 10-15°F
- Prevents insurance issues — some Florida insurers flag algae-stained roofs during inspections
- Boosts home value — a clean roof is one of the first things buyers notice
Compare $300-600 for cleaning versus $8,000-15,000 for premature roof replacement.
How Often in Jacksonville?
Every 12-24 months. North-facing sections under tree canopy need annual cleaning. South-facing in full sun can go 2 years. Ideal timing: fall (October-November), after hurricane season.
Why Not DIY?
- Fall risk — wet, chemically treated roofs are extremely slippery
- Chemical handling — sodium hypochlorite at cleaning concentrations causes burns
- Equipment — professional systems deliver precise chemical ratios
- Warranty risk — improper technique voids your roof warranty
Get Your Roof Cleaned
Clean Gutter Protection provides professional roof soft washing throughout Jacksonville. We also offer commercial roof cleaning.
Get a free estimate or call (888) 507-4854.