How much does it cost to clean a roof on the Gold Coast?

Roof pressure cleaning in Gold Coast costs between $500 and $1,200, whereas driveway cleaning can cost between $150 and $300. The average cost can be between $3 and $5 per square meter. Some cleaning services charge an hourly rate, which can be around $85-$90 per hour.

If you find that expensive, keep in mind that roof cleaning is not done frequently. Homeowners should clean their roofs on the Gold Coast at least once a year. If debris accumulates on your roof and gutters at a faster rate because of the location, getting them cleaned twice a year is also a good idea.

In addition, it’s necessary to perform periodic visual inspections of your roof at frequent intervals, especially after storms. In case you spot any debris or signs of damage, schedule a cleaning without any delay. Allowing minor damages to spread will lead to higher repair costs.

At this point, it’s important to discuss DIY vs. professional roof cleaning. Now, DIY cleaning has some definite advantages. It can be more cost-effective, and you can do it at your own convenience. 

However, there are safety risks involved in working on the roof, especially over one with a sharp pitch. If you aren’t familiar with the standard safety practices, you can end up with serious injuries. 

Plus, cleaning the roof properly isn’t possible unless you know how to use the right equipment and cleaning chemicals. You may end up damaging the roofing material by choosing the wrong method or cleaning solution.

A closer look will reveal that DIY roof cleaning is not as cheap as it seems. You will need to buy safety gear and cleaning solution. Unless you are going for manual cleaning, there will be additional expenses for buying pressure washing or soft washing equipment. Once you factor in the risks and the costs, DIY cleaning may not be the best deal.

Determining the ideal cleaning frequency for your roof depends on several factors. One of these is the climate of the Gold Coast. The warm and wet conditions in summer support the growth of algae and moss, which make your roof vulnerable to water-related damage. Older roofs are more susceptible to damage and need frequent cleaning and inspection for damage.

Other factors affecting the cleaning frequency include your home’s environment, roofing material, and the roof pitch. Let’s take a closer look at these factors.

Home Environment

If your home is surrounded by trees, there’s a high chance of leaves and branches accumulating on it. The shade provided by the trees also reduces sunlight, increasing the moss growing on the roof to collect and hold more water. This can cause damage to the underlying roof layers.

Likewise, homes in industrial regions may experience an increased buildup of pollutants and dust. The cleaning frequency is to be increased to keep the roof free from the damaging effects of such depositions.

Roof Pitch and Orientation

Dirt and debris can’t stick to steeper surfaces easily. So, the cleaning frequency of steeper roofs with pitches around 20 degrees or more can be longer. Such roofs can be cleaned once every 3-4 years, after considering other factors.

Roofs with low pitches of around 5 degrees or less should be cleaned more frequently. Flat roofs are most vulnerable to damage from debris buildup, and they should be checked at periodic intervals to ensure that no buildup is present. In addition, roofs with design features like valleys or skylights are more prone to debris accumulation.

Generally, south-facing roofs get a limited amount of sunshine, which results in higher chances of moisture buildup. Besides, depending on the surroundings, the airflow on the roof can be less, making the conditions favourable for moss and algae growth. Conversely, the roofs facing north will require less frequent cleaning as they are more exposed to sunlight.

Type of Roofing

Tile roofs are less prone to moss and algae buildup than asphalt shingle roofs. Asphalt shingle roofs trap moisture, and their high porosity makes them more susceptible to damage. Professional roof cleaning services in Gold Coast can let you know the best cleaning frequency for your roof based on the roofing material type.