How much does Moss removal cost?

A thick layer of green moss can make your house look like an enchanted storybook cottage, but the charm isn’t worth the risk.

Moss holds moisture close to a roof’s surface and can erode roofing materials, such as clay tile, asphalt shingles, and wood shingles. It can also work its way beneath roof shingles, causing them to lift up and allow water leaks. Moss is slippery too, making a roof dangerous to walk on during repairs. Slipperiness is also a problem when moss grows on surfaces like stone and brick patios. 

Many roof cleaning services also offer moss removal, especially in cool, damp regions where moss growth is an ongoing maintenance problem. Regular roof cleanings help eliminate and prevent moss growth, extend a roof’s life, and increase a home’s curb appeal. In areas with lots of rainfall, homeowners should consider having their roof cleaned and cleared of moss (along with algae, lichen, mildew, and mold) every 1–2 years. 

Learn more: See the Roof cleaning cost guide. 

Hire a professional roof cleaning company for this job. Moss, algae, and mold removal require a detailed knowledge of cleaning methods and agents, which the pros know. They also know how to do the job safely—roof cleaning jobs are dangerous, especially in wet or slippery conditions.  

Because moss treatment frequently includes harsh chemicals such as chlorine bleach and oxygen bleach, make sure the pro protects your lawn and garden from exposure to these cleaning solutions.

This guide covers the cost of removing moss from your home’s roof and outdoor surfaces. 

For roof moss removal, professional roof cleaners will visit your home, approximate or measure your roof’s area, and provide a cost estimate or—better—a firm quote for clean up. Common moss removal methods include a “soft-wash,” where a low-pressure nozzle gently sprays a mixture of water, and chemical treatments to prevent re-growth. Average cost for roof cleaning ranges $250–900; estimates are typically calculated by square footage, at $0.20–0.75 per square foot.

For patios, driveways, and other rugged surfaces where moss can grow, consider hiring a pressure washing company or handyperson to clean and blast away moss buildup with a high-pressure washer. (Pressure washers are usually not recommended for roofs because roofing materials can be damaged by the powerful spray.) The average cost for pressure washing is $180–400 or $35–100 per hour. 

Also see the Pressure washing cost guide.

The cost of moss removal can be affected by a number of factors: 

Roof height, slope, and size. The biggest factor in determining cost is your home’s roof size. Roofs that are difficult or dangerous to walk on, or present other challenges, may cost 10–25% more to clean than more accessible ones.

Cleaning solutions. During roof cleaning, the addition of anti-moss chemicals can add $0.10–0.60 per square foot to the overall cost. If hiring a roof cleaner, make sure they know that moss removal is a top priority, and they’ll include this in their bid. 

Extent of growth. If it has been a long time (more than 5 or 10 years) since your roof was last cleaned, the amount of moss growth can be difficult to remove. It might require heavier use of chemicals or manual labor to remove the accumulated growth. 

Roof repairs. If roof damage is discovered during the cleaning process, have it looked at by a qualified roofer immediately. Roof inspections run $100–300, with average repairs ranging from $200–1,400. 

Also see the Roof repair cost guide.

Shopping around is the best way to save money on moss removal services. Roof cleaning contractors may have different recommendations for cleaning solutions and techniques, which can raise or lower a bid. If saving money is a priority, get multiple bids on the job.

How much does it cost to have moss removed?

It’s cheaper to pressure wash a brick patio than it is to soft-wash and apply a bleach solution to a roof. Pressure and power washing usually runs $180–400 or $35–100 per hour, while roof cleaning including moss removal can approach $250–900, or $0.20–0.75 per square foot in cost. 

Is it worth removing moss from the roof?

Yes. Any type of organic growth—like algae, mold, and moss—is not good for the health of roofing materials. Moss holds moisture close to the roof, which can degrade many types of roofing prematurely. It can also clog gutters, requiring gutter cleaning, and lift roof tiles or shingles when allowed to grow. 

Can you remove moss yourself?

DIY rooftop moss removal is possible, but not recommended. A knowledge of roofing materials, rooftop safety, and cleaning solutions is required to safely clean moss from a roof. Moss that grows on resilient surfaces like stone and brick patios can be removed with the help of a pressure washer. 

Find a roof cleaning professional in your area.