Why are some roof cleaning companies so expensive?

The inspiration for this article actually came from a personal experience.

I remember quoting for a roof cleaning job where the customer had already received several other quotes. We went through everything properly — what would be done, how the roof would be cleaned, and what the process would involve.

When questions started coming back and the woman gasped for air!

There was vibe of shock and disbelief! 

And I don't blame her

I remember feeling like “wow this feels not very nice”, honestly I couldn't wait to respectfully leave if I'm being completely honest

But later on, I realised something important.

The lady wasn’t questioning me or my business at all.

The truth was, I hadn’t done a good enough job of explaining what actually goes on behind the scenes, and allowed her to research all the factors that go into roof cleaning on her own, what’s included, and why some companies price their work very differently to others.

That moment stayed with me.

And that’s really the reason for this article. Not to justify prices or criticise other companies but to help homeowners genuinely understand why some roof cleaning companies appear more expensive than others.

Roof cleaning looks so simple and easy

I’m not about to say “every roof is different” because they do have a lot of things in common and its such a cop out answer very common within many industries.

There are, though, different tiles, different roof layouts, different access requirements , and different risks. What works safely on one property may be completely unsuitable on another.

Understanding those differences is one of the main reasons prices can vary so much from one contractor to the other because unfortunately not every contractor understands the scope of the work in all cases. 

From the ground or on social media roof cleaning can look straightforward.

To many people, it can appear as though someone is simply “jet washing a roof.” But in reality, there’s a lot more involved than what you can see from the side of the road.

Does experience and knowledge matter for your roof cleaning project?

If you only need the moss sweeping off a low pitched flat tile roof, a high level of experience and knowledge may be important to you. But if you requie your roof cleaned and the tiles are profiled and you are looking for an instant result from the cleaning with very challenging access, employing a contractor with knowledge would likely play a significant role in your decision.

One of the biggest differences between roof cleaning companies is knowledge.

Experience applied from each job builds up within each company and allows for deeper level of expertise that some companies have, and others don’t. 

An experienced cleaner doesn’t just know how to remove moss, they understand roof structures, tile types, water behaviour, access challenges, and potential weak points on a roof that requires a more delicate approach.

Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do.

That level of understanding comes from years of working on different properties and learning how to avoid damage. Companies with that experience often charge more because they are reducing risks for both themselves and the homeowner.

The Roof cleaning method can make some companies more expensive

There isn’t just one way to clean a roof.

Different roofs require different methods depending on tile type, age, condition, and level of growth.

Some methods are quicker but riskier.

While others are slower but more thorough and controlled.

For example, typically scraping the moss off a roof is going to be less expensive than low pressure washing a roof from a purely financial perspective.

This in once sense can be because of the clean up process that follows each method of cleaning. Not taking into account different equipment cost and the associated with owning and operating the tools required to complete each project. These factors play a role in the price of a roof cleaning project leaving aside the ideas and perspectives and opinions of which "method is best" which depends on the type and condition of roof.

I talk a bit more on the different factors that increase and decrease the the price of roof cleaning in the related articles below.

Is a VAT registered roof cleaning business more expensive? 

Intuitively, I honestly would say yes it is. But it does not mean that it is simply 20% more expensive.

VAT is another area that often causes confusion… 

Now brace yourself, you are about to have some maths explained by a person that failed maths.

So if you don’t like numbers much. You're welcome to scroll on.

It’s easy to assume that a VAT registered company is simply adding 20% onto the same job, but the pricing doesn’t work like that.

Every business including a roof cleaning businesses has ongoing costs such as

• Fuel
• Equipment
• Vehicle maintenance,
• Waste disposal
• Insurance
• Software 
• Staff contributions

So when a business buys these products and services we pay the VAT too and this is known to a business as input VAT. 

When you are choosing a company that is VAT registered and your roof cleaning price shows £1000 + vat (£200)

The roof cleaning company is basically collecting the £200 output vat on behalf of the government and giving it to them to spend wisely…

But! before those intrusive thoughts come in about if the government spends that money wisely or not 

The business deducts the input vat we have already paid on the products and services we consume as part of running our business such as fuel, equipment, vehicle maintenance etc... 

That £200 output vat we collect when we charge for our roof cleaning  is now reduced by the input vat we have already paid. 

So the “Cost” of vat we pay to the government is now less and the true cost of dealing with a VAT registered roof cleaning business may be more like 8-12% more expensive from a purely financial perspective.

Typically a business that is VAT registered is more expensive if all things about the service you are receiving is equal. 

A VAT registered business would be more expensive but it is not simply a case of twenty percent more. 

The common debate that can be had is that because the threshold for registering for VAT is quite low, how can a none vat registered business offer the same level of service and guarantees as a business that is VAT registered does?  - which is up to you on how you make up your mind about that in deciding the best contractor for your project.

What’s Actually Included in the Quote?

A factor to consider when comparing quote is to check if you're getting the same product and receiving the same level of service? 

Some quotes may only include basic moss removal.

Here are some of the consideration when comparing quote between the literal, what's included in the quotation and the level of service you are to receive.

When one company is quoting for a full, thorough service and another is quoting for a limited version, the prices will naturally look very different.

Access Equipment and Specialist Machinery

Many roofs require proper access equipment to be cleaned safely.

This may include scaffold towers or cherry pickers, depending on the property.

Using this equipment can add financial cost but it also allows the job to be done safely, thoroughly, and without unnecessary risk.

Companies that include correct access equipment as standard are often more expensive than those trying to work without it.

Insurance and Responsibility

Professional roof cleaning companies carry insurance that protects both themselves and the homeowner.

This includes cover for working at height, accidental damage, and public liability.

If something does go wrong at the responsibility of the contractor, are they there to accept responsibility?

That protection comes at a cost, and it’s one of the reasons professional companies may charge more.

Who Is Actually Working on Your Roof?

Another important difference when comparing quotes is who is carrying out the work.

Some companies use trained, insured staff who follow consistent procedures. Others rely on casual labour with varying levels of experience.

When a business employs its own team and vetted subcontractors, provides training, and takes responsibility for the work, that accountability is reflected in the price and is an important consideration when considering a roof cleaning company.

How to Compare Roof Cleaning Quotes Properly

Rather than comparing price alone, it’s worth asking:

• What exactly is included?
  
• How will the roof be cleaned?
  
• What access equipment will be used?
  
• Is waste removal included?
  
• Is the company insured?
  
• What happens if something goes wrong?
  
  

Two quotes may look very different on paper while actually offering completely different levels of service and responsibility.

Roof cleaning prices aren’t just about the clean itself.

They reflect experience, safety, equipment, insurance, responsibility, trust to complete the job.

Some companies appear more expensive because they are doing the work thoroughly, safely, and professionally and because they take full responsibility for their actions.

Understanding this makes it much easier to compare quotes with confidence and choose a company you feel comfortable trusting with your roof.