The footprint square footage is the biggest cost driver, but it isn't the only one. Two homes with identical floorplans can come back with different roof cleaning quotes because pitch, dormers, skylights, and access all affect how long a crew spends on the roof — and how much chemistry the job requires.
Pitch matters more than most people think
A 4/12 pitch (shallow) roof and a 12/12 pitch (steep) roof can have the same footprint but the 12/12 has roughly 42% more actual surface area once you measure the slope. The satellite estimator uses your home's pitch from aerial imagery to compensate automatically — you never pay for pitch you don't have, but you also aren't undercharged if your roof is taller than its floorplan suggests.
Coastal two-story homes are the sweet spot
The most common Myrtle Beach roof profile. Two stories, 6/12 to 8/12 pitch, 2,200 sq ft average footprint. These homes run $780 to $960 at TruShine's standard rate and take about 2.5 hours from start to rinse.
Three-story coastal and oceanfront
Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, DeBordieu Colony, Litchfield Beach. Three stories plus steeper roof pitches for storm shedding. These homes run $1,175 to $1,470 and take 4 to 5 hours. The premium covers taller reach equipment, slower pace, and the safety protocols required for elevated work.
Dormers, valleys, and complex geometry
A simple rectangular roof cleans fast. A home with 4 dormers, 6 valleys, and 3 chimneys takes longer because every transition collects debris, moss, and algae differently. Complex roofs may add 8 to 12% compared to a simple hip roof of the same square footage.