Although metal roofs are durable and require minimal maintenance, they still need to be cleaned if you want to preserve the aesthetics and structural integrity of your roof. Regularly cleaning your metal roof will ensure it looks good and performs well while also helping to prevent costly repairs from wear and tear over time.
Cleaning metal roofs doesn’t have to be a simple task. With some patience and the right cleaning materials, you can easily restore your roof’s shine. Before starting, however, it is necessary that you take safety measures to avoid any injury during this process.
You will want to begin by spraying off dirt and debris with pressurized water if needed. Use chemical cleaners on tough spots as needed. To finish things off, use targeted scrubbing for any persistent grime and stains.
Once your metal roof is free of dirt and debris, applying a protective sealant or coating is helpful to protect the metal from rusting or fading. This will help keep it looking great for years to come.
Precautions When Cleaning A Metal Roof
Ensuring safety is paramount when sprucing up a metal roof. Because they become slippery with aqueous solutions and cleaning agents, certain precautions must be taken to ensure the cleaning process is done efficiently and safely.
The following steps are recommended:
- Never climb onto your metal roof without a partner. Accidents can occur unexpectedly, and having someone with you will provide some degree of safety.
- Use harnesses and other protective fall equipment for additional safety.
- Use an OSHA-approved ladder when cleaning your roof for added safety. Moreover, use a ladder with padded stabilizers to protect the coating on the metal roof and prevent scratching or damage from contact with the ladder.
- If you plan to traverse your roof, wear shoes with good traction to prevent slipping. Also, ensure your shoe’s soles are free of rocks or other debris.
- Wear protective gear such as eye protection and gloves.
- Only use a soft brush when scrubbing off dirt, grime, or moss on the metal surface. Use a hard brush only if there are tougher stains.
- Avoid using chemical agents on the metal as they can corrode it over time.
- Always rinse off any cleaning agent thoroughly with a garden hose before leaving the area.
Best Ways To Clean A Metal Roof
Step 1: Clean The Roof
After taking the necessary safety precautions, you can start cleaning the roof. Start by clearing away any debris like twigs, leaves, and other debris that may be present on its surface.
Step 2: Use Water To Clean The Surface
Many people wonder if a power washer can be used to clean their metal roof, and the answer is yes. However, we do not recommend using it due to its weight, bulkiness, and potential for denting the metal surface of your roof when sprayed too close. Instead, using a garden hose to wash your roof works fine and is much safer. You can easily reach all areas of your roof without climbing on top. Most dirt or dust should be removed with water alone.
Step 3: Get Rid Of Tough Stains
Want to eliminate pesky stains on your metal roof? Then, you’ll need a gentle cleaning solution. We suggest mixing a ¼ cup of car washing soap or mild dish detergent with a gallon of water. Apply the mixture onto the surface using a sponge, soft-bristle brush, or microfiber cloth. Leave the mixture on the stains for 5-10 minutes before completely rinsing off with water.
Most stains can be cleaned with a detergent-and-water solution. However, stains from rust or algae may be difficult to remove with detergents. In these cases, chemicals may be needed to clean the stains. We suggest you consult a metal roofing professional to determine the best cleaning agents that won’t damage the roof during the cleaning process.
Step 4: Rinse Off The Cleaning Agent And Check For Any Remaining Stains
Once you’re done scrubbing, thoroughly rinse off any remaining cleaning agents with a garden hose before leaving the area. Also, check for any remaining stains or spots that require further scrubbing.
Step 5: Apply Protective Coating
Finally, apply a protective sealant or coating on the metal surface to prevent rusting and fading. This will help keep your roof in good condition for years to come.
Tips To Clean A Metal Roof
Clean Your Roofs On A Dry, Overcast Day
Metal roofs can become unbearably hot on days when the sun is shining brightly. So, we advise you not to clean your roofs in such conditions. Plus, the glare from the strong sunlight reflecting off the metal may impair your vision and make it harder to do the job. Likewise, avoid attempting roof cleaning on rainy days, as it will increase the chances of slipping or falling off the roof.
Clean Where You Can Reach
Clean areas you can reach from the ground. Climbing onto your roof is unnecessary and can be dangerous. If there are areas that you absolutely can’t clean by standing on the ground, hire a professional to do it for you.
Be Mindful Of Nearby Electric Lines
You should especially pay attention to this if you use a ladder to reach certain areas of the roof. Make sure you keep your ladder away from any power lines.
Hire A Professional
If you’re uneasy about cleaning your metal roof and don’t know how to start the process yourself or just feel uncomfortable doing it—consider hiring a professional.
Speaking of professionals. if you’re looking for top-notch roofing experts, look no further than London Eco-Metal Manufacturing. The company specializes in manufacturing high-quality and cost-effective metal roofing solutions and services. Their team of highly trained professionals will be able to help you clean and maintain your roof in no time.
Unlike other types of roofs, metal roofs do not need frequent cleaning. We still recommend a thorough cleaning every 2-3 years to keep your roof looking beautiful. In addition, check for debris or signs of damage several times throughout the year. Following these steps, you can easily clean your metal roof and extend its life.
