How to Clean a Metal Roof

May 20, 2023

Photo from Unsplash

Originally Posted On: https://www.freemangeneralcontracting.com/how-to-clean-a-metal-roof

Some roofs may last around 20 years, while others can last as long as 100 years. The lifespan of your roof will depend on how well you take care of it. If you rarely take care of your roof, its lifespan might be a fraction of what it could be.

This is why it is important to clean your roof, including metal roofs. Many people don’t think that metal roofs need any management because they’re so sturdy, but this is not true. Metal roofs also need cleaning and care once in a while.

Learning how to clean a metal roof isn’t hard, but there are a few tips and tricks you should be aware of.

Keep reading and learn more about how to clean a metal roof below.

Clear the Debris off the Roof

If you haven’t cleaned your roof in a while, you can’t go straight in with a pressure washer. You first need to clear off your roof and make sure it’s prepared. Any roof cleaning routine will start by clearing the debris off the roof.

There are likely pine needles, leaves, and other debris on your roof. It may be stuck in your gutters as well.

There may also be pollen and grime stuck to the metal.

This can discolor your roof and make it look older. Letting debris sit on your roof can also increase the risk of it getting damaged. Repairing roof damage can be expensive and may cost thousands of dollars.

It is far cheaper to clean the debris off your roof. Be careful when doing this. There is always the chance that you could lose your balance and fall off the roof.

You could get seriously injured if this happens.

The Details

It is best to have someone with you while you climb up on the roof. This ensures that you have someone to help you if you fall.

You don’t need any special roof cleaning supplies to clear off your roof. Remove any branches and leaves that may have piled up on the roof with your hands. Wear gloves while doing this.

You don’t want any branches pricking your hands or cutting you. Clear out the gutters as well. Clogged gutters will cause other problems, such as a deteriorating foundation. Once all the large pieces of debris are removed, there will likely be a layer of grime covering your roof.

Some people like to hand wash this grime away, but this is not recommended. This is because it would take far too long, and handwashing the roof may not remove all the grime. It is far better to use a pressure washer.

Get a Pressure Washer

You don’t need to use any special chemical cleaners when using a pressure washer on your roof. Different roofing materials might not hold up well against a pressure washer, but a metal roof will be fine. The pressure of the water is enough to peel the dirt and grime away from your roof’s surface.

You can start pressure washing from the ground. This will allow you to get the edges of the roof. But to get the rest of it, you’ll have to climb back up to the top of the roof.

Be careful when using a pressure washer on the roof. The pressure of the washer may put you off balance, and you may fall. Start from the tallest point of the roof and guide the water downward.

This helps guide the grime off the roof. The dirty water will also run off the roof. But this technique may not be possible if your roof is very steep.

Safety and Patience While Cleaning Your Roof

Don’t risk your safety by trying to climb a steep roof. You can still use the power washer effectively from a lower point. Have patience when doing this.

Power washing is not a fast process. You need to move the water jet slowly along the roof so that it removes all the debris. Going too fast won’t give the water enough time to penetrate the grime.

You should also be careful of your footing while on the roof. A wet roof can be slippery, so make sure that your footing is always secure. Depending on the size of your roof, this process may take an hour or so.

Your roof will look brand new once you’re done.

Address the Stubborn Spots

Once you’re done power washing, there may still be some stubborn spots left over. These may be pieces of tree sap, globs of pollen, and so on. If your power washer won’t remove these spots, you’ll have to remove them manually.

Get a bucket of water and mix in some laundry detergent. Get a sturdy sponge and start cleaning the spots with the detergent mixture. Move the sponge in circles, as this will help lift the spot out of the metal.

Avoid using steel wire sponges, as these will leave scratches on the metal. Once you remove the spots, rinse the area with water. If you don’t do this right away, the detergent will leave streaks on the metal.

Repeat this process until there are no more spots on the roof. Your roof should then look as good as new.