Have Your Metal Roof Professionally Cleaned
As we mentioned earlier, if you do not feel comfortable cleaning your roof yourself , you can hire a professional to clean the roof for you.
Once you find a roofing cleaning service in your area, set up a consultation so they can give you a quote in person after seeing your roof.
The price of your cleaning will depending on several factors including:
Why Should You Clean Your Roof
Those Black StreaksOne of the most common questions we get regarding roof appearance has to do with those black streaks you see so often running down shingles. Customers will come to us wondering if they need a new roof. Weve been asked if it was firework damage, or roof failure, or shingle breakdown or the like, and the answer here is nope. Its actually an alge, one that thrives in the Carolinas. The technical name is Gloeocapsa Magma. Sometimes its referred to simply as magma. Magma isnt just an eyesore, it is a parasite on your roof, feeding off the limestone filler in the shingles, slowly breaking them down. When these black marks appear, you dont need a new roof, you just need a thorough roof cleaning. Using biodegradable solutions, roof soft washing removes the bacteria and can serve to prevent new magma from taking hold for up to two years.
Other Organic DebrisMagma isnt the only roof parasite common to our area. Moss is an organism spread by spores that can thrive on rooftops with the right mix of moisture and shade. In its growth phase, moss will appear in bright green clumps, but it may turn brown during drier seasons. Either way, it is not good. Moss growth can lift shingles, exposing the wood sheathing and roof underlayment to the elements. It creates a moist environment on the roof where bacteria and mold can thrive, resulting in even more invasive roof damage.
Maintains The Aesthetics Of A Metal Roof
Nobody wants a dirty or unsightly roof, especially since you paid a relatively large sum of money for a metal roof. In other words: You want it to look good for as long as possible.
Simple cleaning once a year will help keep the dirt and other visible elements from making your roof look dirty, moldy, or discolored to the naked eye.
Don’t Miss: Should I Replace Gutters With Roof
How To Properly Clean A Painted Metal Roof
Keeping your Bryan roof clean is a part of normal roofing maintenance. Over the course of time painted metal roofs will appear discolored in areas where dirt and grime accumulate. Long term exposure to the sun also creates a chalking effect where the metal appears lightened in color when compared to other areas of the roof.
Simple forms of roof cleaning like a light washing with a water hose will prevent algae and other agents from forming on the roof. However, many metal roof owners want to retain or restore the luster that their metal roof provided when it was brand new. In order to restore the original appearance of the only a light annual washing with ammonia and detergent is necessary. Homeowners should always test a small section of the roof before proceeding to the entire roof.
Washing a roof is actually a fairly simple process. Homeowners need only a water hose with enough pressure to reach all areas of the roof properly and a method of dispersing detergent and soap to the roof, usually by attaching a soap receptacle on the water hose line.
Which Is The Best Roof Cleaner For Outdoor Use
Then let’s get started. Safe and Effective – Wet & Forget No Scrub Exterior Cleaner is biodegradable and bleach free. Therefore, like other harmful chemicals, it is not harmful to concrete or brick. You can easily use it on your patio, plastered walls, at sunset or on a roof where it usually grows moss or agley.
Read Also: How To Fix Gazebo Roof
Do Not Spray Forcefully Into Panel Interlocks
How to clean a metal roof from the ground. Make sure your spray is not so strong as to damage the panels or paint. The mbma makes it clear that if excessive snow builds up on a metal roof, the best thing to do is remove some of the snow in order to ensure the loads are at safer levels. Spray your roof down with wet & forget.
Wet and forget is as simple as spraying your outdoor surface and leaving it. Pine sap, decaying leaves, and even road dirt thats drifted into the air can settle on your metal roof and stain it. If you have to clean from ground level, arc the stream up and let it rain on the roof from above.
Clean the dirt and debris. Tally each of those sections. This is the best way to.
Before you start, give the item a good wash with hot soapy water. I doubt it would cause permanent damage but could cause leaks at the seams similar to a wind driven rain. You hook up the power washer and go.
The following are great tools to clean your metal roof with: It’ll be easier if the debris is dry. It will rinse off the next time it rains.
Apply the product on a day without wind to get the full reach out of the hose end sprayer. Gently lower the silver into the pan and leave it for a couple of minutes. Roof valleys are made with shingles or sometimes galvanized metal.
Second, the valleys will simply look better and cleaner. If water alone isnt enough to remove common dirt and debris, mix 1/4 cup detergent per gallon of water. Not a lot of explanation i know to give.
How To Clean A Roof
There is only one way to clean your roof. Of course, we have different levels of dirty roofs. Some may just be stained with mold, and others may have a ton of algae.
Cleaning just a moldy roof can be very easy. As we all know, mold can be killed in seconds with regular household bleach. However, household bleach is just not strong enough. Please see how to making roof cleaner
Now, many homeowners and contractors believe using a power washer is the answer. This is simply not true. For starters, using a power washer on your roof could very easily rip your shingles right off.
Below is the pictures of all the roof granules that came off after a so called roof cleaner used a power washer to clean a roof that I had to replace.
In short, when a new roof is installed there is something on the backside of the shingle called sealing strips. These strips heat up from the sun, yes even in the winter, and seal each shingle to the next. Thus preventing the shingle from lifting up in high winds. So, using a pressure washer would be the way to easy to separate that seal, allowing the water to get right under the shingle. Needless to say that shingle will fly right off your roof. Not to mention using a pressure washer you will remove most of the very important granular s that make up a shingle.
Heres how I do it.
If youre hiring a professional.
What do you use?
Read how to make it yourself. The goods
Don’t Miss: How To Melt Snow Off Roof
Prolonged Illnesses Can Be A Sign Of Mold On Roof
There are lots of different kinds of mold although only a relative few are considered toxic. Despite that, even non-toxic mold can still cause significant health problems.
Mold infestations have been found responsible for respiratory issues including infections, excessive runny nose and eyes, worsening of asthma, and even skin rashes.
Bring It To The Boil And Then Take It Off The Heat
Spray your roof down with wet & forget. It is important to ensure that there is no residual residue left on the surface as it can cause damage to the coating and decrease the longevity of your roofing system. Tally each of those sections. Wet & forget works with the rain and wind to get it clean.
Follow these steps annually to protect your roof against rust, mildew and other contaminants.
Homeowners need only a water hose with enough pressure to reach all areas of the roof properly and a method of dispersing detergent and soap to the roof, usually by attaching a soap receptacle on the water hose line.
How to clean a metal roof in nine steps reasons you need to clean your metal roof.
To clean a metal roof, wait for a dry, overcast day, and make sure you have a partner to help you for safety reasons.
Typically, cold water will get the job done.
Place some aluminium foil in a pan of water with a tablespoon of salt and a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda.
This is very effective at getting rid of algae and mildew, both of which often grow on metal roofs.
To clean a metal roof, wait for a dry, overcast day, and make sure you have a partner to help you for safety reasons.
You May Like: How Do You Get Rid Of Moss On A Roof
How To Get Rid Of Algae On The Roof
You could replace all the roofing with new shingles dark enough to disguise the staining, or with shingles laced with copper granules, which are lethal to algae. But that would only make sense if the shingles were worn out.
The less expensive solution is to spray wash the roof with a 50 percent mix of water and bleach to get rid of the algae. Just be sure to wet your foundation plantings first, and rinse everything in clean water when youre done. Plants dont like bleach, and wetting them with plain water first protects them.
Is It Dangerous To Walk On Metal Roof
This is because certain areas of corrosion can develop on metal roofs, and this corrosion can weaken the roof, making it more dangerous to walk on. Some standing seam ceilings can also have sharp edges, especially if the seam has become bent or loosened over time, which can also make cleaning the ceiling more dangerous.
Don’t Miss: How Are Clay Roof Tiles Attached
Why Power Wash Your Metal Roof
Not only does regular power washing keep your roof looking its best, but it also ensures your roof will last as long as possible. If you want the paint and enamel coating to remain free of irritants that might otherwise compromise the roofs integrity, regular cleaning is absolutely essential.
The metal panels that comprise your roof are coated in enamel in order to protect them from the elements. Everything from mildew to acid rain can erode this coating on the way to the metal itself. Once the enamel is gone, the metal paneling will begin to degrade. How quickly the metal degrades depends on the thickness of the paneling and the material that comprises it.
Visual Interior Signs Are Evidence Of An Extensive Outbreak
Water intrusion through a roof leak, even a small leak, into the attic and drywall space creates an optimal environment for mold growth. And because these areas are largely enclosed you wont notice youve got a problem until its too late.
Discoloration along the joint between the ceiling and wall is a common indication of having a leak. Youll also find paint around the windows starting to peel or bubble.
Roof mold affects wood in the attic and wood exposed for decorative purposes. Wood gets dark, splotchy, and will often soften.
You May Like: What Are The Best Shingles To Put On A Roof
Cleaning With Pressurized Water
Dirt Rust And Other Stains
Even mud on roads and highways can be settled on a metal roof. Again, different chemical reactions on the surface of a metal roof can make it rustic.
Chemical reactions can be stopped or slowed down using respective chemical substances. The solution of half cup of tri-sodium phosphate with one gallon of water and 1% of ammonia can be used to clean these types of stains. It is said to work like magic!
Recommended Reading: How Long Does A Concrete Tile Roof Last In Florida
Best Metal Roof Cleaning Products
PLAIN WATER
Dirt, dust, and other low-grade elements might wash off a roof with something as simple as water from a hose. Feel free to use as much water as necessary until the surface is clean.
DETERGENTS
This is the cleaning solution that most people need to use when cleaning their metal roof because its non-invasive and easy to do. This category includes mild laundry detergents, car washing soap, mild dish soap, and cold or hot commercial/industrial detergents.
SOLVENTS & PETROLEUM SOLVENTS
Solvents can be used to remove the tougher non-water elements that could come in contact with your PVDF-coated roof, such as oil, paint, grease, tar, and even some graffiti, according to Valspar. Solvents should be used to clean only affected spots on the roof and should not be used to clean the entirety of the roof. Always check the recommended directions for cleaning on the products label and use accordingly.
This class of cleaners includes:
- Rubbing alcohol
- VM& P Naphtha
With this group, always keep in mind that you should wear protective clothing, use eye protection, and keep the area properly ventilated because most of these cleaners are toxic. Additionally, keep these solvents away from sparks or open flames, as they are flammable.
What Is The Correct Way To Clean A Metal Roof Wet And Forget
Visually divide the ceiling into zones. Spray the braids on each spot. Then spray the lichen and the entire roof surface in this area so that the Wet & Forget is completely absorbed by the plant. The first application consists of dissolving the surface of the wax. The second spray then penetrates into the roots.
Also Check: How Long Does A New Roof Take To Install
Dos And Donts Of Cleaning A Metal Roof
Dont use a high-pressure washer.
Dont use sandpaper, steel wool, or other abrasive materials to clean even on mold, mildew, or rust stains.
Dont let toxic run-off reach the ground if youre using chemicals for stains.
Do use a small amount of bleach with an appropriate detergent to remove mold or mildew stains.
Do consult an expert if there is a stain youre unsure how to remove.
Do wear protective clothing if you clean your roof yourself, including glasses, gloves, and shoes with good traction.
Do use safe practices when cleaning your roof including fall protection, a ladder compliant with OSHA standards, and a buddy.
Finally, donthesitate to ask for help if you need it. You dont have to clean your metal roof by yourself. If you dont have the time, dont have safe equipment to use, or dont want to deal with the hassle of the chore, hire a professional. Protect your metal roof by caring for it year after year, and it will last you a lifetime.
Is your metal roof looking a little worse for wear? Let the team at Werner Roofing know. Were happy to help get your metal roof looking brand new again, and were also here to answer any questions you might have about cleaning your metal roof. Give us a call at 844-5382 or contact us on the web today!
How To Clean And Maintain Metal Roofs
Want to learn how to clean and maintain metal roofs? Youve come to the right place. Vertec Roofing are Sydneys leading roofing company, specialising in the construction, repairs and maintenance of metal roofs across NSW and ACT.
Given Australias dramatic climates, metal roofing is one of the most popular materials used for residential, commercial and industrial properties. Metal roofing is temperature regulating, sturdy, reliable, durable, and can last more than 50 years if well maintained. Energy-efficient, fire-resistant and aesthetically appealing, a metal roof provides a variety of benefits to your property. However, keeping your metal roofing materials in shape is key to ensuring your roof continues to protect your property.
If you want to clean and maintain metal roofs, read on. Vertec Roofing, Sydneys leading roof repairs experts, are here to provide a detailed guide on the best way to clean a metal roof and the steps you can take to maintain your metal roofing materials.
You May Like: What Is An Asphalt Shingle Roof
Cleaning Your Metal Roof
If youve inspected your roof and found no damage, and you feel comfortable getting up on your roof itself, youll need to determine what it is youre cleaning from it, so that you can remove it in a timely way. Keep in mind that most roofs take approximately three hours to clean, and that you may want to test some cleansers on an inconspicuous area of your roof to make sure they dont mark or streak the painted surface before you begin applying them to the entire roof surface.
Learn How To Clean Your Metal Roof With A Pressure Washer
In past months, we have given you advice on how to clean a tile roof and how to clean a shingle roof with a pressure washer. Today we are going to cover how to clean a metal roof with a pressure washer. While some of the steps will be the same, others are unique to a metal roof. If you are in the process of considering your pressure washer options, we highly recommend that you contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 before making a final decision.
Also Check: How To Generate Roofing Leads
