A metal roof feels like one of those protective shields that cover your home and keeps you and your family protected. But leaving your roof to gather dust, debris, and rust can damage this shield, and may cause you to pay large amounts of money later on down the road.
If you’re reading this blog, you know how important it is to clean your roof and keep it well-maintained. But where do you start? Don’t worry, our team at Miller Roofing and Renovations is here to share the ways you can clean your metal roof yourself!
We aim to keep homeowners well-informed on everything to do with roofing. Read on to find out what cleaning your metal roof entails, and where to start.
Step 1: Safety Precautions
The first thing to remember when cleaning your metal roof is that it can be dangerous, so be careful, and follow proper safety precautions so that you don’t get hurt while working on your roof!
When you clean your metal roof, you should always practice safety first. Always use an OSHA-certified ladder to get up on your roof, and make sure it’s secured and locked in place. Additionally, before cleaning your metal roof, you must wear safety glasses, gloves, knee pads, and protective clothing such as long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt.
At the same time, metal roofs can become slippery when wet. So, before cleaning your metal roof, ensure you have taken all the safety precautions necessary to prevent you from slipping and hurting yourself, like shoes with good traction.
Step 2: Gather Your Materials
You must gather all the materials in advance before cleaning your roof. Metal roofs are prone to rusting, so experts recommend only specific cleaning solutions and proper cleaning materials be used.
The cleaning solution or detergent you’ll want to use depends on the metal you have on your roof, and your location. Some cleaning solutions have chemicals that can break down your roofing material, or are toxic enough to harm plants below the roofline when water runs off. If you want to increase the lifespan of your metal roofs, you must consider finding the right cleaning solution.
In order to clean a metal roof, you’ll need to use non-abrasive materials like sponges that are able to remove any residue without scratching the surface. This will help keep your roof looking new for many years to come.
Gather the following materials :
- Clean cloth and a soft brush
- Power washer
- Cleaning solution
- Water
- Bucket
- Bleach (if necessary)
Step 3: Prepare The Roof
Preparing your roof before cleaning it is an essential part of the process. Without this, you may end up mixing dirt, rust, and debris altogether, which clog the gutters and roof valleys when flushed off your roof with water.
Consider removing the tree branches and dirt with the broom. But before anything:
- Cover the surrounding yard, deck, and patio furniture with tarps.
- Use a water source that won’t damage the surface of your roof to flush debris and cleaning solution off.
- Pre-rinse areas with a hose connected to a power washer. Then, begin cleaning with a poly broom or stiff brush from top to bottom.
Step 4: Clean The Roof
Now that you have completed the first cleaning step, start washing your roof with water from the top, down. Doing this will force dust and debris to flow toward the gutters and away from your home.
For assistance with this, you can rent or invest in a power washer, which makes your job easier and minimizes the time spent on cleaning. Cleaning your roof with gentle water pressure will remove all the dust from the corners of your roof.
- Target the dirtiest spots and shoot water at them with a power washer.
- Remove stains that have emerged during the cleaning process with a soft brush or sponge.
And most importantly, if you see the growth of algae, mold, and mildew on your roof, remove them with a hard brush and the bleaching powder. Dissolve the bleaching powder with water to remove any organic growth you see on your roof.
How Can You Maintain Your Metal Roof?
Rust, rot, and corrosion are the phenomena we see when metals come into contact with water and air. The standing water or the moisture on the roof not only allows the rust to form but also encourages the growth of algae and moss. Their rapid growth can expand to a larger area of your roof. That is why, to keep your roof healthy and free from algae or mold growth, you must regularly maintain and clean it.
A tip for maintaining your metal roof includes applying a protective coating to help it fight against rust stains.
Also Read: Types Of Roofing Materials 2023
Final Thoughts
If cleaning your roof and gutters seems overwhelming and requires professional assistance, then look no further than the team at Miller Roofing and Renovations!
Hiring a professional roofer for a roof inspection and cleaning is easier, and saves more time than doing it yourself. That is why our team of experts is here for you. If you want professionals and skilled roofing contractors to inspect and help with your metal roof maintenance, call us today at (901) 457-9405 and directly connect with one of our experts.
