Metal roofing is becoming more popular all the time, and for good reasons. Metal roofing is known for durability and longevity and can last 2-3 times longer than standard asphalt roofs. Asphalt roofing lasts about 15-20 years, so you can expect your metal roofing to last at least three decades.
Not only is the durability a perk, but homes with metal roofing are up to 30% more energy-efficient, and repairs or replacements are rarely needed. You can always revive the aesthetics of your metal roof with a fresh coat of paint and proper cleaning/maintenance. Keep reading below to learn how to clean a metal roof.
Does A Metal Roof Need to Be Cleaned?
Yes! While a metal roof has many benefits, it does need cleaning to extend its life. Knowing how to clean a metal roof is critical if your home or cabin has metal roofing. Another reason it is crucial to clean your metal roof is to get rid of the gunk stuck on the surface.
More can get stuck on the roof surface than you might think. The most common things you want to clean off your metal roof are dirt, rust spots, leaves/sticks, pollen, mildew, and even pollution particles. The least important reason to clean your roof, but maybe the most satisfying, is simply for the aesthetics. Cleaning your metal roof can bring the color alive and make it look new again.
How To Clean a Painted Metal Roof?
The most common way to clean a painted metal roof is to mix a metal roof cleaner with water, apply it to the metal roof, scrub, and then rinse. That should clean up everything except for some troublesome areas with rust, mold, or algae. You can use anything from mild laundry detergents and car washing soap to dish soap and industrial detergents as a metal roof cleaner to mix with the water.
Basic Metal Roof Cleaning
- Mix 1/4 cup of metal roof cleaner (detergent/soap) per 1 gallon of warm water.
- Apply the mixture to the metal roof with a sponge/washcloth.
- Let it sit for up to 10 minutes.
- Rinse the metal roof off thoroughly.
Removing Mold, Algae, and Mildew from A Metal Roof
- Mix 1/3 cup of metal roof cleaner (detergent/soap) with 1 quart of 5% bleach per 3 quarts of warm water.
- Apply the mixture to the areas that have mold, algae, or mildew with a soft brush/washcloth.
- Let it sit for up to 5 minutes.
- Scrub the surface with the soft brush gently until it is clean.
- Rinse the metal roof off thoroughly.
Removing Rust Stains from A Metal Roof
- Remove anything that might cause the rust stains.
- Use a mild soft scrub or abrasive cleaner, then apply it to the rust spots with a soft sponge/rag.
- Lightly scrub the rust spot until it is gone.
- If the rust spot needs more attention and is not coming off that way, you can try this:
- Mix one part vinegar OR citric acid OR muriatic acid OR oxalic acid OR hydrochloric acid with five parts of water.
- Use a soft sponge/rag to apply it to the rust.
- Scrub until the rust is gone.
- Rinse the metal roof off thoroughly.
Simple cleaning and maintaining your roof yearly can prevent having to do deeper cleaning to fix bigger messes like mold or rust. The first layer of defense from nature is the thin layer of paint. Keeping up with the cleaning can make the paint on the roof last many years longer.
Best Roof Cleaning Products
Using the right metal roof cleaner and techniques is critical when cleaning your metal roof. The goal is to clean and protect the roofing, not to damage it. Using the wrong approach or metal roof cleaner can end up doing more damage to the metal roofing than when you started. Avoid steel wool, paint thinner, acetone, high-pressure washers, wire brushes, and cleaning powders.
Some of the best cleaning products to clean your painted metal roof other than water are mild laundry detergent, car washing soap, industrial detergent, vinegar, bleach, and even citric acid in some scenarios.
All these cleaners should be diluted and mixed with water before they get applied to the roof. Do not overuse the chemicals you decide to use for your metal roof cleaner.
Test it on a small unexposed portion before covering the entire surface of the roof to make sure what you are using will not damage the metal roof.
Choosing good sponges, rags, and other tools is vital to keep the roof in good shape when cleaning it. The best things to get rid of grime are soft sponges, rags, washcloths, and brushes. The scrubbers and rags must not be coarse enough to scratch the paint.
Now you know how to clean a metal roof and what it takes. If you are hesitant to do it yourself or have any safety concerns, it is best to hire professionals that can help you get the job done.
