Keeping your metal roof looking great is an important part of the home maintenance process. Sure, the initial investment in a new roof can be a bit steep, but if you want it to last for decades without needing repairs then you need to do your part. One of the best ways to make sure your metal roof stays as good as new is by using these professional metal roof cleaning tips on how to clean and maintain it.

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Use a Deep-Clean Metal Roof Cleaning solution

If you’re looking for the best way to clean your metal roof, using a deep-clean metal roof cleaner is the way to go. These cleaners are specially formulated to remove dirt, grime, and moss from your metal roof. They also protect it from rusting and discoloration caused by UV rays.

These cleaners can be applied in either a spray bottle or with a power washer. Make sure to follow instructions closely when applying the cleaner — it could damage your roof if not applied correctly.

Watch Out for Rust

If your metal roof is starting to rust, you can remove the rust with a power washer. You might want to consider getting a protective coating for your roof as well. This will prevent future problems with rusting and keep your home looking great for years to come.

If you have a metal roof that’s already rusted, it may be time for an upgrade. If you don’t want any more problems like this one in the future, consider investing in something other than metal (such as tile).

Use the Right Tools

The first thing you need to do is use the right tools. There are a lot of options out there, but they all fall into one of these categories.

Metal roof cleaning requires specific tools and steps to avoid damaging the surface or the protective coating. Some of the common cleaning tools for metal roofs are:

Brushing tools

A soft-bristled brush is used to gently remove dirt, debris, and moss from the surface of the metal roof. This tool is ideal for regular maintenance cleaning and should be used with a gentle touch to avoid scratching or damaging the surface.

Scrubbing tools

In cases where the metal roof is heavily soiled, a scrubbing tool like a stiff-bristled brush can be used. However, the brush should be made of a non-abrasive material to avoid scratching the metal roof.

Pressure washer

A pressure washer is a useful tool for removing dirt and grime from metal roofs. It is especially effective in removing stubborn stains and moss growth. However, it should be used carefully to avoid damaging the metal roof or forcing water under the panels. You could contact a professional pressure washing company if you’re not that confident in doing the work yourself. 

Scraping/stripping tools

In cases where the metal roof has a buildup of rust or paint, a metal scraper or metal brush can be used to remove the rust or old paint. These tools should be used with care to avoid damaging the surface of the metal roof.

Chemical cleaners

Sometimes, chemical cleaners may be required to remove stubborn stains or to kill moss growth on the metal roof. These cleaners should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and rinsed off thoroughly to avoid damaging the roof.

The most important thing to remember is that you need to remove all of the old paint before applying new paint. So, if you’re just trying to clean off some dirt or grime, a brush and pressure washer will be fine. If you want to get rid of a lot of paint (like on an entire house), then you’ll probably want to use the scraping/stripping tools.

Remove any Chalking or Stains

To remove any chalking or staining, you’ll want to use a metal roof cleaner. This will help remove dirt, mold, and mildew from your roof. Use a brush to scrub at any stubborn spots until they’re gone. If that doesn’t work, try using a pressure washer instead of a power washer on your roof.

The power of water can damage your home if used improperly so be careful when using it around windows and vents that could be damaged by high-pressure water jets.

Don’t use harsh chemicals either! They’ll damage not only the surface of your home but also its inhabitants inside it too.

Watch For the Weather

To avoid damaging your metal roof, it’s best to wait until the weather is nice. If you have a choice between cleaning on a warm summer day and cleaning on an icy winter day, choose the former. Here’s what you should do:

Avoid cleaning during rain or snowfall

It is not recommended to clean a metal roof during rain or snowfall for several reasons:

  • Cleaning a metal roof during rain or snowfall can create a slippery surface, which can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
  • Cleaning a metal roof during rain or snowfall can increase the risk of water infiltration through the roofing system. Water can get underneath the panels and cause damage to the roof structure or interior of the building.
  • Cleaning a metal roof during rain or snowfall can increase the risk of electrical hazards. Metal roofs are often grounded, and water can conduct electricity, which can create a dangerous situation.
  • Cleaning a metal roof during rain or snowfall may not be as effective as cleaning it on a dry day. The rain or snow can dilute the cleaning solution, making it less effective in removing dirt, debris, or moss.

Do not wash off metal roofs when they’re hot

It is not recommended to wash off metal roofs when they are hot, as this can cause several problems:

Metal roofs can become very hot when exposed to direct sunlight, especially in the summer months. Washing off a hot metal roof can create steam, which can cause burns and other safety hazards for workers.

When a metal roof is hot, water and cleaning solutions can evaporate quickly, reducing their effectiveness in removing dirt, debris, and moss from the roof surface. Washing off a hot metal roof can cause the surface to warp or buckle due to the sudden change in temperature. This can damage the roof structure and reduce its lifespan.

Therefore, it is recommended to wait for the metal roof to cool down before washing it off. This can be done by washing the roof early in the morning or in the evening when the roof surface is cooler. Additionally, it is important to use the correct pressure and temperature settings on pressure washers and other cleaning tools to avoid causing damage to the metal roof surface.

Call the professionals

Cleaning a metal roof can be a challenging and potentially dangerous task, especially for those without experience or proper equipment. It is important to consider hiring professionals to clean your metal roof to ensure that the job is done safely and effectively.

They have experience

Professional metal roof cleaners have the experience, knowledge, and equipment to clean your roof without causing damage to the surface of the roofing system. They also have the necessary safety gear to protect themselves while working at heights and can identify any potential hazards that may be present.

They can give advice

Additionally, professional metal roof cleaners can provide you with advice on how to maintain your metal roof and prolong its lifespan. They can also identify any potential issues with your roofing system that may require repair or replacement.

Overall, hiring professionals to clean your metal roof can save you time, money, and potential headaches in the long run. It is a worthwhile investment in the maintenance and upkeep of your property.

Our takeaway

In conclusion, cleaning a metal roof is an essential part of its maintenance and upkeep. Regular cleaning can help to remove dirt, debris, and moss, which can reduce the lifespan of the roofing system. However, it is important to use the right tools and techniques to avoid causing damage to the roof surface or the roofing system.

We hope that you’ve found these tips helpful. If you have any questions about your metal roof, or if you want to learn more about how we can help with cleaning and maintenance, give The ProTeam CleanSeattle’s premier metal roofing cleaners a call today!