Step #1 to clean your metal roof:
Clear your roof of debris.
You would be surprised by the amount of debris that comes into contact with your roof. You have your expected leaves, twigs, and dirt buildup that accumulates over the year. Keep in mind—critters leave their food behind too! Acorns, walnuts, hickory nuts, and a variety of seeds can be found on your roof-top as well. It’s extremely important to keep your roof free of debris no matter what time of the year it is. Letting debris settle will damage the integrity of your roof and cause it to age faster. Before you begin to physically clean your roof, ensure that your metal panels and gutters are free of any debris.
Step #2 to clean your metal roof:
Rinse it down
Spraying down the metal roof is the best way to clean it annually. Grab your garden hose, turn it on, and begin rinsing your metal roof! Spraying your roof down with the common household garden hose is a gentle yet effective way to clean the panels. Many question if they can use a power washer on their roof. Yes, you can, but it’s not necessarily recommended. Power washers have quite the force behind them, and they could potentially damage the metal panels. Metal roofs are durable and can withstand quite a bit, but it’s best to avoid the extra pressure unless necessary. A simple rinse with a garden hose is the easiest way to clean your metal roof.
Step #3 to clean your metal roof:
Deep clean (if necessary)
This step is optional and should only be done if your roof needs it. Deep cleaning a metal roof is only recommended to be done every 2-3 years. Consider the cleaning product you use when cleaning your metal roof. Some products can do more harm than good. Before you use any cleaning products on your roof, you may want to lay a tarp over your landscaping. This will ensure that any cleaning materials running off the roof will not damage your plants.
The milder the cleaning solution is the better. Heavily diluting common household dish soap, detergent, or car washing soap in water will create an effective roof cleaning solution. Remember—be gentle! Stray away from hard bristle brushes, wire brushes, and abrasive sponges to clean your roof. Instead, use a microfiber cloth or soft sponge to free the surface of any mildew or mold. Let the solution soak on the roofing panel for 5-10 minutes and thoroughly rinse. Make sure no cleaning solution is left behind! Excess cleaning residue left behind can damage the panels over time. Follow these steps to keep your metal roof in the best condition possible!