If you have a painted metal roof now or are considering getting one, you may be aware that metal roofing is a significant investment with many wonderful advantages, such as durability and endurance. What if we told you, though, that one overlooked detail may lead to the failure of your roof or necessitate an early replacement?
Additionally, you need to clean your metal roof.
It is true, indeed. There are many advantages to cleaning your painted metal roof, but you must take care that the metal or any of its accessories are not harmed in the process.
What to anticipate reading in this article:
- Reasons for cleaning a metal roof.
- The best ways and equipment to clean a painted metal roof.
- The techniques and equipment that are NOT recommended for cleaning metal roofs.
- Key things to remember before, during, and after cleaning.
Why Is It Necessary to Clean a Metal Roof?
1. Extends The Life of a Metal Roof
Regular cleaning is essential for prolonging the lifespan of a metal roof. By maintaining cleanliness, you uphold the integrity of the panels and prevent the accumulation of particles that may compromise the paint system and substrate over time. Paint systems like PVDF are specifically designed for durability, yet periodic cleaning is crucial to ensure the resilience of the resin and coating. This simple maintenance routine not only safeguards the roof’s structural integrity but also enhances its aesthetic appeal and longevity. Trusting in regular cleaning practices ensures that your metal roof continues to perform at its best for years to come.
2. Remove the Objects That Have Been Stuck to The Surface of The Roof
Typical objects that could become lodged on a metal roof’s surface include:
- Dirt in the air
- Foliage and short sticks
- Pollen
- Deposition of spores
- Stains from water
- Particles of pollution
- Acid rain
- Stains of rust
- Both mildew and mold
As previously discussed, certain atmospheres, such as acid rain and pollution particles, include chemicals that might hasten the deterioration of a metal roofing paint system. Examining whether the paint is chalking is one of the simplest methods to find out if your roof is deteriorating. The white residue that may eventually show up on a painted or coated metal surface is called chalking.
The resin in the paint system starts to deteriorate and break down when a panel is exposed to sunshine and UV radiation. The resin loses its adherence to the surface and the degraded particles start to turn white as soon as it starts to break down and is exposed to air, sunlight, and other pollutants. Eventually, the surface of the metal will show these particles to the unaided eye. Usually, there isn’t much of a change, but if you run your finger over the panel, you’ll see the chalky residue on your skin.
It’s crucial to clean your roof on a regular basis because most metal roofing paint warranties do not cover significant chalking in the presence of pollution.
Certain components may not cause issues with paint or substrate, but they can give the impression of dirtiness on the roof when it’s not.
2. Keeps a Metal Roof’s Aesthetic
Since you spent a hefty price for a metal roof, nobody wants to look bad or unclean. Stated differently, you want it to continue to look nice for as long as feasible.
A quick cleaning once a year will help prevent apparent dirt and other components from giving the impression that your roof is unclean, moldy, or discolored.
Cleaning Tips for a Painted Metal Roof
A metal roof can be cleaned in a variety of ways, the majority of which rely on the type of material that needs to be removed from the surface and how severe the problem is.
Let’s go over some best practices and typical applications for cleaning a painted PVDF metal roof system so that you can better comprehend each technique.
Remember that professional roof cleaning services are available for hire to guarantee everyone’s safety; you don’t have to clean your metal roof by yourself. The following suggestions can also be used for Sherwin-Williams PVDF-coated metal panels. If the paint system on your metal roof is different, like SMP or acrylic, make sure to first verify with the paint supplier or panel maker.
Best Metal Roof Cleaning Tools
The following are excellent cleaning instruments for metal roofs:
- Cloth
- Sponge
- Soft bristle brush
- Non-abrasive pad
A metal roof can be cleaned with a variety of cleaning instruments. Sometimes you just need water and no other cleaning supplies. However, there are also situations where a stronger cleaning solution and a tool are needed to really wipe or wash the panels. Simply put, it depends.
Top Products for Cleaning Metal Roofs
Plain Water
A hose and some water could be enough to remove dirt, dust, and other undesirable materials from a roof. You can use as much water as needed to get the surface clean.
Detergents
Because it’s simple to apply and non-invasive, this is the cleaning solution that most people should use while cleaning their metal roofs. Mild dish soap, car wash soap, mild laundry detergents, and cold or hot commercial/industrial detergents are all included in this category.
- For every gallon of water, mix 1/4 cup detergent (5% detergent solution).
- Apply the solution to the surface with a washcloth or a sponge.
- Give it a five to ten-minute rest.
- Rinse the surface well with regular water.
Petroleum Solvents and Solvents
According to Sherwin-Williams (formerly Valspar), solvents can be used to remove the more resilient non-water materials that may come into contact with your PVDF-coated roof, such as oil, paint, grease, tar, and even some graffiti. Only the impacted areas of the roof should be cleaned with solvents; the entire roof should not be cleaned with solvents. Always read the cleaning instructions specified on the product’s label and follow them.
Among the cleaners in this class are:
- Rubbing isopropyl alcohol
- Mineral-based alcohol
- VM&P Naphtha
Because most of these cleaners are toxic, always remember to wear protective clothes, utilize eye protection, and keep the area well-ventilated when working with this category. Furthermore, because these solvents are combustible, keep them away from open flames and sparks.
Particular Conditions for Cleaning Metal Roofs
How to Remove Mold, Algae, and Mildew from Metal Roofing
In humid climates where they receive a lot of shadow, metal roofs may begin to develop mold, algae, or mildew on their surface. Fortunately, most mold, mildew, and algae are simple to remove with the following technique:
- Mix one quart of bleach (5% solution) with three quarts of water and one-third cup of powdered laundry detergent.
- Apply the cleaner to the afflicted areas using a soft brush or rag dipped in it.
- Scrub the surface gently until there is no more mold or mildew.
- Use normal water to thoroughly rinse the surface.
Removing Rust Stains on Metal Roofing
Depending on where you reside, metal particles may come into touch with your metal roof and cause rust stains on the paint finish. Initially, you may believe that there is a problem with the roof or that it has started to deteriorate too soon, but this is frequently untrue. Rust stains are actually only caused over time by contact with uncoated metal fragments and particles (mostly steel).
To get rid of light rust stains:
- Remove the fragments or particles creating the rust streaks.
- Apply a light scrape, or mild abrasive cleanser, on a non-abrasive pad.
- Work at the stain with mild pressure until it disappears.
- Give it a good rinse.
To get rid of strong rust stains:
- Remove the fragments or particles creating the rust streaks.
- Mix: one part diluted hydrochloric acid, citric acid, muriatic acid, oxalic acid, or vinegar with five parts water.
- Apply with a rag to the afflicted areas and wipe with circular motions.
- As soon as the rust stain has been removed, rinse.
- The solution should not be left on the surface for longer than five minutes.
- Keep this mixture from drying on the surface.
Should the rust hue continue, there might be a problem beyond aesthetics. For assistance, get in touch with your contractor or manufacturer.
Important Things to Consider When Cleaning a Metal Roof
1. Avoid Abusing or Overusing Cleaning Supplies
The most important thing we advise is to simply follow the instructions that you are given. Abuse or misuse, such as applying cleaning solutions too thickly, combining them with other chemicals, or using too much of one solution for too long, can cause damage to the paint system or the metal, voiding one or more of your warranties and costing you money to replace your metal roof. Furthermore, misuse or abuse may, in some cases, hasten deterioration.
2. Know Which Products Are Inappropriate for Use on Metal Roofs
A metal roof’s paint system can sustain damage from a variety of chemicals and cleaning agents. Avoid using anything to clean your metal roof if it’s not on the above list.
Here is a list of products and tools to never use on your metal roof:
- Steel wool
- Sandpaper
- High-pressure power washers
- Paint thinners
- Wire brushes
- Paint removers
- Scouring powders
3. Touch Up Paint Can be Used to Fix Little Flaws
Occasionally, the imperfection you are trying to remove can actually be a scratch in the coating caused by a variety of factors, such as a small branch striking the roof during a storm or an error by the installation. The most important thing to keep in mind when using touch-up paint of any kind is to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions. If a roof is touched up without adhering to the manufacturer’s advice, it may become even more noticeable or the roof guarantee may be nullified.
4. Before Applying, Test The Cleaning Method on a Non-exposed Area
Try a cleaning product on your metal roof before using it if you’re hesitant to use it there. To test the cleaning solution, choose a covered or less conspicuous area of the roof. In this manner, you may verify whether the cleanser is effective and make sure the system is not harmed.
5. If You Choose to Clean The Roof Yourself, Take Safety Precautions
The following things to consider should you choose to clean your metal roof yourself:
- The OHSA’s guide to portable ladder safety.
- Safety when stepping onto, sitting on, bending over, or working on metal roofing.
- Put on the appropriate footwear that has high traction and is clear of debris.
- Wear fall protection gear at all times.
- Wearing the appropriate equipment, eyewear, and protective clothes.
- Make sure you always follow the directions on the labels of cleaning products.
- Never attempt to clean or climb onto your roof without at least one additional person present.
- Keep in mind that a lot of cleaning solutions are poisonous and can damage your roof, you, and objects (like plants) that are on the ground.
- Make cautious to cover your surroundings and direct runoff water elsewhere if you expect it during cleaning.
Hiring a reputable roof cleaning company to clean your metal roof is the best way to guarantee that it is done safely and correctly.
6. When in Doubt, Have Your Roof Cleaned by a Pro
Don’t climb up on your roof or use a ladder to clean it if it makes you uncomfortable. You can employ seasoned professionals from a variety of roof cleaning businesses to clean your metal roof. It is well worth a few hundred dollars a year to ensure both your long-term roof performance and safety.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining a painted metal roof through regular cleaning is crucial for preserving its longevity and appearance. By removing debris, pollutants, and potential contaminants like mold or rust stains, you not only extend the roof’s lifespan but also uphold its aesthetic appeal. Choosing the right cleaning methods and products, such as mild detergents or specific solvents when necessary, ensures effective cleaning without damaging the roof’s paint system. Whether opting for DIY cleaning with proper safety precautions or hiring professionals, investing in routine maintenance ensures your metal roof remains robust and attractive for years to come, protecting your initial investment and enhancing your property’s value.
FAQs: How To Clean A Painted Metal Roof
1. What is the best way to clean a painted metal roof?
- The best method involves using mild detergents or soaps mixed with water and applying them with a soft brush or sponge. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the paint or metal surface.
2. Can I use a pressure washer to clean my metal roof?
- It’s generally not recommended. High-pressure washers can damage the paint and potentially cause water to seep under the panels, leading to leaks. Gentle cleaning methods are safer and more effective.
3. How often should I clean my painted metal roof?
- It’s recommended to clean your roof annually to prevent the buildup of dirt, debris, and potential contaminants that can affect both the appearance and performance of the roof.
4. What should I do if there are mold or algae stains on my metal roof?
- Mix a solution of bleach and water (following safety guidelines) to remove mold or algae stains. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the affected areas, then rinse thoroughly with water.
5. Are there specific cleaning products I should avoid using on my metal roof?
- Yes, avoid abrasive cleaners, steel wool, high-concentration solvents, and acidic cleaners as they can damage the paint finish or corrode the metal over time.
