HOW TO CLEAN & MAINTAIN METAL ROOFS
Having a metal roof can provide solid protection for you and your home against the elements. However, metal roofs that aren’t cleaned and maintained regularly can result in damage and corrosion that require expensive repairs. That’s why it’s vital to give your metal roof the care it needs to continue functioning at its best.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of how you should go about cleaning and maintaining your metal roof.
WHY YOU SHOULD CLEAN YOUR METAL ROOF
Like any other part of your home, your metal roof needs to be checked and kept in tip-top shape on a regular basis in order to help keep your whole home functioning properly. This is especially important when it comes to roofs in general, as your roof offers just as much protection as any one of the walls of your house.
Metal roofs in particular should be kept clean to help:
- Maintain the visual appeal of your home’s exterior
- Prevent any discolourations and mould growth that could negatively impact the value of your home
- Avoid a build up of debris that might harbour pest infections and cause undue damage to your roof
- Spot and fix any loose flashings or panels on your roof
- Identify dents and any other deformities that could impact the performance of your roof
- Maximize the durability and lifespan of your roof for years to come
HOW TO CLEAN METAL ROOF
While you may think that having a roof made of metal makes it unnecessary for you to look after it, the truth is your roof needs to be routinely maintained not only to preserve its condition but also to keep you and your home safe. Investing your time and money today in keeping your roof in good working order can save you lots of money wasted on metal roof repairs in the long run.
But if you’ve got the time and prefer to clean your metal roof yourself, here are 9 simple steps you can follow to give your metal roof the restoration it needs:
- Wear non-slip shoes that offer good traction and are free of any debris in the bottom soles that might scratch your roof.
- Get someone to spot you from below in case you run into an emergency situation.
- Depending on the height of your roof, it may be worth using a harness or some other form of safety precautions to keep you safe in the event of a fall.
- Make sure you have an appropriate ladder to climb up to your roof.
- Familiarize yourself with the cleaning products and equipment you’ve chosen to use to clean your metal roof. As many of these products contain toxins and other potentially harmful ingredients, it’s good to double-check that you’re using these cleaning products appropriately.
- On the ground, or at a safe height, use a broom or leaf blower to get rid of any branches, leaves, or other debris that may be loosely trapped on your roof.
- Use a garden hose or some other source of water to rinse away dirt and dust from your roof.
- Wash any stains with soapy water and a sponge or soft brush. Avoid using more abrasive scrubbers that might leave conspicuous scratch marks on your roof.
- For tougher stains and problem areas, use the right metal roof cleaning products and make sure to follow instructions.
METAL ROOF CLEANERS & TOOLS
There’s a variety of cleaning products you can use to specifically clean a metal roof. With these different products, it’s crucial that you know which products are right for the particular job you’re carrying out on your roof. There are particular metal roof cleaning chemicals that have been designed to help wash out any stains specific to metal surfaces. Here’s several of the most common cleaning products and tools suitable for metal roofs:
- Oxygen-based products
- Chlorine bleach
- Copper sulphate
- Emulsifiers
- Tri-sodium phosphate
- Eco-friendly cleaning solutions
- Brushes & scrappers
In general, when soap and water aren’t enough to wash away troublesome stains, special solvents can be used to help remove any non-water elements that are affecting the visual appearance of your metal roof, such as oil, graffiti, tar, and paint.
HOW TO CLEAN A GALVANIZED METAL ROOF
Cleaning a galvanized roof may seem complicated due to the added texture of the metal. However, taking care of a galvanized or corrugated metal roof is no different than washing any other type of metal roof. As long as you’re using the right cleaning materials and products, you’ll be able to clean your galvanized metal roof with ease.
HOW TO FIX AND REPAIR LEAKS IN A CORRUGATED METAL ROOF
If you suspect that your corrugated metal roof is leaking, you should reach out to your local roofing experts to have an experienced professional take a look at your roof and check for any problems. While there are many resources online to help you learn what you to look out for when inspecting your roof, getting a certified technician ensures that you have someone who’s been properly trained to spot any issues with your metal roof.
However, should you wish to take care of your leak yourself, here’s 4 steps to help guide you:
- Use an extension ladder to access your roof.
- Walking on the rows of your roof (instead of between rows), check each row for any loose nails or screws.
- Pull out any loose screws or nails.
- Replace the loose screws or nails with new screws or nails. Make sure to drive or screw in the new screws or nails next to where the original holes were to avoid them being loose again.
- Spread urethane roof cement over the holes of the original nails or screws.
- Inspect the caulked seams around the upper edges of flashing on your roof. Remove any loose caulking and spread over a new layer of urethane roof cement using a plastic putty knife.
CONCLUSION
Taking care of your metal roof can seem like a daunting job. If you’re unsure of what you need to do to keep your metal roof in good working condition, be sure to call your local roofing experts to help you inspect, clean, and maintain your roof and keep your home safe and protected.