Metal roofs are one of the most popular choices for residential and commercial buildings all across Australia. They are durable and long-lasting and save energy by their thermoregulating property.
Maintaining and cleaning metal roofing will prolong its life span and protect it from corrosion from all the gunk and debris that will inevitably accumulate on the panels. To ensure your roof is in top shape, you will have to regularly clean your roof with the proper tools and detergents.
Here are the basic principles of cleaning a metal roof.
Safety Measures
Before you start doing the clean-up yourself, it’s very important to take all the necessary safety precautions. Metal roofs can be quite slippery and your DIY project can end up tragically if you don’t wear the proper shoes, gloves, eye protection and don’t wear a harness.
At the same time, it’s important to choose the correct detergents and methods for cleaning your type of roof, as certain cleaning products can damage the roofing material. Using harsh detergents or high-pressure water can peel off the protective coating of your roof, and affect the roof warranty.
The Basic Clean-up of Metal Roofing
The first step to take when you clean a metal roof is to use plain water to dislodge the surface dirt and identify the problem areas. Cold water from a garden hose can be enough for the job if your roof is new or has been maintained properly.
If there is dirt that doesn’t come off just by using water, move on to the cleaning solutions based on mild dish soap, laundry detergent, or car washing soap. Dilute the detergent with enough water to ensure your roof is not damaged by harsh chemicals, especially if you have a COLORBOND® roof or a ZINCALUME® one.
If your roof hasn’t been cleaned in a while and you have to get rid of algae, stains, stuck debris, or other kinds of dirt, you will have to use pressure washing. Make sure your roof is not mild clean only and can withstand high-pressure water. Otherwise, you can damage the protective layers.
Use soft bristle brushes, sponges, mops and avoid abrasive cleaners and highly acidic ones. Every time you use detergent, make sure you remove any trace of it from the surface of the roof by rinsing it with a water hose.
Call the Professionals
If you don’t have the necessary tools and equipment or your physical condition might make it difficult for you to do this operation, it’s highly recommended to hire a professional roofing company for your roof maintenance.
If your metal roof has seen better days and needs roof repairs or restoration, City2Surf Roofing is here to help.
Get in touch with us now and we will come and inspect your roof and choose the best course of action based on its condition.