Why It's Important To Have Your Metal Roof Cleaned And A Look At How Roof Cleaning Is Done
A metal roof is durable and long-lasting. Metal roofs don't usually require many repairs as long as they're maintained properly. You'll probably need to have your roof cleaned occasionally, especially if your roof is prone to growing algae or has a lot of tree debris that falls on it. Here's why roof cleaning is so important for a metal roof and a quick look at how it's done.
Why You Should Have Your Metal Roof Cleaned
Your roof is exposed to dust in the air, rain, and blowing debris. The surface of the roof becomes dirty over time due to pollution, dust, bird droppings, and stains from leaves. Your roof might even have problems with algae and moss that cause stains. All this discoloration makes your roof look ugly, and it can affect the curb appeal of your home. If your house has a light or white metal roof, the stains and dirt are even more noticeable.
In some cases, cleaning might even help prolong the life of your roof. If wet leaves or moss stay on the roof long enough and hold moisture against the metal, rust might become a concern with the metal panels or hardware. Occasional cleaning and washing of your roof helps it last longer and look better through the years.
How To Clean A Metal Roof
You can hire a roof cleaning service to wash your roof, which is the safest option. Metal roofs can be slick when wet, so it's often best to let a professional do the job. The first step is to remove debris, such as twigs and leaves, from the roof. With tree debris out of the way, the extent of stains and dirt can be seen. The cleaning method undertaken depends on the condition of the roof.
Stains may need to be cleaned with a soft brush and special cleaners. Moss and algae have to be killed and removed. Your roof may need treatments to get rid of spores so the moss and algae don't grow right back. The roof cleaning company uses the right cleaning products for the job and avoids using products that might scratch or harm the paint or coating on the metal roof.
A garden hose might be sufficient for roof cleaning, but it's also possible to soft wash or pressure wash a roof. Pressure washing uses a strong water stream to knock off dirt and scrub away stains. Soft washing is similar, but it uses much lower pressure and a wider stream of water. Cleaning solutions can be added to a pressure or soft washer. These solutions may be applied and allowed to work for several minutes before they're rinsed off.
Thorough rinsing is the final step, and when the job is finished, your metal roof looks clean and shiny and is ready for a few more years of protecting your home before it needs to be washed again.