Do you have a metal roof? If so, it’s important to know how to properly clean the surface from the ground.
It may sound like an easy task, but there are a few things that you need to do in order to get the best results. In this blog post, we will provide seven steps on How To Clean A Metal Roof From The Ground
Cleaning a metal roof can be quite tricky, especially if you’re afraid of heights. This article will discuss various ways to clean the surface of your metal roof without being exposed to dangerous heights.
Metal roofs are becoming more popular with homeowners. With the new trend of “green” roofs throughout the world, it’s easy to see why metal roofing is perfect for green living.
Not only are they very affordable, durable and maintenance-free, but there are also dozens of different finishes, colors and styles to choose from!
And if that wasn’t enough, they also give your house a brand new look!
Why Clean A Metal Roof?
Cleaning your metal roofing is not just a simple task for those who want to look good. It’s necessary, especially if you live in an area with lots of trees surrounding your house.
The leaves and pine needles can cause an accumulation on top of your roof which may lead to leaking and structural damage over time.
Not only that, but dirt grime and mildew can accumulate on your roofing surface, which will make it easier for moss to grow in the future.
Moss is actually stronger than grass and can cause serious damage if left unattended. When you think of moss, think of a green carpet covering your entire roof!
Solutions To Clean A Metal Roof Safely
There are several ways to clean a roof from the ground. Some are better than others, but it all depends on your preferences. Here are some techniques that you can use to get your metal roof looking brand spankin’ new!
Using A Pressure Washer
The first option is to use a pressure washer. This is a pretty good option if your roof doesn’t have too many ridges or valleys. You can forgo the ladder and simply stand on the ground while attaching the sprayer to a hose.
However, you must exercise EXTREME caution when using a pressure washer! High-pressure water jets can be very dangerous, especially if you have your eyes closed while using it!
I don’t recommend using a pressure washer unless you are an experienced operator or have someone experienced to stand next to you while you’re doing the work.
Using A Scrub Brush And Garden Hose
Another option is to use a simple scrub brush along with some water. You can attach your garden hose to the brush and scrub away until you have the desired results! This method is very cheap, but I don’t recommend it because you will be standing on a ladder scraping your metal roof with a hard brush for an extended period of time.
Using A Pressure Washer And Garden Hose
The third option is to use both your pressure washer and garden hose. This is actually what I did when I had my metal roof cleaned for the first time.
I used the high-pressure nozzle on one side of my roof while spraying water with a gentle spray on the other. If you’re lucky, you’ll have no valleys or ridges in your roof, making this task much easier!
What Happens if You Don’t Clean Your Metal Roof?
If you own a metal roof, chances are it’s probably pretty dirty.
Your roof can back up and overflow with dirt and debris if you don’t properly maintain the surface.
Over time, this buildup of contaminants can cause damage to your roof as well as the materials underneath. This will not only affect the appearance of your home but could also lead to some extensive repair work.
Here are 3 problems you could potentially face if you don’t clean your metal roof regularly.
1. Rust Buildup – Rust is the most common problem when it comes to dirty roofs, and can quickly become a big issue with little time in between cleanings.
The rust buildup is usually due to moisture collecting in the ridges and valleys of the metal.
This rust is usually a reddish color, but can also come in colors such as orange or brown depending on what it has collected on its way down to the bottom of the roofing surface.
When this happens, one of two things will take place: the metal will quickly begin to warp and buckle leading to expensive and extensive roofing repairs, or the rust will eventual eat through the metal and allow water to enter your roof.
If that happens, you’ll be faced with even more serious problems such as mold growth and crack in the ceiling below.
2. Increased Energy Costs – A dirty metal roof acts like a sponge when it comes to heat absorption.
This means that the surface will absorb the sun’s rays and most likely not reflect them, leading to a rise in temperature. When this happens, your A/C unit will have to work harder to keep the house at a comfortable temperature.
This added stress on your system can cause it to wear out faster than expected, costing you more money in the long run. This can also lead to a rise in your monthly utility bills.
3. Sleeping Underneath a Dirty Roof – Some of the most common causes of a dirty metal roof are rust and algae growth.
When either one forms, it is usually due to water pooling in the ridges and valleys. If this happens, you could end up with a leak in your home, and it can even cause your ceiling to collapse.
These problems not only pose a threat to the overall structure of your house but could also seriously injure someone if they happen to be sleeping underneath when they develop.
It’s not the most glamorous of tasks, but cleaning a metal roof is an important part of maintaining its integrity and preventing costly repairs.
If you’re nervous about getting up there to do it yourself, just refer to the information above and choose which would be the safest cleaning strategy you can do.