Metal roofs are great for residential homes since they last up to 2 or 3 times longer than traditional asphalt shingle roofs. You can expect your metal roof to last up to 30-50 years, depending on the type of metal. Since they don’t decompose, you can refresh them with regular cleaning when necessary. Overall, regular cleaning is an essential part of maintaining your roof’s aesthetics and keeping it in tip-top shape.
Cleaning Safely
Safety is the top consideration when cleaning a metal roof. Metal is very slippery, particularly when water and cleaning agents are involved. So, you must avoid getting on top of your roof to clean it yourself. It’s best to hire a professional roofing contractor with the right safety gear and expertise to do the job safely and efficiently.
So, here is a quick outline of how professionals clean metal roofs:
Getting On Top of the Roof
Roofers typically use OSHA-approved ladders to ensure safety when navigating roofs. They also use padded stabilizers to protect your metal roof’s finish or paint from scratches. More importantly, roofers use fall protection equipment such as a safety harness and specialized shoes with good traction to keep them safe while cleaning your roof.
Removing Debris from the Roof
The first step for your roofer is to clear all debris away, using a soft brush if necessary. These may include leaves, sticks, and other dirt. Most dirt and dust can be effectively removed with water. Your roofer may use a garden hose to clean hard-to-reach areas of your roof without having to walk all over the roof. However, a reputable contractor won’t power-wash your metal roof since it can dent the roof or cause leaks.
Applying Safe Cleaning Agents and Rising Off
Metal roofs can be susceptible to harsh cleaning agents and pressure washing. Your roofer should use mild cleaning solutions only when necessary. They will apply the solution to your metal roof and let it sit on the surface for about 5-10 minutes. Finally, they’ll thoroughly rinse off the roof with plain water from a garden hose. This is one of the safest ways to get a metal roof clean!
Overall, it’s always best to hire an experienced local roofer to get the job done safely and efficiently without the risk of damaging your roof. Although hiring a professional roof cleaning service will cost more than DIY cleaning, saving you time and risk of injuries.
Overall, most metal roofing systems don’t require deep cleaning each year. Since metal roofs have high-performing qualities, they often require very low maintenance. At S&S Roofing, we usually recommend deep cleaning your metal roof every 2-3 years, depending on your unique environment, keeping it looking great. However, you’ll still need to schedule routine inspections at least once every year to check for debris, damages, leaks, and other factors which could reduce your roof’s life expectancy. Contact S&S Roofing in Arlington, WA, to schedule your metal roof inspection!
