How to Clean Your Metal Roofing in the Toronto Summer

There are many benefits to having a metal roof. One that often gets overlooked is how easy a metal roof is to clean. Most of the time, the only thing you’ll need is pressurized water. However, like any roof, a metal roof may accumulate dirt and grime over time. In this case, you may want to use a chemical cleaner to get rid of any tough spots.

Although we recommend hiring a professional service to clean your metal roof no matter how easy it is, if you do decide to do it on your own, you should take several safety precautions to reduce the risk of injury or damage.

Take Precautions

Getting up on the roof is a potentially dangerous proposition, no matter how much experience you have. Professional roofers have the training, experience, and equipment needed to significantly reduce the risk of injury or damage to the roof. If you do decide to clean your roof yourself, make sure you take several precautions:

• Wait for Dry Weather: Cleaning your metal roof should only be done on a dry day. If it is wet or raining, you should wait until the weather clears up and the roof has had a chance to dry off. Otherwise, you could slip and fall or cause damage to the roof.
• Clean Only Those Areas That Are Easy to Reach: If the roof is tall and steep, you should clean only those areas that can be accessed easily. Cleaning a steep roof exposes you to a greater risk of injury, so consider having a professional do it for you if there are too many risks involved.
• Have a Partner: Having a partner with you on the roof can significantly reduce the risk of injury or damage. Not only will they be able to lend a hand if needed, but they will also be there in case of an emergency.
• Secure Yourself: If you are going to get up on the roof, make sure you wear a safety harness and connect it to something that won’t move. This will help ensure that if you do slip or lose your footing, you will be able to catch yourself before slipping off the edge of the roof.

Steps to Clean Your Metal Roofing

Once you have taken all the safety precautions necessary, you can start to clean your metal roof. The following are a few essential steps that you should take to clean your metal roof:

• Use Plain Water Over Chemical Cleaners: You should try to avoid using chemical cleaners if possible. If there are some spots that are especially tough to clean and a chemical cleaner is your only option, then you should make sure to use it sparingly and dilute it with plenty of water.
• Use Pressure: If your roof isn’t too dirty, you may be able to use your hose to do the job. However, if your roof has accumulated some dirt and grime, you may need a higher pressure setting to blast away the build-up. In this case, you can rent a pressure washer from your local hardware store.
• Clear a Path First: Before you head up onto the roof, clear a path around the roof and remove any debris that may have accumulated. This will help ensure that there is nothing on the roof that could cause you to slip or fall.
• Start from the Top When Possible: Start cleaning your metal roof at the highest point and work downward. This will help ensure that any runoff water flows in the right direction and won’t cause dirt and debris to accumulate in lower spots on the roof.
• Work Slowly and Patiently: Metal roofs are slippery, so work slowly and take your time to ensure that you don’t slip or fall.

How to Address Stubborn Spots

If there are some spots that won’t come clean with a pressure washer, use the following tips:

• Mix Water and Mild Detergent: Create a solution of warm water and mild detergent and apply it to the area that needs cleaning. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing the area.
• Use a Cloth or Sponge to Clean: Use a cloth or sponge to scrub away any dirt and grime gently. Make sure not to use anything too abrasive, or you could damage the roof.
• Repeat with Stronger Cleaners if Necessary: If the mild detergent solution doesn’t work, try using a stronger cleaner. Always make sure to dilute it with plenty of water and follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.

Things to Remember

As you prepare to clean your roof, be sure to keep the following in mind:

• Don’t Overuse or Abuse Cleaning Agents: Overuse or abuse of cleaning agents can cause damage to your roof. Dilute any chemical agents before using them.
• Know the Products that Should Not Be Used on Metal Roofing: Some products should never be used on metal roofing, such as bleach or vinegar.
• Test the Cleaning Method First: If you plan to use a chemical agent, test it on a small, less visible area first.
• Protect Yourself First: No matter what cleaning method you use, always make sure to protect yourself first.
• Hire A Professional When in Doubt: If you’re not confident in your abilities or don’t have the right equipment, it’s best to hire a professional.

How Often Should You Clean Your Metal Roof?

In general, you should clean your metal roof at least once a year. Cleaning more often is best if you live in an area with a lot of vegetation since debris and dirt from surrounding trees can accumulate quickly. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain or snow, you may need to clean it more frequently to prevent damage.

We are a Premium Quality Metal Roofing Company in Toronto

At Ironclad Roofing, we provide premium quality metal roofing systems that are designed to last for decades. Our team of experienced metal roofing suppliers can help you choose the right roof for your home, and our installations are done with precision to ensure that your roof will perform well for years to come. Contact our team online today or call us at 905-752-4685 to request an estimate.