Metal roofing is the best roofing for so many reasons. It lasts almost a lifetime, it’s low maintenance, it’s stronger than shingles, and it lowers your utility bills! Insurance companies even lower homeowners’ premiums for people who live in homes with metal roofs. However, to keep it in tip-top shape, it’s important to clean it every now and then. This blog will walk you through how to clean your metal roof and what cleaning materials to use that will get the job done without damaging it! Let’s dig in.

Cleaning Materials for Metal Roofs

The most important piece of advice we can give you about cleaning your metal roof is to check with either the manufacturer or the company that installed your roof to make sure the products you plan to use won’t damage the sealing on your panels, the paint, or the panels themselves. Different kinds of metals, sealants, and paints respond differently to different cleaning chemicals, so it’s wise to ask the professionals before you get started. A metal roofing company may even have a cleaning service so you can outsource the task!

If you decide to clean the roof yourself, there are some general products we can advise you to use! Here’s what you’ll need: 

• A water hose (Do not use a power washer or pressure washer on your metal roof if you are not a professional. When used incorrectly, this can cause more harm than good. A plain hose with a sprayer nozzle will work just fine.)

• Non-abrasive cleaning tools (like rags, sponges and brushes with soft and flexible bristles. Do not use any harsh tools like wire brushes or steel wool on your metal roof, as you could easily damage the sealant or paint.)

• A gentle detergent (like dawn, other dish liquids, laundry detergent, or car washing soap. These cleaning materials  are usually gentle enough to clean your metal roof well without causing any damage.)

• Bleach (if your metal roof has mildew. Always dilute at 1 part bleach to 5 parts water, and do not mix with ammonia.)

How to Safely Clean Your Metal Roof

Cleaning your metal roof only needs to be done every few years, or when you notice debris and residue. To start, remove any large debris items like branches, pine cones, sticks, etc. Be careful and practice safety precautions when walking on your roof, and wear shoes with grippy soles. It’s smart to have someone else present when walking on your roof.

Once all large debris is removed, rinse the roof with your water hose. Then, in a bucket, dilute your cleaning material or detergent per the recommendations on the bottle. You can use rags or soft bristled brushes to use the detergent solution to clean any spot with residue. Once you’ve cleaned, you can again rinse with your water hose. That’s it!

You should never use cleaning materials like scouring powder or paint thinner on your roof, as it could eat away at the protective layers of your roofing materials. If you are unsure about the product you’re using, always call a professional. 

To learn more about how to care for your metal roof, you can visit our Frequently Asked Questions page! As always, we welcome phone calls with questions about metal roofing. The Metal Roof Pros are happy to help!