How To Clean Metal Roofing And Siding
Metal siding is a great eco-friendly and long-lasting product for you to roof or side your home, barn, or business. However, knowing how to clean metal roofing and siding is not easy to find at the metal panels themselves.
In this how-to guide, we want to give you the tips and tricks of the trade when it comes to cleaning your metal roofing and siding that we have learned throughout our journey with our team. We’re the team you can rely on, discover more about us and how we’ve made a difference for others. Our goal is to help you care for your metal roofing and siding so you can enjoy it for the long haul. So, let’s get our hands dirty with the details so your metal roofing and siding can shine like it was intended to.
5 Steps To Cleaning Your Metal Roof
While this question sounds so basic, it is one that needs to be addressed. Cleaning off a metal roof is important to make sure that you are able to enjoy the roof for as long as the manufacturer intended. In its most basic form, metal siding roofing and cleaning needs to be completed by rinsing it off with water, then a mild soap water mix, and then a final rinse of water.
However, knowing the basics of metal roof cleaning can be a bit difficult to understand. To help make it as clear as possible, we have found this video to give great answers on cleaning your metal roofing and siding. However, if you wish to “get the highlights,” we have bulleted the major points below the video.
1. Remove Debris By Hand
The first thing you should do to clean off your metal roof adequately is to remove large pieces of debris by hand. The easiest way to do this is to get a ladder to the side of the building and climb up to reach what you can.
This is far easier to do on a single-story home than on a multi-level home. If you do not feel comfortable, there is no harm in hiring a professional to come out and do this for you. Additionally, we have found that using a broom is a great way to reach some of the areas that are too difficult to reach otherwise.
2. Leaf Blower
Once you remove what you can with your hands, we recommend using a leaf blower. By doing this, you can get the extra “reach” without needing to climb onto your roof. We have found that the best way to do this is to use a battery-powered leaf blower. We have found that there a three leaf blowers that do very well for removing debris.
3. Leaf Blowers For Metal Roof Cleaning
If you are looking for a leaf blower to clean off your metal roof, the Dewalt leaf blower is a great option. Not only is Dewalt one of America’s most trusted brands, but it is also one of the most common brands on the market, meaning you probably have other Dewalt tools in your home. We love that the batteries are interchangeable on all of Dewalt’s tools, meaning that even if you do not have a leaf blower, you can use the same battery as your drill to run it.
Black and Decker Tools do not always have the same view of quality that other big brands do. However, these leaf blowers get the job done and are very budget-friendly when you are looking to be able to blow the debris off of your metal roofing. We also like how lightweight the blower itself is. However, this may affect the performance of being able to have larger pieces of debris blown off the roof.
Ryobi is a brand that has been growing in popularity in recent years. And like Dewalt, it has the ability to easily interchange batteries that are used on more common projects. What we like about Ryobi is you can choose which body has the best purpose for your needs.
4. Wash The Metal Roof With Soap and Water
The next step is to hand wash your metal roofing. We recommend ¼ cup of dish soap to 1 gallon of water. Practically speaking, if you use a standard 18-ounce dish soap bottle, you will be using a quarter of the bottle for a 5-gallon bucket. This equates to 4 gallons of water and 1 cup of soap; this will give you extra “space” to work within the bucket to dip your sponges, shams, or soft bristle scrubbers. In this case, we do not intend for you to wash the whole roof by hand but just the first 12 inches from the gutter to the peak.
To make cleaning the whole metal roof with water and soap an option, we recommend using a pressure washer. This will allow you to shoot water up toward the peak of the roof. If you want more tips and tricks on how to clean metal roofing and siding, keep reading.
No matter how you decide to clean your metal roofing or siding, always start from top to bottom, or you will make the area dirty that you just cleaned.
Soft Cleaning Your Metal Roof
Once you have your soapy mixture together, it is time to get to scrubbing. In the above video, they recommend you use sponges, soft bristle brushes, and cloths. We would add to this that you can use a microfiber mop for hard-to-reach areas. Essentially, you want to use a soft cleaning tool and a mild cleanser to get the best results.
5. Rinse The Metal Roof
The final step of this process is to rinse off your roof with water. All you need to do is simply use your hose, spray the water on the roof, and let the water run over all of the panels. This step, while the most simple, is very crucial as leaving the cleaning agents on the roofing can cause premature corrosion.
How Do I Clean Metal Roofing From The Ground?
The best way we have seen people clean their metal roofs from the ground is with water-fed poles. Essentially, this pole will bring water and a cleaning solution to the roof via an extension pole. It allows you to stan on the ground and clean your roof at the same time. Either technique displayed in the videos above is a quality way to clean your roof from the ground.
How Do I Clean Metal Roofing Without Slipping?
Cleaning any roof can be quite a daunting task, especially for those of us who do not care for heights. When you want to be able to clean your roof, we can’t promise that you will never slip, but below are a few ways other people have found to prevent slipping on metal roofing.
Non-Slip Foot Wear
One of the best ways to prevent slipping on a metal roof is to use non-slip footwear. Non-slip footwear works by having a tread pattern that keeps the water away and increases the surface area in which the shoe is not stuck in the water. This is why you are not as prone to slip when using non-slip footwear.
Non-Slip Mat
This tactic is one that we do not recommend. However, because the internet is quite an adventurous place, you are bound to see things like this. By getting a non-slip rug mat and setting it down in the area where you are working, you may be able to decrease the amount of slipping that can occur. However, this is not the safest way to secure yourself on the roof.
Fall Ropes and Harness
When you are afraid of slipping on your metal roof, the biggest concern you are trying to avoid is falling off the roof. Your safety is the biggest priority, so we always recommend using a safety harness and anchor system when you need to get up on your roof. Take a look at the above video to understand how these harness systems work to keep you safe from falling off the roof.
**While being able to clean your metal roof by yourself is a great way to save money and take care of your metal roofing and siding, we want you to prioritize your safety. If you do not feel comfortable cleaning your roof, that is okay, and we don’t blame you if you don’t feel safe. In no way should you work outside your comfort zone. If you choose to do any of these methods to be on your roof, you assume all responsibility for injury that may occur should you fall off of your metal roof.**
How DO I Clean Galvalume Roofing And Siding?
Cleaning galvalume metal should be done with a mild cleaner and water. The cleaner should never be left to dry and should always be rinsed with water in between cleanser applications. However, there are multiple ways to clean your Galvalume roofing and siding. We have found the above video to be extremely helpful in understanding proper cleaning techniques.
Can I Use A Pressure Washer To Clean Metal Roofing And Siding?
Yes. However, you should not use a pressure washer on metal roofing or sidings like you would on a patio or deck. This is because when too much force is used, it can cause dents in your metal panels. However, if you are trying to clean your metal panels and can’t quite reach the whole roof, a pressure washer is a great way to get some additional “reach,” as the pressure behind the wand will propel the water further than a standard garden hose in most cases.
How Do I Clean Painted Metal Roofing And Siding?
Painted metal should be cleaned with a mild detergent and a gentle water supply. Ensure that you are not using too much pressure, as this may cause chipping to the paint. It is also very important to make sure that you are not using too harsh of a cleaner, as it may damage the finish that is present on the metal panel itself.
What Metal Roofing And Siding Shows The Most Dirt?
What Metal Roofing And Siding Shows The Most Dirt?
Black metal roofing and siding show the most dirt. This is because there is a stark contrast between the black color and the color of dirt, pollen, and other general environmental factors. However, black metal roofing and siding can be cleaned just as easily as all of the other colors of metal siding and roofing. Additionally, while black will show the most dirt, all dark colors that we offer will be prone to showing dirt more easily.
What Metal Roofing And Siding Colors Show The Least Dirt?
Tan, Stone, Clay, and Brown metal roofing and siding do not show dirt easily. However, this does not mean that pollen is more concealed by these colors. That being said, if you are looking to find a metal roofing or siding color for a commercial area, these colors often offer you the greatest ability to help hide dirt and dust, especially when used as wainscoting for your building.
How Often Should I Clean My Metal Roof And Siding?
You should clean your metal roofing and siding at least once a year. If you live in a seaside coastal environment, it is imperative that you wash your roof once a year, as the salt will cause premature corrosion. (It may also void the manufacturer warranty if you do not clean the roof every year.) However, if you are further away from a coastal community, you may not need to wash your siding quite as often.
How Do I Fix Scuffed Up Paint On My Metal Roof And Siding?
Life happens, and some of the time, that means that you get scratches on your metal siding and roofing. These scratches and scuffs are not a huge deal and can be easily corrected by purchasing touch-up paint from our store.
At Wagler Steel, we have color-matched touch-up paint for every color that we offer. However, should you choose to purchase our crinkle-finished panels, the touch-up paint will be color-matched correctly.
However, it will not contain the textured component of the paint. To the eye, it will not be noticeable that the textured component is missing unless you are examining the panels specifically for the textured finish.
If I Notice Damage To My Metal Roofing And Siding While Cleaning It, How Should I Repair It?
Your metal roofing and siding can be fixed in a few ways, and it depends on the issues that you are finding. Some repairs require new fasteners, while others can simply be caulked. Additionally, there may be other repairs that may need to be done; however, we are focusing on repairs that can be done quickly by hand.
Lifted Roofing Or Siding
Sometimes, the fasteners on your metal roofing and siding start to lift up. To correct this issue, a new faster may need to be placed. At Wagler Steel, all of our panels can be matched with a new fastener, no matter the color. If you are not quite sure how to place a new fastener into metal roofing or siding, take a look at the above video. This video is modeled after our Wagler Panel Style panel.
Flash Points
These areas of the roofing or siding may allow water to get under the roofing or siding. To fix this, we have color-matched caulk to ensure that the seams of each panel do not allow for water to get under. If you have never caulked before, check out the video above. While this is being shown for indoor usage, these tips and tricks apply to outdoor use as well.
How Do I Clean Metal Siding?
Metal Siding should be cleaned in the same method as metal roofing. Water rinse, mild soap, and water mixture, and then repeat the water rinse. In doing this, you will be able to have a high-quality cleaning process that continues to keep the integrity of your project.
So, Are Your Ready To Get To Cleaning?
As you can see, cleaning your metal roofing and siding is not as difficult as most people think. In fact, it is relatively easy; however, it does require a large time commitment. Maybe you get up to your roof and siding and realize it is time to get some new metal panels. If that is the case, be sure to contact us, and we would be happy to steer you in the right direction regarding the proper metal panels you need.