HOW TO PROPERLY CLEAN A METAL ROOF

When it comes to cleaning, metal roofs are in a class by themselves; they are simple in theory but require extremely particular maintenance. Proper metal roof maintenance is key to ensuring it remains in excellent condition for many years. Regular inspections, cleaning debris, and addressing any signs of wear or damage promptly will help prolong its lifespan and enhance its overall performance.

The most common issues I have encountered in North Georgia are algae and mold growth, which also affect shingled roofs. Leaves, pine needles, and twigs also tend to accumulate in roof valleys, creating "valley dams" that cause issues with drainage, trap moisture, and can lead to water seeping in through joints.

This house, which is located in Ellijay, GA, serves as a good illustration of what I commonly see in the area. Algae and mold growth had accumulated over the years, which is why the homeowners asked for our metal roof cleaning service. They also needed their house and decks washed.

The first step in cleaning a metal roof is to remove all leaves, pine needles, and twigs. Since metal roofs can be very slippery, particularly when wet, it is important to avoid walking on them. A recommended method for removing this debris is to use an extendable pole equipped with a brush attachment. I accomplish this from a ladder, which is secured to the gutter and also secured to the ground. Simply extend the pole beyond the leaf debris and pull it down. After the majority of it has been removed, I thoroughly rinse the roof off using a straight stream of low-pressure water. It takes a lot of water, so I use my 8 gpm water pump. You never want to use high pressure, as it may void the warranty.

After all of the tree debris has been removed, the next step is to remove the algae and mold. Never do this with high water pressure, as I previously stated. The most effective and safest approach I have discovered is to apply our soft wash solution, followed by rinsing it off. Our soft wash solution consists of 1.5% sodium hypochlorite and surfactant. The sodium hypochlorite eliminates the algae and mold, while the surfactant helps the solution to adhere to the roof. I always conduct a test on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure the mixture is correct and will not harm the metal roof. The solution only needs to dwell for a few minutes before rinsing. It is not recommended to allow it to dwell for longer than that. As soon as it is easily removed with a finger, it's time to rinse using the same method used for rinsing off the tree debris. Several applications may be needed in areas that have a thick layer of algae and mold.

Another important maintenance tip is to periodically inspect and replace any loose or missing roofing screws. I often discover missing or loose screws along the lower edges of metal roofing, which is usually caused by the wind.

If your property in the Ellijay, Georgia, area needs any of our cleaning services—such as roof cleaning, exterior house washing, driveway cleaning, sidewalk cleaning, deck cleaning, patio cleaning, pool deck cleaning, pressure washing, soft washing, or commercial cleaning—please reach out to us for a free estimate. Call us today at (678) 332-6927 or send a request form and experience the difference that professional care can make! Complete client happiness is our first priority; if you're not satisfied, neither are we!

Location: Ellijay, GA