A good spring cleaning can boost your home’s curb appeal and prepare it for the coming summer season. While cleaning a metal roof may seem intimidating, it’s often as simple and inexpensive as using a garden hose and scrub brush. I recommend clients clean their roof once a year to ensure they get the most out of their investment.
Why Clean Your Metal Roof?
Keeping your metal roof clean offers benefits beyond aesthetics. A dirty, debris-covered roof can lead to corrosion, staining, and damage over time. Cleaning removes dirt and grime before it causes problems or accelerates wear and tear. Like all roofs, the cost of a metal roof isn’t insignificant, so proper maintenance to ensure longevity will save you money in the end.
A clean metal roof also reflects sunlight better, lowering interior temperatures and cooling costs during summer. It also allows rain and snow to run off efficiently into gutters. Lastly, it restores shine and luster to make your home look its best.
How to Spring Clean a Metal Roof
You can clean your metal roof yourself in five simple steps:
Clean out all gutters and downspouts, and remove rooftop debris, like leaves and branches. Removing debris prevents clogs that can lead to ice dams or overflowing gutters.
Use a ladder to access your gutters, but take proper safety precautions. Consider hiring a professional if your roof is especially high or steep.
Before mixing up a cleaning solution, use a garden hose attachment to spray away loose dirt and debris. Angle the spray carefully to avoid driving waste into gutters.
Never use a power washer to clean a metal roof as the high-pressure water could damage the metal roof’s protective coating or drive seams apart. A garden hose is sufficient.
If water alone isn’t enough to remove stubborn dirt and debris, mix in 1/4 cup of detergent per gallon of water. You can use ‌mild laundry detergent, car washing soap, or mild dish soap. Always follow any manufacturer’s instructions to stay within your warranty.
Some homeowners mix non-toxic cleaners like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide for extra cleaning power, but research your specific type of metal roofing first to see if it’s safe.
Apply the mild detergent solution to the roof using a soft bristle brush, sponge, washcloth, or non-abrasive pad. Scrub gently to remove dirt and build-up. The goal is to use the lightest touch that will effectively do the job.
Never use steel wool, wire brushes, scouring powder, paint removers, or thinners on a metal roof. Abrasives can scratch the surface and increase the risk of rust, and chemicals can weaken or strip the paint and protective coating.
Spray the roof and let it sit for five to 10 minutes before scrubbing. Thoroughly rinse the surface with plain water to remove all soap and prevent residual build-up (any lingering detergent could also accelerate corrosion or deterioration.)
Safely Accessing Your Metal Roof
Before cleaning, you’ll need to safely access your roof. Refer to safety manuals and instructions on how to safely position and secure the ladder. I wouldn’t access roofs over one story unless you’re familiar with safety harnesses and how to use them.
Always exercise caution when working on roofs — even short falls can cause serious injury. Have someone with you to assist and call for help if needed, and only attempt cleaning if physically able.
Maintaining a Metal Roof Year-Round
An annual cleaning is enough to maintain a metal roof, but there are other things you can do as well to ensure the health of your roof:
- Clear snow buildup gently using a roof rake. Don’t chip away ice with tools.
- Trim back overhanging tree branches so they don’t endanger the roof.
- Check for and seal any exposed fastener holes that could allow leaks.
- Clean out gutters and downspouts regularly year-round.
- Check for signs of damage after major storms and repair promptly.
- Reapply protective coatings or paints as needed per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Inspect your roof regularly, especially after storms. (Check out our roof inspection guide to learn more.)
A quality metal roof can last over 50 years with occasional cleaning and good maintenance.
So, Is Spring Cleaning Your Metal Roof Worth the Effort?
Spring cleaning a metal roof requires some physical effort, but the benefits make it worthwhile.
Here are the main upsides:
- It restores the look and curb appeal of your home and the roof.
- It washes away debris before corrosion or damage occurs.
- It ensures proper water runoff into gutters.
- It can lower cooling bills by improving sunlight reflection.
Cleaning does require safely working at heights. But with the right prep and equipment, most physically able homeowners can handle this annual chore themselves. With care, you can safely extend your roof’s life span and improve its appearance.
If you’re in the market for a metal roof, check out metalroofing.com, where you can find all kinds of information about metal roofing.
FAQs About Cleaning Metal Roofs
How often should you clean a metal roof?
Plan on cleaning a metal roof at least once per year in early spring. It may need to be cleaned more than once depending on environmental factors, like algae and storms.
Does a metal roof require special cleaning solutions?
No, and you shouldn’t use harsh chemicals, abrasives, or pressure washers. Metal roofs only need a mild liquid dish or laundry detergent mixed with water. Sometimes, just water is enough.
Can you pressure wash a metal roof?
No, the pressure can damage a metal roof’s protective finish and drive metal seams apart. A garden hose and non-abrasive scrubbing are sufficient.
What happens if you don't clean your metal roof?
Lack of cleaning allows dirt, debris, moss, and environmental deposits to build up on the roof over time. This build-up can lead to corrosion, staining, reduced reflectivity, and leakage.
What is the most important maintenance task for metal roofs?
Keeping gutters and drains clear is critical, as this allows for proper water runoff. Annual cleanings help extend the roof’s life span and ensures thorough coverage under its warranty.
Do metal roofs really last over 50 years?
With proper care and maintenance, metal roofs can last more than 50 years. You should only expect a roof to last as long as the manufacturer’s warranty as a general rule, but a well-cared-for metal roof can certainly outlast its warranty.
