When our roofs build up with debris and organic matter, for example leaves and twigs after a big Queensland storm, the function of our houses can begin to be compromised. This is why roof cleaning is so important when it comes to maintaining our homes.
As we all know, gutter blockage can cause a host of issues, possibly even leakage into the house. But there are less obvious drawbacks, like the slow build of moss, algae and mould as debris sits moist and warm on your rooftop over time. If the roof has any imperfections like small dents, water can get in and the roof may begin to rust.
At Bayside Roof Repairs and Roof Restorations, we know roof cleaning!
Although it’s usually best to leave it to the experts, there are ways you can take care of your home on your own. Teaching you our tips will help you save money both now and in the future in case of major issues built up over time. Your home is your safe space and we’re sure you want your metal roof to shine year-round – so let’s get into our advice for removing debris and organic matter from your roof.
First, Roof Cleaning Safety
Your safety: How do you stay safe when climbing onto your roof to clean debris?
- Wear protective clothing, from a hat and sunglasses (especially in our hot Queensland summer, where sunburn can catch you out), to steady boots with a strong, reliable grip.
- Make sure your ladder is reliable and stable. Always have a second person with you when climbing your ladder and roof in case of falls. This second person can also hold the ladder and spot you from behind as you climb up.
- As you clear debris, watch for anyone under or around the roof, so you don’t accidentally throw or brush things onto them. Likewise, be cautious with your hose.
Your roof and your home’s safety: How do you protect your roof when climbing and cleaning it?
- Don’t use a pressure washer. High-pressure can cause damage to some roofs, so rather than a pressure washer, use your regular garden hose.
- Don’t use harsh chemical cleaners. Just like being gentle with water, clean your roof with only gentle soap. Dish soap and a sponge is a better idea, especially as someone who isn’t a professional cleaner, than using products that are harsh and could cause damage.
- Spot test first. Use your soap to wash a small section of roof and check for any issues. If the soap clears away dirt, algae, moss and mould easily, while not causing any damage, then you’re good to continue on to the rest of the roof!
How Do You Brush Down the Metal Roof?
Now you’ve got your safety sorted, it’s time to start cleaning. It’s best to take a funnel-like approach, starting with the biggest pieces of debris and working your way down to spot checks for algae and mould. As you clear the roof further, more organic growth may show up under pieces of debris, so it makes more sense to start with clearing.
Start by taking any large pieces of debris and removing them carefully, tossing them off the roof (into a safe area). If there’s a lot of buildup, you might choose to scoop off leaves and throw them over, for example when clearing your gutters. However, always wear gloves and exercise caution if using your hands. Twigs, for example, might be hidden amongst leaves and could pierce the skin.
Using a strong-bristled, dry brush, like one you would use outside to clear leaves from your driveway, is a great idea. It’s a safer and effective way to sweep debris right off the roof. Leaf blowers may also be used, but have caution using them in case of debris being kicked up. Always wear glasses or goggles.
Rinsing the Metal Roof with Water
Using your garden hose, rinse the entire roof down from the highest point to the gutters. As you clear the roof, you may need to clear out the gutters again, depending on how much buildup is rinsed away. Make sure the entire roof is soaked; on hot, sunny days, you may have to redo sections before adding soap and wiping down areas, as they could dry quickly. Be cautious of the garden hose, and that you don’t trip over it as you go. If possible, you might spray the roof down from the ground.
Is Soap Enough to Clean the Roof?
There are several options for the cleaner you mix up for your metal roof cleaning. There are some professional roof cleaning detergents that you can buy, however most of the time, a regular gentle detergent or dish soap will do the job just fine. Mix together soap and water in a bucket until you have a foamy consistency, and grab some large sponges. (You may have to pour out and remake your soap solution several times as the water gets dirty.)
You can either start by pouring buckets directly onto the roof to get the surface nice and soapy, or use the bucket as clean soap you can continue to dip your sponge into. Again, make sure the roof stays wet as you clean so the soap can work its magic.
Start with a big, general clean, then go in for spot checks and pay extra attention to places where there may be algae, moss, or mould growth. Take notes of imperfections in the roof as you go, so you can keep an eye on potential future issues. If there is any damage to the roof, call a professional like Bayside Roofing as soon as possible to help you.
Once you’re finished scrubbing, rinse the roof down thoroughly to remove all soap. Now, it should be squeaky clean and shining!
Call us at Bayside
A sparkling metal roof makes a house look luxurious, and maintaining your roof is a major part of home ownership. Regular metal roof cleaning keeps your house in top condition for longer, both looking better and preventing major problems down the line.
To chat to our experts about our roof cleaning and restoring services in South East Queensland, contact us now.
