The help of a general contractor

Homeowners choose metal roofs for a lot of reasons, but perhaps the one reason they choose metal over asphalt shingles the most is due to the fact that it is known to have a long life span. In fact, a good metal roof can last the lifetime of your home. However, even though a metal roof may last for the lifetime of your home, it does not mean that it will not become stained and discolored over time. If you have an aging metal roof that is starting to show signs of its age through stains, before you get started cleaning, there are a few huge mistakes you should work to avoid. 

Mistake: Using a high-powered pressure washer to remove dirt. 

Why? Even though using a pressure washer to remove dirt and and stains may seem like a shortcut, this is actually not a good idea. Metal roofing panels do contain a sealant layer that is designed to protect the metal from corrosion. Using a pressure washer could just blast this away, removing paint as well. It is a better idea to just use a good garden hose for spraying with a high-pressure nozzle affixed to the end. 

Mistake: Cleaning the roof with abrasive cleaning products. 

Why? Mildew stains and other discolorations can be pretty difficult to remove after they have been attached to the roof for a long time. However, you should only use roof cleaning products that you buy at a home improvement store to tackle these stubborn stains. Using chemical cleaners that contain acidic emulsifiers can cause corrosion on your metal roof, which will only inhibit the long lifespan that you would normally get with this roofing type. 

Mistake: Using dense scrubbers to scrub the metal roof.

Why? If you climb up on the roof to get rid of stains, take along with you a soft-bristled scrub brush or a cotton towel. Scrub brushes with coarse bristles will leave tiny fissures in the surface of roofing panels. These tiny scratches can make your roof vulnerable to moisture and encourage rust to start to form. 

Even though cleaning the stains from your metal roof may look like an easy enough job, there is plenty of room for big mistakes that could leave you with a damaged roof. If you have a dirty metal roof that you would like help cleaning, contact a professional roofing contractor like Advanced Seamless Gutter & Roofing Inc. for more advice.