The Process Cleaning Metal Roofing

A methodical approach is necessary to ensure that metal roofing is cleaned in the most effective and efficient manner. It is much like building a fence. It's most efficient to dig all of the holes for the posts, then anchor each post, then cut all the boards, and hang the lengths of fencing. The same is true for cleaning a metal roof. Here roof painting Auckland define the process of the steps will make sense once you read through this piece. For starters, metal roofing is costly. It is best to maintain it to get the maximum lifespan out of the roofing. Cleaning metal roofing is particularly important in areas prone to mold growth and mildew. The key to cleaning metal roofing is to prevent damage to the roof and injury to the homeowner and people helping clean the roofing. Safety should always come first with any roofing project because roofing is one of the most dangerous professions dealing in home construction jobs. Employ and know how to use safety harness systems and ropes before stepping foot on the roof. Be sure that you can reach the whole roof also. Remember efficiency is key to getting this job right effectively and as quickly as possible. Start by taking time to plan the project. Go up on the roof and find out how past due the roof is on maintenance. If you just bought the home and it looks like it has never been maintained, then you may have to take more time to clean the roof than you first thought. On the other hand if this is your first cleaning since having the new roofing installed last fall, then it may take a lot less time and elbow grease to get it clean. Considerations are corrosion and paint. Consider how long it will take to remove corrosion and old paint.

Debris Removal

Most roofing has a bunch of leaves, branches and other debris sitting on it. Plan on sweeping off the roof before doing anything else. Once you have cleaned it off then you can assess the full situation. You may find there is black streaking, caused by algae, or mildew, mold, or even damage to the roofing. This is the time to catch all of these issues so that you can address them.

Delicate Cleaning

While you may think that rougher is better where metal roofing is concerned, it is possible to damage the material. When attempting to remove corrosion and paint, do not use scrapers. Instead, you will have to come with plenty of patience and a wire brush. Once the surface has been freed from corrosion and paint, it is time to get cleaning any mildew and mold. Take one-half cup of trisodium phosphate to one gallon of water. Using a soft brush scrub off mold and mildew. Next up is another long task -- rinsing the areas now free of mildew and mold with water by hand. Once the roofing has dried, it is time to ensure that you cleaned all of the mildew and mold. If there is still mold or mildew, you will need to revisit this cleaning process until you have gotten rid of it.

Why Is Black Streaking A Hazard?

The shingles can age faster because of the algae called Gloeocapsa magma growing on it. So, pay close attention if you see black streaking. When this algae develops its black coating that stains roofing it is actually eating the limestone from the shingles. While the algae feast on the shingles, unfortunately it allows moisture into the shingles. Having moisture in the shingles is not ideal. It will cause more rapid deterioration of the shingles. That means you will have to replace the roofing at a faster clip than you would have if you maintained the roofing and removed the black algae. Did you know that leaves and branches introduce the algae to the roof? That's why regular maintenance of clearing branches and leaves from the roof is so important. This simple step prevents black algae, which is tough to remove, while extending the life of the roofing.
Another great way to stop the black algae growth is to replace the shingles with algae-resistant ones. The protective coating will prevent this problem in the first place. Though, you may not have the budget or the prior owner did not use those shingles, so you have to be more vigilant about fending off black algae. This is where copper or zinc and galvanized flashing at the roof peak is useful. It will provide an easy and less expensive solution to prevent black algae growth. What happens is that when the rain hits the metal, the runoff will be toxic to the black algae. You could install this metal beneath your shingles to act as a barrier against the problem as well. Cleaning a metal roof is involved because it take multiple steps, and may require a good deal of elbow grease. It is well worth it because it will prolong the life of a metal roof.

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