4 Tips Roofers Can Give Customers for Metal Roof Maintenance

We're in the middle of summer, and many homeowners are focusing on home improvement projects, especially as many are still stuck at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Exterior care and maintenance on the home can not only increase curb appeal but protect homes for the long run.

As a roofing contractor, it's important to stress the importance of metal roof maintenance when you install a new metal roof. Homeowners or business owners will be able to get more value out of their metal roof if they are able to keep up with roof maintenance and care.

Metal roofs are known to be easy to maintain, but the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) recommends that metal roofs should be cleaned and cared for regularly for the maximum performance. So as a roofing contractor, what tips can you give to homeowners or business owners for future metal roof maintenance? Here are four to get you started:

1. Safety, safety, safety

When it comes to any type of roof maintenance, safety is the most important thing. Homeowners or business owners should not be doing this themselves if they are not comfortable with it. You might want to have a reputable roof cleaning service that you can recommend. Make sure whoever you are recommending has a good reputation for doing quality work.

2. Prep the roof

If there is any rooftop debris, it should be removed. Also, if there are any gutter issues, they should be resolved before any cleaning happens. You should also advise that homeowners or business owners trim any vegetation away from the roof.

3. It's important to use the right formula

If the homeowner or business owner does plan to clean the roof themselves, they need to make sure they are using the correct formula, which is 1/4 cup of detergent (this could be car washing soap, mild dish soap, or mild laundry detergent) for every gallon of water. Make sure the homeowner or business owner knows not to overuse cleaning agents.

4. Use the lightest touch possible

When the homeowner has their formula, it's time to apply the solution to the surface of the roof using a sponge, washcloth, a non-abrasive pad, or a soft bristle brush. Steel wool, high-pressure power washers, wire brushes, paint removers or thinners, and scouring powders should never be used on a metal roof.

Metal roofs are very easy to care for and clean, which is likely one of the reasons the homeowner or business owner decided to go with a metal roof. It's important to stress, though, that they will get much more out of their new metal roof if they maintain it.