The Ultimate Guide to Pressure Washing a Metal Roof
Owning a pressure washer is one of the most functional tools you can have. It’s powerful enough to strip paint off surfaces and gentle enough to wash the exterior of a car. It all depends on what nozzle you’re using. But what about pressure washing a metal roof?
There’s no harm in pressure washing a metal roof, as long as you’re using a 40-degree nozzle. This attachment will produce enough water pressure to remove dirt, mold, mildew, and other debris on the surface.
Problems arise with more aggressive nozzles, that can potentially cause marks and dents in the metal.
How to Pressure Wash a Metal Roof
It’s essential to not rush the process anytime you’re working on a roof. For starters, you want the job to be done correctly. That means avoiding sloppy mistakes in order to create professional results.
But you also need to be safe when working high up off the ground and always use proper safety equipment when necessary.
1. Map out the Job
Pressure washing a metal roof can range in difficulty depending on the style and design. Roofs that have a steep pitch will be much more challenging to clean, compared to flat surfaces.
You need to take all of this into consideration before starting the job. Figure out what tools you will need and create a plan for the job. You will need more safety equipment when working on a steep roof.
We will discuss these options in more detail below, as some of them will make the process much easier. You can use a boom lift, scissor lift, or other type of man lift to access these hard to reach places. They will make the process go quicker and keep you safe.
2. Protect the Landscaping
Once you know how you’re going to approach the job, it’s time for area preparation. It’s always a good idea to protect the landscaping to keep the area clean and make sure you’re working in a safe environment.
When pressure washing with a cleaning solution, you will need to protect the trees, flowers, and shrubs planted around the house. One way to do this is by over watering the plants before beginning.
With this method, soapy water will be able to get on these areas without causing any harm. If you fail to follow this step, the plants will soak up any detergent that lands on them – killing them as a result. You can also protect the landscaping by using plastic tarps to cover them.
3. Apply Cleaning Solution
Whether you’re using a ladder or some type of man lift, it’s important to apply the cleaning solution before setting foot on the roof. Stepping on a dirty surface is very unsafe and can cause you to slide off.
That’s why you need to remove any contaminants first. This is one of the most critical steps to pressure washing a metal roof. This doesn’t mean you need to wash the entire roof before walking on it. The main idea is that you want to be walking on a clean surface, especially when you’re close to the edge.
Leaves, mold, and pollen are common things that can get built-up on a roof. The problem is all of these materials can be very slippery for you to walk on.
4. Step on the Roof
If you don’t have a man lift, the next step to cleaning is to actually step on the roof. This is when you will have easier access to places like the ridge, hips, valleys, gutters, and other hard to reach areas.
Remember to only walk on areas that were cleaned in the previous step, as these surfaces will be less slippery. It doesn’t matter if you’re walking on a metal, asphalt, or tile roof – wearing a safety harness is a must.
This fall protection system will be attached to you on one end and grounded to the roof on the other end. It gives you the ability to walk around freely, while being safe in the process. Always be aware of your placement on the roof in relation to the edge.
5. Rinse & Repeat
It should be noted that some roofs are dirtier than others. If you’re working on a extremely neglected surface, you may need to repeat steps three and four. Apply more cleaning solution to areas with caked on dirt and mold if it didn’t come off the first try.
This is most common on very old metal roofs that are poorly maintained. It also helps to let your cleaning solution dwell for a few minutes, to let it soak into the surface.
But you also don’t want it to dwell for too long, as it will dry up and cause more problems. This is most common on very hot days in direct sunlight. Between 5-10 minutes should be enough time for the product to dwell.
Safety Factors
Secure the ladder – Even if you’re not walking around on a roof, you still need to be safe on the ladder. Make sure the ladder is placed on a flat surface, to keep it secured in place. If not, any kind of movement on the ladder can cause it to tip over. This is especially common when you’re holding a pressure washer wand, that can set you off balance.
Wear a harness – As we touched on above, wearing a harness will be the ultimate safety measure when working on a metal roof. Some roofs have such a steep pitch to the point that this harness will be required. One end is attached to the user while the other end gets anchored to the roof. You can also build a slide guard for further fall protection.
Protective equipment – In addition to wearing a safety harness, you should also wear personal protective equipment. Gloves and safety glasses will protect you from any cleaning solution that sprays on to you. But long clothing should also be worn at all times, in order to keep your skin safe from any detergents that may land on you as well.
Watch your footing – It’s far too easy to make a stupid mistake. Maybe you’re distracted or daydreaming about lunch. However, it’s absolutely essential to avoid these constant distractions when you’re working in an unsafe environment. One small mistake could be a potential disaster. That’s why you need to stay alert and always watch your footing.
Essential Equipment
- Pressure washer
- Extension hoses
- Ladder
- Bucket
- Cleaning detergent
- Eye protection
- Rubber gloves
- Long clothing
- Safety harness
Final Thoughts
Hopefully this article has taught you everything you need to know about pressure washing a metal roof. Don’t be alarmed by the sheer power of this machine. Even though it can destroy many types of surfaces, the most important factor to consider is the nozzle.
A 40-degree nozzle will be safe enough to clean any type of metal roof. Using a tighter nozzle attachment can potentially cause damage. The biggest reason is that all of the water coming out will be directed into a small surface area.
Other than that, just remember to not rush the process and follow all of the necessary safety measures. Remember to secure your equipment and always be aware of your location of the roof.
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