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Post Info TOPIC: Product to clean metal roof


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Product to clean metal roof
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I have viewed some of the post on cleaning metal roofs and really haven't gotten a clear idea of what the proper way and chemicals to use might be. I have a roof that is ivory and basically just has some algae and moss on it. Thanks


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dsloan


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I would think you would clean it the same way you would clean aluminum siding or a metal building.

Most people use a regular house wash on it.

Here is a link to a forum that does cleaning of all sorts. They don't specifically have a forum for metal roofs, but they have a lot of metal cleaning posts to read. Use their search feature.

Here is a link that discusses cleaning some metal roof/awnings.

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Brian

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Brian Friel
The Roof Cleaners llc
Oxford PA 19363
610 842 2104

 

 

 



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A lighter mix of the love would do it, and it would need rinsed off. Perhaps 2-5gal SH to 35gal water 22+oz dawn and 16oz ISP. If it has oxidation than another method would be needed, such as a solvent to cut the oxidation and a higher pressure rinse. If that is the case you may be preping it for paint??


Is this your own house?? Have you done this before??
I would not suggest walking on your metal roof if it is wet with chemicals. If it is easy for you to reach, and a small area than a bottle sprayer will get you by. If it is a large portion of roof, I would call in a pro with the proper equipment. Using household bleach will work but very slowley especially if its not just a small spot, use it full strength if that is your only option. If you have more than 100-250sq. ft to clean it might take you days with a sprayer and household bleach. Be safe if you go ahead and do it, but I would price the job out if there are any pros in your area. The cost of a fall is much greater than a few hundred bucks.


Also if the metal is very old, very oxidized, or showing bare metal anywhere, the SH may eat the weakend remaining enamal off, or cause rust on bare spots.



-- Edited by Baltimore MD Roof Cleaning 410-482-4367 on Thursday 16th of July 2009 11:29:47 PM

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Bill Booz

Accuwash LLC

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This isnt my house, it is a customer who has asked me to clean the roof for him and so Ive never done metal roofs so Im very caucious and leary. I see you recommend 2 to 5 gallons of sh to 35 gallons water and do you mean 16 oz tsp or if not what is isp. Thanks

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dsloan


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TSP (tri-sodium Phosphate) is a painters cleaner, that enhances gloss and cleanliness, you can add some if you want but it isn't nessecary.  The 16oz is ISP (isopropyl Alchohol) .  I would start with the weak mix and see if it is working after about 5-10 minutes it should be rinseable (Don't let it dry on the roof), then add more SH if it is too weak, but that mix will be close, if not strong enough.  The reason a lighter mix is neccesary, is that it is not as harsh on the paint, and the algae should not be as thick as it is on asphalt, or tile shingles.

The two reasons to rinse it off are that the salt is harsh on the paint after it dries, and it will leave noticable chemical stains f not rinsed.   Don't sweat the rinsing, it dosn't need to be rinsed perfectly and the lighter mix is safer for rinsing down onto the ground.

If your going to prep it for paint instead of just cleaning it, I would recomend a natural solvent that can be downstreamed in a pressure washer, then pressure washing the Metal to remove oxidation and loose paint.


-- Edited by Baltimore MD Roof Cleaning 410-482-4367 on Friday 17th of July 2009 07:01:08 AM

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I use Truck Wash Supreme with a little sodium hypochlorite, foam it on and brush for best results.

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RoofKleen
Roy Lawson Owner
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Manchester, Tn 37355
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MAKE YOUR��ROOF LOOK BRAND NEW AGAIN!



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I think The Roof Cleaners of Chester County Pennsylvania 610-842-2104 is right.Go for it.


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Lol, did you read the posts )? This is almost a year old. I am sure the job is done by now. Brian is correct and that is the method I laid out in detail. So now you know how to wash aluminum siding as well Aki. These methods are called soft washing. Welcome to the forum and I hope you learn a lot more here.

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Bill Booz

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Also I forgot to mention that Roy's method will remove the oxidation without the use of a pressure washer, keeping us on the no pressure soft washing side of things.

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Bill Booz

Accuwash LLC

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Not sure if algae will survive on a metal roof as there is nothing to eat or drink as the water runs off. Most likely mildew and mold. Anyway if the roof is not bad, I would foam a truck washing solution with a little Love and some Ammonyx Lo. I would downstream this on the roof, let it dwell and use my pressure washer with low pressure nozzles to rinse, must rinse a lot. If it don't come off you will have to brush it a little.

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RoofKleen
Roy Lawson Owner
104 East Main St.
Manchester, Tn 37355
Toll Free: (888) 258-3542
Mobile: (931) 273-8113
E-Mail: roy@roofkleen.biz

MAKE YOUR��ROOF LOOK BRAND NEW AGAIN!



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Bill,
The secret is the truck wash and foaming it on with a foamer attachment. If it is bad you will have to brush it. This works much better than just love. Also put some Ammonyx Lo in the solution and downstream on. Try it you will love it.

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RoofKleen
Roy Lawson Owner
104 East Main St.
Manchester, Tn 37355
Toll Free: (888) 258-3542
Mobile: (931) 273-8113
E-Mail: roy@roofkleen.biz

MAKE YOUR��ROOF LOOK BRAND NEW AGAIN!



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You are very right my friend, we always have extension brushes out. I just got some Ammonyx this week and it was great. I still havn't tried foaming it on siding yet, thanks for the advice.

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Bill Booz

Accuwash LLC

Cell-240-425-2845

 

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