Your Ultimate Guide To Cleaning & Maintaining Your Metal Roof

Popular for their durability, energy efficiency, and stylish appearance, metal roofs are the premium choice for any home or business. McElroy Metal’s long-lasting, low-maintenance alternative to traditional asphalt shingles is renowned as the wise roofing investment for the long haul. 
Composed of premium products, including Galvalume®, aluminum, and copper, McElroy Metal roofs are designed to withstand wind gusts of up to 140 miles per hour. Our metal roofs are also fire-resistant and will not corrode or crack due to seasonal weather conditions. 

For our finishing process, we partner with Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings to offer the very best in quality, endurance, and appearance. Sherwin-William is committed to providing a superior customer experience - in their words, “Our approach to products and customer relationships goes far beyond the sale of our coatings. One example of this commitment is our program for maintenance and cleaning.”

Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings has partnered with Watts Removal to create excellent resources for metal maintenance, like their Metal Maintenance Sample Kit.

The kit includes everything you need to restore your roof to "brand-new" status!

• Sensitive Surface Remover
• Crossover
• Safewipes
• Microfiber cloth
• Brush
• Bucket
• Safety goggles
• Gloves

In fact, our customers can vouch for the incredible results of the Sherwin-Williams Metal Maintenance Sample Kit! Recently, we spoke with a customer, Paul, who invested in a McElroy Metal roof over twelve years ago. Over time, Paul noticed biological growth and oxidation spreading on the roof and began exploring his options. After trying many "dud" solutions, a McElroy employee introduced him to the metal maintenance kit, and, as Paul says, "the rest was history."

"Thanks to annual pine pollen, my metal roof has accumulated quite a build-up of dirt and biological growth. This pollen problem turned my bronze roof yellow for three months each spring. After trying several unhelpful solutions, I mixed the Crossover solution by Watts Removal in a ratio of 5 parts water to 1 part product into my handheld pump sprayer and sprayed the solution onto the areas that had the build-up. I used three gallons of the mixed solution to coat the roof, and when the solution dries it is safe to walk on. I then used a soft-bristle, 12-inch wide sweep brush attached to an extender pole and a bucket of water to mechanically agitate the dirty areas. The dirt and biological growth instantly melted away with minimal agitation - like a hot knife cutting through butter! I rinsed the panel down with water to remove the residue, and my roof panel looked like new. Excellent product!"

While metal roofs are a low-maintenance, reliable option, they are not impervious to the effects of the great outdoors. From large weather events and extreme temperatures to leaf and pollen buildup and tree growth - nature can impact the look and longevity of your roof.

Roof maintenance is the first line of defense for your home. Dirt and grime can create lingering stains and corrosion and can even lead to an acceleration of wear and tear. Problems originating in the roof can lead to subsequent damage to the structure and contents of your home - every homeowner’s worst nightmare! 

In addition to lengthening the lifespan of your metal roof and protecting your home, a clean metal roof has other benefits as well. 

A clean residential metal roof reflects the sunlight, which lowers your home’s interior temperatures and reduces cooling costs in warm months. It also boosts curb appeal, showing off that shine and luster we love to see! 

While you might have the best intentions when it comes to home maintenance, it can be all too easy to put those tasks on the back burner. We recommend creating a seasonal roof maintenance schedule; a checklist is easy to follow and provides built-in peace of mind. Guarantee a clean, beautiful roof - and protect your smart investment! 

Each season comes with unique weather and different goals for your roof maintenance. 

Spring

We all know the saying about April showers… and with those showers come wind gusts, random debris, and the remnants of winter sludge. Start the season with a little roof maintenance!

• Clear the gutters of leaves, branches, and debris
• Use a garden hose to gently spray off stray dirt and debris on the roof’s surface. Warning: Never use a power washer on your metal roof! The force of a power washing can cause damage to the roof’s protective coating or drive the roof’s seams apart.
• Stubborn stains can be scrubbed with a manufacturer-recommended solution. Our coating partner, Sherwin-Williams, offers a variety of products tailor-made to clean their coatings. 

Summer

Summer is the perfect time to soak up the sunshine and enjoy all the perks of your metal roof! Low maintenance, lower energy bills… more summer fun!

If you have added solar features to your metal roof, you’re enjoying even more savings! Make time for a few tasks to ensure your solar panels are clean and in great working order.

• Remove debris, and gently wipe any dust or pollen from the panels
• Check gutters and drainage systems for any blockages
• Examine the area for any signs of rust or oxidation
• Ensure seams and fasteners are watertight

Fall

Fall is the perfect time to tidy up for the holidays and get your home ready for the chilly winter months. Save yourself future stress by getting your home winter-ready now!

In the coming months, overhanging or dead tree branches can be weighed down by snow and ice in the winter. These heavy branches might fall and damage your roof. Get ahead of the problem this fall!

• Trim any overhanging or dead branches near your roof and gutters
• As leaves begin to fall, clear gutters to prevent build-up
• Inspect your snow guard to ensure proper attachment and total safety through the winter. Don't have a snow retention system? Add one to your metal roof this fall!

Winter

The weather outside might be frightful - but luckily, metal roofs are ready for it!

• Snow naturally slides cleanly from your metal roof, so no need to rake or remove it. Your McElroy Metal snow retention system will keep any "avalanches" in check!
• Visually inspect for any damage following storms, and contact your contractor if you notice anything unusual
• Maintain your investment with our tips and seasonal checklist, and enjoy your beautiful metal roof for many years to come. 

Time To Call In Back-Up?

Professional roof cleaners have the experience and equipment to clean your metal roof safely and effectively. There are several ways to find a trusted professional in your area; you can use your favorite web browser to search for “metal roof cleaning services near me,” and you can check popular websites like Angie’s List™, Thumbtack®, and HomeAdvisor® for reputable recommendations. Don’t forget to ask your friends for referrals, too!

Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings

For more information regarding Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings and their cleaning kit, please visit their website.