A Colorbond steel roof needs to be kept clean like any other indoor or outdoor item. Therefore, you should create a cleaning program to keep the metal looking great and increase the roof’s lifespan. Cleaning metal roofs regularly helps preserve the roof panels’ structural integrity and removes any debris that can harm the substrate or paint. To ensure the resin and coating remain intact, your roof can still benefit from routine cleaning.
With simple care, its lifespan will be increased, and its attractiveness will be maintained for extended periods, protecting your asset. Typically, periodic maintenance is not necessary for roof cladding or other applications where the paint finish is automatically removed by rainwater. Applications that require routine cleaning include garage doors, the interior of eave gutters, and wall cladding beneath eaves.
Here is a quick guide that can help you how to clean a colorbond roof to make its beauty and functionality last longer.
Common Elements That Can Damage Your Colorbond Roof
Common substances could stick to the surface of your clean Colorbond roof and cause damage. You can’t control how and when these substances—flying debris, small sticks, and leaves—arrive on your top. The roof attracts pollen, and you can also notice that spore deposits have accumulated on its surface. You can see water stains or pollution-related debris on the top after a while. A Colorbond roof may eventually develop rust and acid rain stains. Naturally, you must also keep an eye out for and remove any mould or mildew on the top.
These compounds can dissolve the paint that is adhered to the steel roofing and cause the roof to deteriorate. Examining the colour for chalking is a simple technique to see if the roof is deteriorating. There’s a reasonable probability your Colorbond roof is chalking if you notice white residue on it, especially after a few years of ownership.
With tools like a sponge, washcloth, soft brush, and a non-abrasive cleaning pad, you can clean your Colorbond roof. While many tools are available to clean your roof, in some circumstances, water alone can effectively clean the roof. However, there are other circumstances in which you’ll require a robust cleaning solution to wash or wipe the panels of the top.
Ways on How To Clean Your Colorbond Roof
For Colorbond roofing materials, there are many chemical cleaning treatments available. Without endangering the metal sheets, these compounds will aid in the breakdown of the germs present in the filth on the roof. Chemicals favourable to colorbond are often sodium- or chlorine-based, gentle, and non-abrasive.
Algae and filth can be removed from a roof using pressure washing, which is a powerful method. Pressure washers can be used at home or rented, but they must adhere to the proper standards for Colorbond products. A pressure washer used at home won’t offer the same level of thoroughness or cleanliness as a roofing company.
To avoid dripping too much water onto the metal sheets, it is best to pressure clean the roof from the top down. Additionally, it’s wise to start modest and keep the wand approximately 30 cm from the ceiling. Start with medium pressure; avoid starting with high pressure. As you notice the mould lifting from the steel surface, slowly lower the pressure washer’s wand. The likelihood that all the mould or algae are eliminated might be increased by inspecting the roof as it is being cleaned.
Utilizing solvents is a way to eliminate tenacious non-water substances that can harm your Colorbond roof. Tar, graffiti, paint, and grease oil are persistent stains. Solvents must be handled carefully and are only appropriate for specific situations. Solvents, both petroleum and non-petroleum, can be dangerous if misused.
It is imperative that anyone working with solvents be aware of the toxicity and potency of the compounds; safety goggles and equipment are required. Suppose you don’t have any expertise using the goods. In that case, it might be best to leave it to the pros because solvent-based cleaning agents can discolour roofing materials.
Most frequently, plain water is used as a cleaning agent for roofing. If you hose the roof down, dust, grime, and other non-abrasive substances should easily wash off the roof. Use as much water as necessary to thoroughly clean the roof.
You can also use detergents like laundry, mild dish soap, or car washing soap for stains that are a little harder to remove. To ensure your roof is clean, you might also want to use commercial or industrial detergents that can be used with either hot or cold water. The detergent and water should typically be combined, and the solution should be applied to the roof with a washcloth or sponge.
Before thoroughly cleaning the roof with water, let the mixture sit for approximately 10 minutes.
Things That Should Be Kept Away From Your Colorbond Roof
Circulating air is what ventilation does to keep it clean and lower moisture levels. The majority of older homes have a lot of dampness. In the summer, ventilation improves energy efficiency, while in the winter, it lessens moisture issues. Avoiding excessive ventilation or inadequate ventilation is crucial. Roofs are more susceptible to all types of weather without adequate ventilation and deteriorate more quickly.
Any material can eventually become worn down by heat. Climates with lots of sunshine and warmth, like the one we have here in Queensland, limit the lifespan of roofs. Strong winds can also harm your roof, which can make matters worse if rain seeps in and begins to leak through the walls or ceiling. A roof’s lifespan might be reduced by severe hail damage.
Wind and severe rainfall can cause trees to fall onto roofs. It doesn’t take much for a tree limb to break if it is also diseased and weak. Check the trees around your house for potentially dangerous branches, then hire a professional to cut them off (especially given the running power lines around your roof). These same tees can also be the reason for a buildup of debris on the top, particularly in the valleys, such as those near an extension or chimney. Leaves and sticks can accumulate on your roof to form a pile of mulch that is constantly moist and damp, which could lead to rot or deterioration of the roofing structure.
Even though we all adore animals, allowing them to live under your roof will shorten their lifespan. Your roof is susceptible to extensive damage from animals. Mice, rats, possums, bats, nesting birds, and mice can all contribute to the destruction of your roof. Make a call to the nearest animal shelter to relocate these creatures safely.
Cleaning supports the integrity of metal sheeting when keeping your Colorbond roof. Cleaning removes any material from the surface that can jeopardize the Colorbond seal. The coatings and paint used on Colorbond materials are durable and damage-resistant. Still, routine cleaning will maintain the seal’s strength for extended periods.
The accumulation of debris and moisture are the most frequent reasons for metal roof damage that can be avoided. The primary precipitates naturally falling on roofs include airborne dirt, tiny sticks and leaves, pollen, and mould spores. Regular cleanings are necessary to eliminate this debris and protect the roof’s structure and drainage capabilities.
Safety Tips While Cleaning Your Colorbond Roof
Following the instructions on all cleaning products is one of the adequate safety precautions you can take. Avoid over-concentrating any detergents or combining them with unapproved ingredients. You risk losing your roof warranty and being responsible for any necessary roofing repairs if you don’t adhere to the recommended cleaning procedures. More rust and corrosion may result from cleaning with the wrong cleaning solution concentration.
It would help if you never used the following cleaning agents to clean Colorbond roof materials:
- Wire brooms
- Uncontrolled high-pressure cleaners
- Iron wool
- Sandpaper
- Thinners or paint removers
- Cleansing powders
- Don’t use the DIY cleaning procedure if your roof is high. On a dry, spotless top, you can proceed without risk. But this is not the case when cleaning a wet roof, which has algae and is so slippery.
- Always use low pressure when pressure washing to get rid of algae. High pressure can be used to clear algae. However, doing so will harm your roof.
- Use mild chemical solutions instead. Also, because the chemicals can damage plants, avoid washing them onto the lawn or below.
- Call a roofing specialist if you don’t feel up to cleaning your roof. Professional roofers are skilled and have the tools to do the operation safely.
Key Takeaways
Due to Colorbond’s technology, it can go up to ten years without needing to be repainted. In contrast, other roofing materials need to be painted every two years. The colour of Colorbond roofing may dwindle after around ten years, and you may need to have it repainted. With routine cleaning and essential roof maintenance, Colorbond materials will last longer. Your Colorbond roof will look its best and last longer if you maintain a regular cleaning routine for the steel