How to Clean Your Painted Metal Roof

Cleaning Your Metal Roof

combination-metal-roof-and-shingle-roof-on-home Hingham massachusetts 12 July

When your roof is beautiful, durable and painted in a pleasing color, it adds property value and curb appeal to the neighborhood. If you have a metal roof, you know how great it can be, especially the fact that it takes so little maintenance. A standard rain storm is enough to clean off your metal roof, but if your roof has accumulated an inordinate amount of dirt or it hasn’t rained in a long time, you may want to take matters into your own hands.

Excessive dirt is common in areas with heavy construction, farming, or dense tree coverage that prevents rainfall from reaching the home.

Always ask your metal roofing contractor in Hanson and Marshfield for custom tips on cleaning your metal roof, but here are some pro tips to keep in mind.

Remove Dirt and Grime

One of the most common problems is the accumulation of dirt, grime and dust, which can detract from the look of your roof. Just add a soap receptacle to a garden hose and spray a solution of household detergent and water on the roof. Be sure to use a non-abrasive household detergent, followed by a water rinse.

For stubborn dirt and grime on your metal roof, try:

  • 1/3 cup detergent
  • 2/3 cup trisodium phosphate
  • One gallon water

Do not go any stronger than this or you could damage the finish. Rinse with water after cleaning. Don’t get it on your skin or in your eyes. Wash your roof from the bottom to the top and continually rinse with fresh water as you clean.

Remove Moss, Mildew or Algae

Your roof may have a lot of moss, mildew, or algae growth on it, especially if you live in a heavily wooded area where sun and rain can’t easily hit your home’s surface. Here’s a solution to try:

  • 1/3 cup powdered detergent
  • 2/3 cup trisodium phosphate (eg: Spic N Span)
  • One quart five percent sodium hypochlorite
  • Three quarts water

Always test the solution on an out-of-the-way area before you apply it to the whole roof. Do not rub.

Remove Moss, Mildew or Algae

It’s imperative that you rinse the roof after cleaning, no matter which method you go with. This will remove all soap residue and bits of debris. If you leave chemicals on your roof, you can damage and dull the finish, which detracts from its appearance, protective qualities and longevity.

We hope you have found this guide on cleaning your painted metal roof to be helpful. For more tips and tricks, get in touch with our pros today.

Contact Revered Roofing in the South Shore

If you’re interested in setting up a consultation on installation, cleaning or repairing of your metal roof, contact our South Shore roofers at 781-536-4589 for a Free Quote. Conveniently located in Hanson, MA building Eastern Massachusetts

We serve the entire South Shore and lower Cape with quality metal roofing products; standing seam, metal shingle and metal panel roofs in Hanson, Taunton, Marshfield, Quincy, Needham, Medfield, Milton, Halifax, Hanover, Falmouth and Plymouth.


Paul was easy going and a pleasure to deal with. No pressure. Crew got started late but the metal roof with new sky lights over our sun room was done in a day! Quality work. I recommend Revered Metal Roofing.
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