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Is It OK to Pressure Wash a Metal Roof?

Metal is the second most popular roofing material, trailing only asphalt shingles. As of 2015, 750,000 homeowners in the United States were estimated to have a metal roof. However, how do owners of metal-roofed homes safely clean them?

Pressure washing a metal roof is possible as long as you use a low-pressure setting and a nozzle tip with a wider tip. If you apply excessive pressure, you will eventually cause damage to the metal roof, even if it is not immediately visible.

If you decide to pressure wash or otherwise clean your metal roof, here are some factors to consider.

Safety

Your safety is paramount when cleaning any roof, but especially a metal one, which can become extremely slippery when wet. If you have a metal roof with a very steep slope, do not attempt to clean it from the top. You will almost certainly fall and sustain serious injuries, as there are very few places to gain your footing on a steeply sloped roof.

If your metal roof does not have a steep pitch, you can clean it from the top. Take precautions, however, and exercise caution while on the roof. Even after cleaning a metal roof, it can be quite slippery.

Pressure Washer

Pressure washers are extremely simple to purchase or rent. However, even if you purchase a used pressure washer in good condition, they are quite expensive. You can rent one if you do not anticipate using a pressure washer frequently and do not wish to make a large investment; however, renting a pressure washer can be costly.

Renting a pressure washer from a home center typically costs between $40 and $100 per day, depending on the type of pressure washer and the location where you rent it.

In most cases, the pressure washer will include the tips, but you should double-check the product description to ensure that they are included before purchasing the pressure washer unit. If the pressure washer does not include hose tips, they are inexpensive and readily available.

Avoid climbing on a metal roof with a moderate to high pitch when cleaning it. This is extremely dangerous, and you will have a difficult time gaining a foothold.