Get matched with top chimney sweeps in Dunlap, IA

For the best chemicals to clean a metal roof, stick to gentle detergents such as dish soap, laundry detergent, or car-wash soap mixed in a diluted solution of ¼ cup of soap to 1 gallon of water. These mild cleansers are safe for most roof finishes but are still strong enough to remove remaining dirt particles. Chemicals like bleach or acids can damage your roof, poison landscaping and grass, and pose a hazard to you and your family. If your roof is very dirty or you think it requires chemical cleaning, call a roof cleaning professional.

Yes, you can, but you’ll need to acquire the right pressure washer tips and cleaning solutions for the job. In particular, you’ll need tips that are capable of lowering the pressure from a max of 3,500 PSI to between 150 and 300 PSI. As for the cleaning solution, look for options that are clearly marked for soft washing rather than pressure washing. 

There are several ways to remove snow from your roof: using a snow rake, salting the roof with calcium chloride, using a rope (cautiously), and using heating cables. It’s important to mention that pretty, fluffy, sparkling snow weighs a great deal, and when physically removing snow from a roof, you should be aware of large snow slabs breaking off. These can weigh hundreds of pounds and are a real danger, so be extremely careful anytime you’re doing this type of work.

Walking on the roof to clean gutters is unsafe. If you do your own gutter cleaning, use a ladder to reach the gutters rather than climbing on your roof. Walking on the roof is dangerous, especially if it has rained recently or if there are fallen leaves. You can also damage your shingles when walking on them, which can lead to water leaks.

Keep in mind that using a ladder has its risks, too. It can be difficult to keep your balance while doing the labor-intensive work of cleaning gutters. For safety reasons, hiring a pro to clean your gutters is the best choice.