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The best time of year for roof cleaning depends on your local climate, but generally, late spring, summer, or early autumn are ideal. Plan to clean your roof on a day with dry weather and moderate temperatures.

Late spring and early summer are excellent for cleaning off grime accumulated after a snowy winter or wet spring. Summer often provides the necessary dry conditions, though in very hot climates, late spring may be more comfortable. Alternatively, cleaning in late autumn can clear away debris like leaves and branches before winter.

Avoid cleaning your roof when it is cold enough for water to freeze, as this can cause dangerous ice buildup.

It may require stronger cleansers or chemicals, higher-pressure spray, or scrubbing to completely remove algae from a metal roof. Start with a mild cleanser; if that doesn’t work and you're comfortable doing so, use a stronger mix of ⅓ cup of laundry detergent, 1 quart of bleach, and 3 quarts of water to gently scrub the algae with a soft-bristled brush. If algae is present across large portions of your roof, doesn’t come off with gentle scrubbing and cleansers, or is in hard-to-reach areas, this may be a job better left to a pro.

You should not clean roof shingles if the roof has damage like missing shingles or low spots where water may accumulate. You should focus on repairing the roof before any cleaning process occurs. If you notice roof damage as you’re climbing on the roof to clean it, stop immediately. Call a roofing pro to make repairs. Cleaning a roof that has damage could lead to pooling water or water damage to the roof decking. The roof cleaning process removes mold and mildew, making the roof look better. It is not going to fix physical damage, though.

Moss grows in dark areas of roofs, including in corners and gutters. If left alone, it can grow under roofing and cause permanent damage. Here’s how to remove moss from metal roofs: 

• Soak the moss to soften it

• Scrub it away with a soft-bristled brush, or pick it off with your hands (be sure to wear gloves)

• Use a moss remover that’s compatible with metal roofing, following the manufacturer’s directions

• Remove dead moss and rinse the roof thoroughly

• Prevent future moss growth by trimming branches, cleaning gutters, and attaching zinc strips to moss-prone areas