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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 avoid using a pressure washer on any surface or item that could be damaged by the high-pressure spray, as some materials are too delicate to withstand the force.

Key items and surfaces to avoid include:

• Electrical Components: Never pressure wash electrical systems, as water can cause short-circuits and create a safety hazard. This includes utility meters, breaker boxes, electrical outlets, generators, and HVAC or air conditioner units.

• Delicate and Fragile Materials: Fragile items can crack, shatter, or be stripped by the pressure. Avoid pressure washing windows, glass, light fixtures, shingled roofs (especially asphalt), and stucco.

• Painted, Stained, or Sealed Surfaces: Unless your goal is to strip the finish, do not pressure wash painted surfaces, stained wood (like decks), or anything with a protective seal that could be stripped away. Be especially cautious with older surfaces that may contain lead paint.

• Soft Woods and Certain Decking: Delicate surfaces like softwood, composite decking, and antique or wooden patio furniture can be etched or damaged. If you must wash wood, use a lower-powered pressure washer with a wide-angle nozzle to prevent damage.

• Living Things: Never use a pressure washer on people, pets, or plants. The force can cause serious injury and will destroy landscaping.

If you’re painting your home or monitoring a job as it’s being completed, squash the issue ASAP if you notice paint is getting onto the roof. Keeping it clean is one of the keys to extending your roof’s life.

Removing latex paint before it dries is much easier and lowers the risk of damaging your shingles (more on that below). Simply spray the spot with a hose for one to two minutes to clear away the drying paint. In general, this is a good way to remove ugly stains from your roof without using chemicals.

The cost of removing snow from a roof averages between $300 and $700. However, this cost can range from $200 to $3,000, depending on the size of your roof, the amount of snow, and roof accessibility. 

Since snowfall can range from light powder to heavy and condensed snow, part of the price of roof snow removal depends on the amount and type of snow. For 12 inches of snow, you can expect to pay between $200 and $2,000 for this job. However, for 24 inches of snow, that price rises to $300 to $3,000.