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We are a full-service roofing contractor located in beautiful Bellingham, WA. We install, maintain, and repair roofs throughout northwestern Washington, including Whatcom, Skagit, and Island Counties.
(360) 398-6119

angie@bellinghamskyline.com

Serving Whatcom, Skagit & Island Counties

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metal roof cleaning

Metal Roof Cleaning Is Important

Metal roofs are growing in popularity because they are low maintenance and last 50+ years. Metal roof maintenance is usually fairly minimal as long as the roof was installed following industry standards and best practices. With that said, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) recommends that property owners take care of and clean their metal roofs regularly to ensure maximum performance. It isn’t wise to install a metal roof and then forget about maintaining it. Regular metal roof cleaning is an important part of preserving and protecting your investment. After all, you’re depending on that roof to provide your home or building with years of protection.

Metal Roof Cleaning Tips

The best way to ensure the integrity of your metal roof and its accessories is to follow a maintenance schedule. How often you need to perform metal roof cleaning will mostly depend on the climate you live in. Also whether your roof is shaded by trees. In the Pacific Northwest, we do have a fairly mild climate. We experience a lot of rain and moisture, some freezing temperatures, and plenty of wind. When you add in tall trees that can drop debris onto your roof and block the sunshine, we recommend a roof cleaning about once every 12 months. Also with a general look over twice a year.

Hiring an experienced roof maintenance service provider who can not only clean your metal roof efficiently but also identify any problems and take the necessary steps to correct them, is always the best way to ensure that the job is done right. Spending a few hundred dollars a year is well worth it. All to provide the peace of mind that your roof will perform optimally for years to come.

In addition to cleaning your metal roof, it is important to clear your gutters and drains of leaves, sticks, and other debris. There tends to be a build-up over the fall and winter months. This is because debris can lead to clogging, which creates pooling water accumulation. In turn, standing water can cause premature corrosion on almost every type of metal roof material.

Why Metal Roof Cleaning is Important

Metal roof cleaning is important for reducing damage that can be caused by:

  •       Moisture
  •       Mold and mildew
  •       Pollution
  •       Airborne dirt
  •       Organic debris like leaves and small sticks
  •       Pollen

There are four main reasons why cleaning your metal roof is important:


  1.     Prevent costly repairs

If you’ve made an investment in a beautiful metal roof, you are expecting it to last decades before it needs to be replaced. What you may not realize is that without regular cleaning, your roof can become damaged from exposure to the elements. Annual roof cleaning by a roof maintenance expert with experience cleaning metal roofs is truly the best way to prevent expensive repairs down the road for problems like leaking and corrosion.


  1.     To keep your metal roof beautiful

Nobody wants a dirty, mossy, or discolored roof. If you have invested in a metal roof, it stands to reason that you want to keep it looking beautiful for as long as possible. The best way to keep your roof looking great is by keeping the surface clear of any dirt, dust, or debris. A basic cleaning every year is all that’s usually needed to keep your roof looking its best.


  1.     To protect your investment

Maintaining your metal roof is an important part of protecting your investment. If you leave your roof unchecked for an extended period of time, there is a risk of missing damage that can get worse over time, shortening the life of your roof and reducing the value of your investment. Metal roof cleaning helps maintain the integrity of the panels and removes particles on the surface that can damage the paint system or even the substrate.


  1.     To honor the terms of your home warranty

Some home warranties stipulate regular roof maintenance as a requirement in order to keep the warranty valid.

Metal roof maintenance basics

There are two parts to metal roof maintenance: surface maintenance and inspection.

Surface maintenance involves removing debris, algae, and moss from the roof. Younger property owners often choose to take this task on themselves, but there are professional roof maintenance services available to help. Keep in mind that metal roofs are very slippery when cleaned with any liquid so it can be a dangerous job.

As part of the inspection, your contractor should check the areas around penetration points such as chimneys, air vents, and solar panels to look for degrading materials. The roof maintenance specialist should also ensure that falling debris does not cause punctures in any of the panels, especially if you live in an area prone to high winds like Whatcom County.

How to know if you should hire a professional contractor for metal roof maintenance

  •       If you are unsure at all about climbing onto or moving across your roof, then it is best to hire a contractor.
  •       If you are unsure about how to inspect your roof for any signs of damage or problems that could turn into long-term issues, it is a good idea to hire a roof maintenance expert.
  •       If you do notice a potential issue or a problem area on your roof, contact a contractor or manufacturer before it becomes a bigger problem.

Trust Skyline Roofing & Construction for your roof maintenance needs

At Skyline Roofing & Construction our roofing professionals always strive to add value to your home or business for the long term – and that includes maintaining your roofing investment. Contact us today to schedule your roof cleaning to keep your roof strong and healthy. Skyline Roofing is located in Bellingham, WA and we presently serve Whatcom, Skagit, and Island Counties.

License #SKYLIRC854Q

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