Here is an interesting Q & A from a HO who let someone clean her metal roof using Barkeepers Friend . It now has some permanent discoloration that may or may not fade over time.
This is why you need to hire a professional experienced contractor.
"I had my metal (steel) roof installed a few years ago. I wanted to have it cleaned. I made the mistake of allowing the guy to use Bar Keepers Friend which contains Oxalic Acid. He scrubbed it on 3/4 of the roof in the hot sun (in the front of the house) and then went back to rinse it off. I now have a roof that looks streaked with black. I assume it ate through the coating and oxidized the steel. What can be done to fix the problem? My roof is unpainted. Thank you! (Photo taken late in the day so black streaks don't show up too well.)"
-- Edited by Roof Cleaning Bradenton FL 941-822-2454 on Wednesday 6th of July 2011 10:46:09 AM
How much of a setback on this metal roof that is a mere 3-4 yrs old? They had mentioned the paint was $400 a gallon, is that a accurate price Aaron? or get used to the look of new designer streaks? Homeowners need to see the results by mistakes and the costs attached to them. It is really important that these unconventional cleaning methods/materials are not safe for certain surfaces. Professional contractors understand what can be used in the many different situations and while roof cleaning is not rocket science, jezze I said that. there is many variables that a pro needs to assess before applying any chemical,oil,wax or product of any kind as they don't always mix.
Very unfortunate that happened. This picture and information should be a selling point in jobs. "Hire someone who is not professional and this happens"
How much of a setback on this metal roof that is a mere 3-4 yrs old? They had mentioned the paint was $400 a gallon, is that a accurate price Aaron? or get used to the look of new designer streaks? Homeowners need to see the results by mistakes and the costs attached to them. It is really important that these unconventional cleaning methods/materials are not safe for certain surfaces. Professional contractors understand what can be used in the many different situations and while roof cleaning is not rocket science, jezze I said that. there is many variables that a pro needs to assess before applying any chemical,oil,wax or product of any kind as they don't always mix.
Kim R
Wow! not sure what they are thinking about using but nothing i would use would cost that much.
Paint it!! It will cost her a bit for the right type of coating and a bit of prep work. I painted a few metal roofs and had so so results so I give them to other roof painters now. I just paint tile roofs and that's it for roof painting.
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ORLANDO / CENTRAL FLORIDA "SAFE NO PRESSURE ROOF CLEANING" AND PRESSURE WASHING Since 1998.