How to Clean a Metal Roof?
May 19, 2025
How to Clean a Metal Roof Without Causing Damage: Expert Tips You Need to Know

At Washington Roofing, we believe every great roof deserves great care. If you’re wondering how to clean a metal roof without causing more harm than good, you’re in the right place. While metal roofs are known for durability and low maintenance, improper cleaning can shorten their lifespan, strip away protective coatings, and even void warranties.
This expert-backed guide will walk you through the best ways to clean your metal roof safely and efficiently, without damaging it in the process. Whether it’s a sleek standing seam or a beautiful Decra metal system, we’ve got you covered.
Why Proper Cleaning Matters for Your Metal Roof
Metal roofing may be tough, but it’s not invincible. Dirt, algae, mold, and airborne contaminants can take a toll over time. Regular roof cleaning helps maintain not only the appearance but also the functionality and safety of your metal roof.
Washington Roofing has seen firsthand how routine care can add years to a roof’s life. Plus, keeping your roof clean prevents rust, minimizes stains, and keeps drainage systems from clogging.
When’s the Best Time to Clean Your Roof?
Timing is everything. The ideal day for cleaning is one that’s cool and dry—not too hot, not rainy, and definitely not windy. Early morning or late afternoon works best to avoid rapid water evaporation or sun glare.
At Washington Roofing, we often recommend that clients schedule their cleaning in the spring or early fall. That’s when roofs have the least buildup and the weather is safest for washing and inspection.
Safety First: Prepare Before You Start Cleaning
Roof cleaning isn’t a task to take lightly. Slips, falls, and chemical exposure are real risks. Before grabbing a ladder or a hose, remember these essential safety tips:
- Always wear non-slip shoes and a harness
- Use a sturdy ladder with a stabilizer
- Avoid cleaning alone—have someone nearby
- Never clean a wet or icy roof
- Don’t pressure wash from the roof itself; stay on the ground if possible
Washington Roofing strongly encourages homeowners to contact professionals for hard-to-reach or steep-pitched roofs. We prioritize your safety above all else.
Choose the Right Tools and Cleaners
When learning how to clean a metal roof, using the right materials is crucial. Avoid abrasive tools like steel wool or wire brushes, which can scratch paint or protective finishes.
- Here’s a basic list of what you’ll need:
- Garden hose or soft wash system
- Soft bristle brush or mop
- Non-abrasive, pH-neutral detergent
- Bucket and sponge
- Optional: biodegradable roof cleaner
Washington Roofing recommends steering clear of harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia—these can corrode metal over time. Always check your metal roof manufacturer’s guidelines before applying any cleaning solution.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Metal Roof Safely
Ready to get started? Here’s the process we follow at Washington Roofing when cleaning metal roofs:
- Clear debris – Remove leaves, twigs, and loose dirt using a blower or broom.
- Rinse the roof – Use a gentle stream of water to wash away surface grime.
- Apply the cleaning solution – Mix a mild detergent with warm water, then use a brush or mop to gently clean sections of the roof.
- Scrub lightly – Don’t press too hard—let the solution do most of the work.
- Rinse thoroughly – Wash off all residues to prevent streaking or spotting.
- Inspect your work – Look for problem areas like rust, peeling paint, or leaks.
A Washington Roofing technician can help identify early signs of wear and suggest proactive fixes to avoid costly repairs down the line.
Special Care for Decra Metal Roofs
Decra metal roofs are known for their unique stone-coated finishes, which require special attention. These finishes are durable but can be damaged by high-pressure washing or harsh scrubbing.
Washington Roofing recommends only soft-wash techniques and specialty cleaners designed for Decra systems. These roofs are an investment—protect them with care and precision.
Avoid These Common Roof Cleaning Mistakes
Even with the best intentions, homeowners sometimes make costly cleaning errors. Here are a few things Washington Roofing warns customers to avoid:
- Using pressure washers – High-pressure streams can strip paint and force water under panels
- Walking on the roof – Foot traffic can dent or dislodge roofing panels
- Using the wrong cleaner – Some chemicals cause discoloration or corrosion
- Ignoring safety gear – Never sacrifice safety to save time
Your roof isn’t just another surface—it’s your first defense against the elements. Treat it accordingly.
How Often Should You Clean Your Metal Roof?
Most experts, including Washington Roofing, recommend cleaning your metal roof once a year. However, if you live near trees, the ocean, or in a high-pollution area, you may need more frequent cleanings.
Watch for signs like:
- Faded or dirty panels
- Dark streaks or algae
- Blocked gutters or downspouts
Routine cleaning keeps your roof beautiful, functional, and weather-ready all year long.
When to Call the Pros
Sometimes, DIY just won’t cut it. If your roof is steep, high, or heavily soiled, it’s best to leave the job to licensed professionals. Washington Roofing offers expert roof cleaning services across the region, ensuring every wash is thorough, safe, and warranty-compliant.
Plus, we do more than just clean—we inspect, repair, and restore metal roofs to like-new condition. It’s all part of our commitment to quality, safety, and service you can count on.
Contact Us
When it comes to knowing how to clean a metal roof without causing damage, knowledge is power, but execution is everything. With the right tools, timing, and techniques, you can maintain a beautiful, durable roof for decades.
And when in doubt, trust the pros at Washington Roofing. We’ve been helping homeowners like you protect what matters most, one roof at a time. Whether it’s jan maintenance, seasonal touch-ups, or full roof restoration, we’re just a phone call—or email—away.
Let Washington Roofing bring the shine back to your metal roof. Contact us today and get a free roof cleaning estimate you can trust.

When it comes to choosing a roof type for your home or commercial property, understanding the options is essential. One of the most popular roof styles is the hip roof. So, what is a hip roof? A hip roof is a roof where all sides slope downward toward the walls. Unlike a gable roof, which has vertical ends, a hip roof has no flat sides. Its sloped design creates strong roof planes, even sloping sides, and excellent wind resistance. Hip Roof Basics A hip roof is versatile and comes in many variations, including simple hip designs and more complex multi-sectioned hip roofs. Each hip section of a hip roof improves structural performance, helps distribute weight evenly, and creates smooth sloping sides that enhance the roof’s overall appearance. With proper roofing materials, such as shingles, tiles, or metal, a hip roof not only improves wind resistance but also increases attic space, making your roof both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Contractors often recommend hip roofs for residential and commercial properties because of their long-lasting performance and classic design. Hip Roof vs. Gable Roof When comparing a hip roof to a gable roof, consider these key points: A gable roof has two sides slope and vertical ends, making it a simpler roof style but less resistant to strong wind. A hip roof has all sides sloping, multiple roof planes, and a more robust structure, offering superior wind resistance and better roof performance. For commercial buildings and homes in windy areas, a hip roof provides enhanced resistance, longer-lasting roofing, and fewer chances of roof repair compared to traditional gable roofs. Why Hip Roofs Work in High-Wind Areas The sides slope of each hip section allows wind to flow smoothly over the roof, reducing uplift pressure. This unique sloped design makes hip roofs ideal for regions prone to storms or hurricanes. Even a simple hip structure significantly increases wind resistance, making your roof safer and more durable. Benefits of a Hip Roof Choosing a hip roof comes with multiple advantages: Stability and Durability The roof planes of a hip roof, combined with uniform sloping sides, ensure optimal weight distribution. This enhances roof performance, reduces the risk of damage, and makes hip roofs more durable than many other roof types. Proper roofing materials further improve resistance and reduce long-term roof repair needs. Increased Attic Space A hip roof offers additional attic space, which can be used for storage or even living areas. The multiple hip sections create more room under the roof, improving both design and functionality. Aesthetic Appeal With smooth sloping sides and clean roof planes, hip roofs deliver a polished and classic roof style. Homeowners love the visual balance and elegant roof design that complements both residential and commercial properties. Versatility for Residential and Commercial Properties Whether installing a hip roof for a house or a commercial building, hip roofs are adaptable. Multiple hip sections allow for unique roof designs, making it easier for a contractor to customize the roof style to match your property’s architecture. Roofing Materials for Hip Roofs Selecting the right roofing materials is crucial for durability, aesthetics, and long-term roof performance. Common options include: Shingles: Affordable, lightweight, and easy to install for residential hip roofs. Tiles: Clay or concrete tiles add beauty and long-lasting roof resistance. Metal Roofing: Lightweight, strong, and highly durable, ideal for commercial properties or areas with high wind resistance. Professional roofing contractors at Washington Roofing Services recommend quality materials for each hip roof to maximize roof performance and minimize future roof repair needs. Installation Tips Installing a hip roof requires precision. Each roof plane and hip section must align correctly, and the sides slope must be uniform for proper wind resistance. Experienced contractors handle the full installation, ensuring your roof performs optimally and lasts decades. Why Choose Washington Roofing Services At Washington Roofing Services, we specialize in installing, repairing, and maintaining hip roofs for residential and commercial properties. Our expert contractors ensure every hip section, roof plane, and sloped side is installed for maximum wind resistance, aesthetic appeal, and long-lasting roof performance. Professional Installation Each roof is installed with precision and care. Roof Repair and Maintenance Quick, reliable roof repair services to protect your roof and avoid future issues. Quality Roofing Materials From shingles to metal, we use top-notch materials for every hip roof. Customized Roof Designs Our contractors tailor hip roof designs to your property for both beauty and durability. Choose Us for hip roof Installation When it comes to installing a new roof, choosing the right roof type can make all the difference. A hip roof not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but also delivers unmatched performance and wind resistance. Each hip section and roof plane is precisely crafted with perfectly sloping sides, ensuring long-lasting durability and extra attic space for storage or living areas. Our certified and licensed (License #: WASHIRS820PB) contractors at Washington Roofing Services use only top-quality roofing materials, from premium shingles to durable metal or tile, guaranteeing your roof stands strong against harsh weather. Unlike gable roofs, which have vertical ends, hip roofs distribute weight evenly across all sides, improving overall roof performance and reducing the need for future roof repair. The proper angle and design of each hip roof makes it ideal for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you want a simple hip or a complex multi-sectioned hip roof, our team ensures every roof we install offers superior resistance, long-lasting performance, and beautiful design.

Your roof is more than just the top layer of your home—it's your first line of defense against the elements. Choosing the right roofing materials can mean the difference between constant repairs and decades of peace of mind. At Washington Roofing, we understand how overwhelming it can be to sift through the options, which is why we've created this complete, easy-to-understand guide on what are the most durable roofing materials for homeowners. Roofing Materials: What You Need to Know Before diving into specifics, it's essential to understand what makes some roofing materials more durable than others. Durability depends on factors like resistance to fire, wind, impact, and moisture, as well as the overall lifespan of the roof. At Washington Roofing, we guide homeowners in selecting the right material based on climate, budget, and personal preference. Metal Roofing: Strength Meets Style Metal roofing has grown in popularity for a reason—it's incredibly durable and provides excellent protection. Metal roofs can last 40-70 years, resist fire, and handle extreme weather. From standing seam panels to metal shingles, homeowners love their modern aesthetic and low maintenance. Asphalt Shingles: America's Go-To Roofing Material When discussing what are the most durable roofing materials, asphalt shingles always make the list. Affordable, easy to install, and available in countless styles, asphalt shingle roofs typically last 20-30 years. Washington Roofing offers premium options for increased durability, ensuring your roof stands up to the test of time. Stone-Coated Metal: The Best of Both Worlds For those who want the look of tile roofing or wood shingles with the strength of metal roofing, stone-coated metal is a fantastic option. Known for its resilience and elegant appearance, this durable roofing material resists wind, hail, and fire, while offering the charm of more traditional roofs. Decra Metal Roofing: Unmatched Durability and Style One of the top choices in the most durable roof category is Decra metal roofing. Combining the endurance of metal with a stone-coated finish, these roofs offer superior durability, weather resistance, and a wide range of design options. Washington Roofing proudly installs Decra products for homeowners seeking the perfect blend of function and beauty. Concrete Tile Roofing: Built to Last Concrete tile roofing is synonymous with longevity. These materials can last 50 years or more with proper care. They stand up to harsh weather, resist pests, and maintain their structural integrity over time. Though heavier than other roofing materials, their impressive durability makes them worth considering. Composite Tiles: Versatile and Resilient If you're asking what are the most durable roofing materials, composite tiles deserve attention. Made from a mix of synthetic materials designed to mimic wood, slate, or tile roofing, they are lightweight, durable, and often come with extensive warranties. Washington Roofing recommends composite options for homeowners wanting beauty without constant maintenance. Tile Roofing: Classic Beauty with Long-Term Protection Classic tile roofing, whether made from clay, concrete, or synthetic materials, has been trusted for centuries. It’s known for its durability, fire resistance, and timeless style. Washington Roofing offers expert tile roofing installation to give your home elegance and enduring strength. Wood Shingles and Cedar Shake: Natural Charm with Considerations For a rustic, natural look, wood shingles and cedar shake are popular. While they require more maintenance than some other roofing materials, their aesthetic appeal is unmatched. With proper treatment, they can resist fire and pests, offering a beautiful, durable option for your roof. Slate: The Pinnacle of Roofing Durability When it comes to the most durable roof, slate remains the gold standard. Lasting over 100 years in some cases, slate is virtually impervious to fire, rot, and pests. Its weight requires professional installation, which Washington Roofing is fully equipped to handle. Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Roofing with Washington Roofing Selecting the right roofing materials is about more than aesthetics—it's about safety, longevity, and peace of mind. Whether you're interested in metal roofing, asphalt shingles, Decra metal roofing, or tile roofing, Washington Roofing is your trusted partner. We pride ourselves on guiding homeowners through every step of the process, ensuring you make an informed decision for your roof replacement. Ready to Upgrade to Durable Roofing? Let Washington Roofing Help! I f you're wondering what are the most durable roofing materials, our experts at Washington Roofing are ready to help you choose the perfect option for your home. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can protect your home with style and strength.

At Washington Roofing Service, we take pride in delivering quality craftsmanship with every roofing project we complete. Our latest job in Puyallup, WA was no exception—a full residential reroof that not only improved the home’s protection but also elevated its curb appeal. Pabco Premier Shingles The homeowners chose PABCO Premier asphalt shingles in Pewter Grey, a classic, versatile color that complements a wide range of exterior styles. Pewter Grey brings a crisp, clean aesthetic to the home, with enough contrast to highlight trim and landscaping features while maintaining a timeless, neutral palette. PABCO Premier shingles are a popular choice in the Pacific Northwest due to their outstanding performance in our region’s wet and windy conditions. Built with dual-layer construction, these shingles offer enhanced durability, excellent granule retention, and resistance to wind speeds up to 110 mph (or up to 130 mph with enhanced installation). Brightening the Interior with TAM Skylights As part of this project, we also installed TAM skylights, giving the home an instant upgrade in both function and style. Skylights are more than just windows in the roof—they provide: • Natural daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting • Improved ventilation, especially in kitchens and bathrooms • A sense of openness that makes rooms feel larger and more inviting TAM skylights are engineered for long-term performance and are well-suited for Washington’s weather. With proper flashing and expert installation by our team, these skylights are designed to prevent leaks and ensure energy efficiency. Our Roofing Process From the initial inspection to the final cleanup, our crew maintained a clear line of communication with the homeowners and completed the project on time and on budget. We protected the landscaping, kept the job site clean each day, and ensured minimal disruption to the household during the work. Once the new roof and skylights were installed, we conducted a thorough walkthrough and inspection to confirm everything met our high standards—and the homeowners couldn’t be happier with the results. Thinking About a Roof Upgrade in Puyallup or Pierce County?
Whether you need a full replacement, new skylights, or a roof inspection, Washington Roofing Service is your trusted local expert. We proudly serve homeowners throughout Puyallup, Tacoma, Sumner, Bonney Lake, and beyond. Contact us today for a free, no-pressure estimate and let us help you protect and beautify your home—one shingle at a time.









