Knowing how frequently to clean your Colorbond® steel roof is important to basic roof maintenance. However, determining the ideal roof cleaning schedule can be unclear, as it depends on several factors unique to your specific roof setup and installation environment. Neglecting regular cleaning can negatively impact the lifespan of the roof’s durable finish and protective coating over time.
This blog post aims to provide Colorbond® homeowners with clear recommendations on cleaning frequency based on their roof details. We’ll cover signs that indicate when inspection and potential cleaning are needed. You’ll also learn effective techniques to safely remove built-up dirt and debris without damaging the steel material or factory finish. Following the best practices discussed here will help preserve and protect your roof’s appearance and performance for many years to come.
By understanding the basic guidelines and potential triggers that may require cleaning sooner, you can confidently maintain your Colorbond® roof and avoid costly issues down the road. Let’s get started with exploring the various factors that impact cleaning schedules.
What is a Colorbond® Roof?
A Colorbond® roof is a type of pre-painted steel roofing system manufactured by BlueScope Steel. Colorbond® steel is prized for its low maintenance characteristics and durability.
It is produced by coating a steel substrate with resin to inhibit corrosion and then pre-painting it with a silicon polymer-modified polyester paint designed to withstand harsh UV rays and weathering. This synthetic finish comes in a wide range of popular colours and is backed by a product warranty.
Colorbond® roofing is a lightweight and economical alternative to traditional cleaning Colorbond® roof materials like tiles. It can last over 50 years with proper care and offers fire resistance without additional finishes. Its attractive look and low-profile design make it a top choice for residential rooftops across Australia.
Why Cleaning is Important
Keeping your Colorbond® roof clean is vital in maintaining its aesthetic appeal and functionality over the long run. Left unchecked, dirt, debris, leaf and needle build-up can gradually degrade the synthetic paint finish if left to sit.
Exposure to moisture and pollutants trapped beneath accumulated residue can prematurely erode the protective coating over time. Proper Colorbond® roof cleaning helps rinse away these contaminants and prolong the lifecycle of the roof’s durable coating.
It also reduces roof temperature by removing potentially insulating dirt layers. Regular maintenance helps retain the roof’s reflective properties and prevents unusual staining or discolouring.
Cleaning catchment systems like gutters and downpipes also improves drainage efficiency. Overall, periodic removal of atmospheric and environmental soils is key to maximising the value of any Colorbond® roof investment.
Recommended Cleaning Frequency
The ideal frequency for cleaning your Colorbond® roof will depend on factors like roof pitch, orientation, and surrounding environments. Generally, slopes between 5-20 degrees facing predominant weather conditions require inspection every 12-18 months, potentially needing cleaning after 5-7 years.
Steeper pitches over 20 degrees can go longer between cleanings, about every 3-5 years. Low-sloped metal roofs under 5 degrees require more attention, with cleaning recommended every 2–3 years.
Areas under dense tree coverage may need checking twice a year and cleaning every 1-2 years due to higher debris loads. Roofs in more protected orientations with less weather exposure can often go longer, five years or more, between full cleanings when only spot treatment is needed.
Inspecting Your Roof
Regular visual inspections are important for determining when cleaning may be required. Ideally, inspect your roof every 6-12 months or after severe storms. Look closely at the coating surface and check for signs of visible dirt build-up, algae or moss growth, oxidation, fading or discolouration of the paintwork.
Pay extra attention to areas around flashings, vent pipes and ridge capping, which often show wear first. Use binoculars for close-up inspection if needed. Record the date and notes from each inspection in a roof maintenance log.
This helps track the roof’s condition over time. Comparing photos every few inspections also allows easy identification of new issues.
Spot-treating small problem areas as they arise can prevent needing a full cleaning later. Early intervention keeps the roof protecting your home seamlessly.
Cleaning Methods
The technique used to clean your Colorbond® roof will vary depending on factors like roof pitch and specific areas that need attention. In general, lower-angle roofs require different care than steeper surfaces. Valleys and ridges also benefit from focused cleaning methods.
For low-pitch roofs
Low-sloped roofs under 5 degrees are harder to manually sweep clean safely. Medium-pressure washing with broad fan spray tips from the ground is recommended to rinse off dirt efficiently on these surfaces. Once you have the desired pressure, start with a small area at the top of the roof and progressively move down the metal sheets. Take care not to saturate or linger in one spot.
For high-pitch roofs
Steeper roofs over 20 degrees can be wiped clean using long-handled, retractable roof rakes or brushes accessed from below. Sweep debris towards the edge, then rinse away with water from above using squeegee methods.
Special considerations for valleys and ridges
These convergence areas concentrate on wet leaves and debris, requiring careful cleaning. Use extendable bristle brushes to scrub collects, then rinse thoroughly. Inspect annually for mineral deposits or staining that may need a reset to restore the finish.
Tools and Equipment
When cleaning your Colorbond® roof, having the proper tools and equipment makes the job easier and helps ensure it’s done safely and effectively. Roof rakes, brushes and squeegees in various extendable lengths allow you to scrub away dirt and debris from different areas without climbing onto the roof itself.
Pressure washers are useful for rinsing, though take care not to use excessively high pressure, which could damage the coating. Garden hoses can work for lower-pressure rinsing as well. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes and use fall prevention when working at heights.
Consider getting a gutter cleaning attachment for your pressure washer to deep clean eave margins. Having the right gear makes maintenance cleaning easier and results in a longer-lasting, good-as-new finished roof.
DIY Cleaning Guide
Cleaning your Colorbond® roof yourself can save money over hiring a professional. However, it’s important to take precautions for safety.
Start by setting up fall protection if working above ground level. Seal gutters to prevent rust stains and ensure downpipes are clear. Sweep or brush loose dirt from the roof perimeter inwards using long-handled tools.
For washing, mix a non-acidic detergent in a pump-up garden sprayer. Apply using a broad fan and back-and-forth motion, not soaking the material.
Let it soak for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Use a pressure washer on a low setting from the eaves upwards. Start at the bottom and fan spray across roof zones in a careful overlapping motion.
Inspect and spot-treat any stubborn stains before fully rinsing. Squeeze the remaining water from ridges and edges using the roof rake. Allow the roof to fully dry before walking on it. Dispose of all cleaning residue properly.
Record cleaning details. With the right safety gear and methods, DIY cleaning can maintain your Colorbond® roof’s good looks for years.
Maximising the Lifespan of Your Colorbond® Roof
We hope this guide has provided helpful information on properly patching holes in metal gutters. Maintaining your gutters is an important part of overall roof care to protect your home’s exterior. If patching holes yourself seems too large a task, or you prefer to have repairs done professionally, consider contacting A.I Gutter & Roofing.
As a locally owned and operated company, A.I Gutter & Roofing has decades of experience performing all types of gutter installations and repairs. We can inspect your gutters, offer professional roof cleaning services, and seamlessly patch any rusted or damaged areas. A.I Gutter & Roofing also offers preventative gutter guards and complete roof replacements.
Give us a call today for a free quote. Our friendly team can discuss your guttering needs and schedule a time to complete repairs quickly and cleanly. Maintaining healthy gutters is key to protecting your home - let the A.I Gutter & Roofing experts handle it for you.
FAQs
What’s the difference between washing and rinsing my Colorbond® roof?
Washing involves using a cleaning solution or detergent to break down dirt, grime and algae build-up on the roof surface. Rinsing removes whatever is washed off using plain water without adding cleaning chemical washing. In general, a roof will need washing every 5-10 years, but rinsing can be done as an interim maintenance step.
When should I inspect and clean areas under tree coverage?
Roof areas under dense tree canopies will require cleaning more frequently due to increased debris dropping from the trees. Inspecting these sections twice a year in spring and fall and cleaning them if a heavy build-up is spotted is recommended. Pruning back any overhanging tree limbs can also help reduce debris loads.
How many litres of water do I need per 10 sq m of roof for cleaning?
Most cleaning professionals recommend using around 20-30 litres of water per 10 square metres of roof surface when pressure washing. This amount provides sufficient rinsing while not over-saturating the other roofing materials. You can use less if only spot-treating smaller areas. Always test pressure and flow rates first in an inconspicuous spot.
