California Energy Consultant Service

Metal roofing is quickly becoming one of the most popular roofing options throughout the United States, and especially in places like Sacramento that get extremely hot in the summer. Their energy efficiency is some of the best available, but beyond that, they are also long lasting (many can last 70+ years) and – while a bit more expensive upfront – more cost effective in the long term.

But metal roofing – like all forms of roofing – still needs to be cleaned. Metal roofing is strong and resists many forms of weather related damage, but the roofing’s longevity and efficacy depend on its layers of protective coating and shape – two things that can be damaged if you do not clean your roof.

That means that you do need to consider regular maintenance for your metal roof if you want it to withstand the tests of time.

So… how often should you clean your metal roof?

You should clean your metal roof once a year if have any trees that could blow twigs or leaves onto your property. However, if you live somewhere flat with no trees around, and your roof is sloped, you may be able to get away with as many as 2 to 10 more years without a cleaning, but may want to do it annually anyway so as not to void the warranty.

You should assume that your roof is at risk of damage from falling debris. There are many homes in Sacramento near large oaks and pine trees, and those are going to shed and lead to buildup that does need to be cleaned in order to prevent damage.

But what you do not need to worry about quite as much is weather. While it is a good idea to inspect your roof and pay attention to signs of buildup (for example, dirt and leaves), if your roof looks visually pretty clean, chances are a deep clean isn’t as urgent.

Still, it is important to note that, while you may be able to get away without a cleaning, you should still have a roof inspected and cleaned yearly if you can afford it. That is because many metal roofing warranties require an annual inspection and maintenance.

It is best to assume that you need your roof cleaned and inspected once per year, even if you are at low risk, to keep your warranty valid. However, if you find that you forgot to get your roof cleaned, or you cannot afford to and are unable to do it yourself, the risk to your roof depends on how easily debris can get onto it. If you are in an area with little debris, your roof can last. If your home is underneath a lot of oak trees that shed often, you should try your best to get a cleaning at least annually.