How to Remove Rust from Metal Roofs

If you have rust on your metal roof and you don’t know what to do, this is the article for you.

Here, we’ll discuss how to look for rust, some at-home methods for removing it, and when it’s time to call the experts at Manchester Roofing for professional metal roof rust repair and ongoing maintenance to keep your roof in top condition.

How to Check for Rust

Part of owning a metal roof – or any roof for that matter – is maintenance. While metal roofs – particularly those we supply at Manchester Roofing – are made of some of the most durable and long lasting materials available in the Australian market, it is a fact that they will at some point become prone to rust.

Obviously the best way to check for rust and ensure your metal roof is in the best possible condition year round, is to organise maintenance and repairs through an experienced roofing company.

However, if you are confident in checking whether your roof has rust or potential damage from rust, here is what you should do.

If checking the roof externally, do so using a cherry picker or ladder to access your roof. Rust generally builds up around the roof screws or where the sheets overlap, so this is where you will need to pay particular attention to.

What Happens if You Don’t Clean Rust from Metal Roofs?

Rust is corrosive and prone to spreading. As such, if you don’t clean rust from your metal roof as soon as it’s identified (especially if the screw heads are corroded), you risk further damage and may even be up for a new roof sooner than you anticipated.

At Home Methods to Remove Rust from Metal Roofs

The best way to remove rust from metal roofs yourself is as follows:

Make Sure You Choose a Dry Day

No one wants to be up on a roof on a stormy day. It’s dangerous and counterproductive. Whenever you perform any metal roof maintenance or cleaning, you need to be sure that you do so on a dry day with good weather.

Use a Wire Brush

The first step in removing rust from a metal roof is to scrub the rust away using a wire brush to ensure it’s completely removed. It’s actually a good thing if the coating comes away with the rust as this spot would have been weakened anyway and in need of repair.

Clean with Hot, Soapy Water

The next step is to clean the area with hot, soapy water so it’s ready for the protective sealing. Make sure the roof in need of attention is as clean as possible, with no lingering grease. Once this is done, you should thoroughly dry the area with a soft cloth.

Apply a Protective Coating

Apply a silicone-based coating (such as a paint specifically designed for metal roofing) to the area, ensuring it matches what is already on your roof. Usually, you will require a couple of coats before your roof is effectively protected.

When to Call Manchester Roofing

Roofing maintenance and cleaning metal roofing can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you’re not comfortable cleaning and repairing your own metal roofing, or you think there might be a more serious underlying problem with your metal roofing, you should talk to the experts.

To talk to our experienced team about the right cleaning and maintenance solutions for your metal roofing, talk to the Manchester Roofing team today.