Regular washing of pre-painted and metallic-coated roofing products increases their durability by reducing attacks from airborne salts and pollutants.
Washing may be carried out with a hose and a soft bristle brush, using fresh water or a 10% solution of household detergent and water followed by a thorough rinse with clean water. Alternatively, low-pressure water blasting can be used at pressures up to 20 MPa, with the jet directed away from openings and sheet laps.
Stronger concentrations of cleaners than those recommended can damage coating surfaces, and avoid using organic solvents and abrasive cleaners. When cleaning coated surfaces, tar and similar substances may be removed with mineral turpentine, but the surfaces should then be washed thoroughly with detergent and water.
Always clean coated surfaces from top to bottom, and rinse immediately and thoroughly with fresh, clean water avoiding over-cleaning or scrubbing, which can damage painted surfaces.
Hard scrubbing of un-weathered bare AZ-coated steel cladding can remove the thin factory-applied clear acrylic film and cause differential weathering, affecting appearance.
If water runoff is used for drinking water, roof outlets must be disconnected before washing any roof or wall cladding using detergents. Care must also be taken not to contaminate waterways.
Lichen is a naturally occurring phenomenon with its spores being dispersed by the wind. Lichen will grow even on inert materials such as G.R.P., glass, and painted or unpainted metal roofs.
Time of wetness of a surface affects lichen and mould growth. Sheltered and shady environments are particularly conducive to its growth and although light-coloured roofs may stay wet for longer than dark roofs, it can equally proliferate in open areas on dark coloured roofs.
Lichen and mould retain moisture, are acidic, and have tiny roots that can penetrate a paint coating. Removal is necessary to prevent damage to the organic coating, but recolonisation is very likely. Where lichen has been treated, regular inspection should be undertaken to curtail spread of re-growth.
Lichen growth can be removed by washing down the roof or wall cladding, and applying a 2% solution of sodium hypochlorite to all surfaces by low-pressure spray, broom or brush. The surface should be left for 5 minutes but should then be rinsed and thoroughly washed down with cold water. Household bleach contains various concentrations of sodium hypochlorite; therefore, it may be necessary to dilute it.
For example:
One brand has 30 g/L solution (3%) — to obtain a 2% solution, 2 parts of bleach should be diluted with 1 part of water. (3 - 2 = 1).
Another brand has 40 grams/L solution (4%) — to obtain a 2% solution, 2 parts of bleach should be diluted with 2 parts of water. (4 - 2 = 2).
Another brand has 50 grams/L solution (5%) — to obtain a 2% solution, 2 parts of bleach should be diluted with 3 parts of water. (5 - 2 = 3).
Another option is using benzalkonium chloride products which are less corrosive, although slower acting.
Metal wall cladding, like most vertical surfaces, is subject to being defaced by graffiti. Graffiti removal is likely to affect the pre-painted finishes on metal roof and wall cladding, and before removal is attempted a small area should be cleaned as a trial. Graffiti removers may soften the paint, remove the gloss or cause permanent damage.
Do not use MEK (methyl ethyl ketone), toluene, acetone or thinners. Overpainting or replacement are the alternative options.
There are clear anti-graffiti coatings available, but their compatibility with the pre-painted cladding must be checked with their supplier.
