Aluminum Carport Roof Maintenance

General Cleaning

• General cleaning to remove loose dirt, grime and fallen leaves doesn’t require scrubbing or detergents. Instead, use a power washer to eliminate the everyday messes from your carport’s aluminum roof without causing further damage. Slip on a pair of safety goggles and sturdy work gloves before testing the pressure washer on a piece of scrap wood or your sidewalk to get the feel of the device. Turn the washer to its lowest pressure setting and hold the nozzle at a 45 degree angle. Begin washing the roof straight across, moving the nozzle back and forth as you go. Stand on a sturdy structure, such as the back of a truck bed, to reach the entire surface. Never attempt to stand on a ladder while pressure washing to prevent a potential fall.

Removing Algae Stains

• Remove difficult stains, chalky residue or algae by using detergents to effectively eliminate the organic matter and discoloration. Rinse the roof with a garden hose before creating a mixture of 1/2 gallon water and 1 cup bleach or 1/2 cup white vinegar, depending on the severity of the stains, in a plastic garden hose sprayer attachment. Place the sprayer attachment on the garden hose and cover the aluminum roof with the product. Use a long-handled, stiff bristle brush to work the product into the roof and allow it to remain for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it away with the garden hose. Use bleach to tackle difficult stains, while white vinegar is sufficient to remove light staining or discoloration.

Snow Removal

• Remove heavy snow from your carport’s aluminum roof correctly to prevent structural damage while protecting yourself against injury. Create a path with a shovel or snow blower around the carport’s perimeter approximately 5 feet away from the structure. Set the blade of a roof rake, available at home improvement and hardware stores, on the roof and quickly pull the device toward you, paying attention to remain at a safe distance from the roof. Work your way around the roof until the majority of the snow is removed.

Repainting

• After several years of power washing, wear and tear, aluminum carport roofs require a fresh coat of primer and paint. Remove any loose paint and primer by power washing the roof. Prepare the roof for painting by washing it with a mixture of 1 tablespoon TSP, or tri-sodium phosphate, and 1 gallon warm water. Slip on a pair of rubber gloves, respirator and safety goggles before dampening a mop with the solution and cleaning away the roof’s dirt, debris and algae growth. Rinse the roof with a garden hose and allow it to dry before continuing. Cover the roof with a coating of rust-resistant metal primer. Allow the primer to dry completely for at least 12 hours before applying two to three coats of metal paint.