How To Remove Oak Leaf Rust From Metal Roofs
Phosphoric acid is actually a rust converter in that it turns iron oxide or rust into ferric phosphate a black coating.
How to remove oak leaf rust from metal roofs. How to remove roof rust with phosphoric or hydrochloric acid. Neutralize the rust that s left by painting the affected area with rust inhibitor. You can blow the leaves off a low pitched roof with a leaf blower. Chemically treat mold then sweep it off with a soft broom.
Then connect up the leaf blower and blast the leaves off the roof. You ll need a fairly concentrated solution of about 1 pound of acid per gallon of water. This is because oak tree leaves contain tannin which is the same ingredient found in may teas. Most of these substances can be removed by a mixture of cup tri sodium phosphate and 1 gallon of water.
The rust should just drain away. The leaves that drop on the pavers can cause stains and oak trees cause especially dark stains. Pine sap decaying leaves and even road dirt that s drifted into the air can settle on your metal roof and stain it. 1 3 cup of powdered laundry detergent 1 quart of bleach 5 solution 3 quarts of water.
After removing the rust rinse. And it s wise to trim back all branches that are close to or touching the shingles. Dip a soft brush or rag in the cleanser and apply to affected areas. I m not sure if any of you have seen an air rake used to blast leaves and paper trash off sidewalks but that s the idea only this would be installed and clamped in place.
When needed use a short piece of 1 pvc pipe. On steeper roofs you can pull them off with a broom on an extension pole or better yet use a roof rake for leaves. You can get the stains up and have your pavers looking like new in no time. The simplest way to get rid of rust is to use oxalic acid.
Remove surface rust by scrubbing it with a wire brush and sanding it with 80 grit wet dry sandpaper. Wear goggles and gloves to protect your hands and eyes. Lightly scrub the surface until the area is free of mildew or mold. Use a wire brush to scrub away the rust spots.
Spray this mixture onto the roof and agitate it with a soft bristled brush to get it clean. I like the garager s idea better. Sweep away any leaves or other debris that may be on the roof. Apply it to the rusted areas as a spray using a hose with a spray bottle attachment.
Rinse the surface well with plain water.