Cleaning Roof Units
Metal roofs: Any reactive-foam coil cleaner that provides expanding foam action in contact with an aluminum coil will also aggressively clean the surrounding and downstream roof and potentially react with the metal roofing or its surface coating. This may discolor, streak, degrade, or strip the finish. Reactive-foam cleaners should not be used on metal roofs. Non-reactive cleaners are safe to use around metal roofing and most finishes.
Rubber roofs: The rubber itself isn’t the problem, it’s the coating on the rubber:The rubber roofing membrane itself is very resistant to most water-based coil cleaners. However, the coatings applied to rubber roofs are often reflective paints that may contain aluminum chips or other sensitive materials. Reactive-foam cleaners will also aggressively clean the surrounding and downstream roof and potentially react with the finish coating of a rubber roof. This may discolor, streak, degrade, or strip the finish. Reactive-foam cleaners are safe to use around rubber membrane materials, but should not be used where sensitive finishes are present. Non-reactive cleaners are safe to use around rubber membrane materials and most roofing finishes. Always test coil cleaners in an inconspicuous area of the roof to ensure the roofing materials and finish are compatible with the chosen cleaner.