By Emma Peterson.
Proper preparation is a crucial part of running a successful project. Without it, projects can encounter a variety of issues related to safety, efficiency and quality. In this article, we’re going to dive into the surface prep portion of the pre-project operations, which comes after your preliminary inspection and roof walk.
Any surface that you are going to put a coating on will need to be cleaned well to ensure proper adhesion. Contaminants like dirt, dust and debris can be the nail in the coffin for a coating project. Further, some substrates may have algae, mold, fungus, moss or other living organisms growing on it. There are a variety of different ways to tackle cleaning a roof in preparation for coating it and Project Solutions Center (PSC) has them all!
Your first instinct might be to find an all-purpose cleaner (such as Rust-Oleum Professional’s General Purpose Cleaner) to apply with a simple cloth. These products are often non-abrasive and ammonia-free, which means they are safer to use indoors and can be great for indoor spot-cleaning, but for a rooftop exposed to the elements you might need something more intensive.
The next level up are your classic brushes and scrapers. These manual tools require some elbow grease, but they are one of the best options for removing rust, old coatings and other debris. Whether you're using PSC's 2-in-1 wire brush and scraper or their 6-foot Floor Razor Scraper, it’s important to use them with a cleaner that will cut through dirt and grime.
And last but not least, pressure washing offers a great solution for contractors who need to operate on a quick timeline. The key to effectively using these machines to clean dirt, grease and general grime is the right cleaning solution. Something like Rust-Oleum Professional’s Multi-Purpose Pressure Washer Concentrate is perfect because it’s “non-corrosive, water-based formula cuts through grease, grime and light stains on a wide variety of surfaces — without harsh chemicals or heavy fumes.” Just be cautious not to damage the substrate during cleaning (which can lead to water leaks) and to give the roof at least 24 hours to dry prior to coating.
Looking to equip your crew with everything they need to prepare the next jobsite for a coating? Look no further than Project Solutions Center!
Learn more about the Project Solutions Center in their Coffee Shop Directory or visit www.ShopThePSC.com.

About Emma
Emma Peterson is a writer at The Coffee Shops and AskARoofer™. Raised in the dreary and fantastical Pacific Northwest, she graduated in 2024 from Pacific University in Oregon with a degree in creative writing and minors in graphic design and Chinese language. Between overthinking everything a little bit, including this bio, she enjoys watching movies with friends, attending concerts and trying to cook new recipes.
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