All claddings are to be inspected for the deposition of any debris, dust, pollutants, or organic growth. Care is to be taken in the inspection of cladding for these points:
- Staining of cladding at possible ponding locations
- Build-up of dust and debris
- Metallic staining of the gutter, including surface rust
Twigs, dust, leaves and fungal matter (debris) should be removed using the following recommended procedure, taking care to ensure no damage occurs to the cladding during debris removal. We recommend that the following procedure be adopted to remove the dust, debris and fungal matter.
- Sweep debris into a pile using a stiff, soft bristled brush or leaf blower (shovels or hard tools should not be used)
- Place debris into a receptacle and lower to the ground.
- The whole roof and gutter should then be washed down with a hose, including high ends of gutters possibly protected by overhangs, rain heads, waterspouts and overflow locations.
If significant fungal growth is found it should be identified and removed in accordance with the relevant BlueScope technical bulletin.
Investigate metallic staining of the roof or gutter to determine if it is caused by a metallic deposit, or by breakdown of the coating on the cladding. If it is a metallic deposit, completely remove it immediately. Breakdowns in coating would generally result from poor maintenance techniques and scratching and are to be restored as deemed necessary in accordance with the relevant BlueScope technical bulletin.
Stubborn stains and dirt not removed in the hosing can be removed in accordance with the relevant BlueScope technical bulletin.
