How to Clean Roofing Equipment

Roofing equipment invariable gets covered with all sorts of sticky things, mainly tar, which is used quite commonly for everything from patches to making the edges of shingles adhere to each other. Because it is all petroleum based, the only way to clean it is with a petroleum-based type of cleaner. You will have the best success using a solvent tank and a commercial cleaner.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pump fed solvent tank with solvent cleaner Wire brush Rubber gloves

1. Gather your roofing equipment tools together. You can bring them over to the solvent tank.

2. Turn the pump on and the solvent will begin to flow from the faucet.

3. Clean the tools in the solvent one by one. Put on your rubber gloves and begin taking the tools and putting them under the flow of the solvent. Use a wire brush to help the solvent loosen and dissolve the roofing gunk on the tools. The gunk will dissolve and run down the drain into the holding tank. Keep using the wire brush and running solvent until your tools are clean.

4. Let the tools dry. Wipe them off with a washable rag or just set them on the side and allow them to dry. You will have clean tools the next time you need them.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not allow the solvent to come into contact with your skin.

References

• Information on roofing equipment