How to Clean a Fiberglass Church Steeple

Mildew is a common problem on fiberglass steeples.

Church steeples provide a focal point, draw worshippers, and announce a church presence in the area. Long an essential element of church architecture, steeples have been built in wood, stone, aluminum and fiberglass. A popular modern material, fiberglass can be relatively simple to maintain, ensuring that your church steeple retains its purpose, for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Pressure washer
• Cleaning solution
• Bucket truck (optional)
• Crane or lift (optional)
• Electrical outlet (optional)
• Assistants

Instructions

1. 

   Fiberglass steeples can double as rental spaces for cell phone company towers.

   Rent or purchase a pressure washer. Check your steeple specifications for maximum recommended pressure per square inch (PSI), to prevent damage to the steeple. If the building and steeple are low enough, a residential pressure washer may be sufficient.

2. 

   Fiberglass steeples often can withstand cleaning chemicals and processes used on fiberglass boats.

   Choose a cleaning solution to use with the pressure washing equipment. For a fiberglass steeple, house wash is usually sufficient. Use caution when mixing cleaning chemicals: Make sure they are compatible and will not emit toxic fumes. Explore the option of using environmentally friendly cleaning agents, whether church employees or volunteers are cleaning, or you are hiring a professional cleaning service.

3. 

   Some professional steeple cleaners offer special cleaning services for gold leaf, windows and other steeple elements.

   Obtain equipment that will lift cleaners and pressure washing equipment to the right height -- bucket truck, lift, crane -- if necessary.

4. 

   Wash the steeple from the top down, on all sides. Washing will remove oxidization on the fiberglass, often causing white water.

5. Rinse the building roof to remove the white residue. Exercise caution around special elements like gold leaf or stained glass windows.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use protective equipment. Only allow professionals or experienced/licensed adults to operate equipment and machinery. Make sure your insurance is up-to-date.

• If workers are allergic to mold or mildew, wearing a face mask is recommended, as power washing will disturb the mold and mildew, spraying it into the air.

References

• Building for Ministry: Finding the Right Steeple
• The Grime Scene: Fiberglass Church Steeple
• Piedmont Fiberglass: Fiberglass Steeples 101

Resources

• The Grime Scene: Church Steeple
• AM Cranes: Church Steeple Cleaning
• Church Steeples: Steeple Cleaning
• Steeple USA: Steeple Cleaning