Wet down the copper first then use a 10 bleach solution to wash off the copper.
How to clean a copper roof without removing the finish.
Use a scrub brush or push broom moistened with your lemon juice and salt solution to scrub your roof surface.
There are many commercial copper cleaning products available in building supply stores.
Wash the copper in warm soapy water.
Copper and alloys with a high quantity of copper in their mix usually oxidize into either a brown or green color.
It s important to get professional advice from a roofing company that specializes in installing copper roofs.
Rinse the roof with buckets of distilled water.
Use three parts lemon juice to one part coarse salt.
You can scrub with the solution and a brush worrying about removing the patina.
If you don t have distilled water you can boil water from your tap.
The best way to clean a copper roof without removing the finish is to use an organic citrus based cleaner along with clean water and a soft brush.
When cleaning start at the highest point of your roof and work your way down.
I would suggest looking at the nails that were used on your roof if they were steel i would suggest you leave it be.
Distilled water does not contain the minerals that could discolor the patina or harm the copper in the roof.
Wear gloves when touching the copper.
Mineral deposits and debris are likely contributing to the tarnished appearance of your copper.
Dip an absorbent cloth such as an old towel into the cleaner and wipe it over the copper surface from the roof peak downward.
Rinse the metal with water and dry it with a microfiber cloth.
Clean off residue or road grime with a mild solution of bleach and water.
This means if you use six cups of lemon juice you will need two cups of coarse salt.
As you may imagine if your entire roof is copper then you will need more than one batch.
Soak copper items in warm water with a small amount of gentle dish soap for about 10 minutes.
The copper cleaning gel will not work as well if there is oil or road grime on the copper.
Use a firm natural bristle scrubbing brush to scour the copper surface.
Step 5 apply polyurethane.
Use buckets of distilled water to rinse off the rest of the roof.
If the discoloration is not coming off completely try adding 1 cup of white vinegar to your solution.
As you scrub use a garden hose to rinse off the roof surface where you re working.