Have you found yourself growing tired of the color of your metal roofing? Maybe your roof has been the same color for years, or perhaps the color is beginning to fade. As the old proverb goes, a change is as good as a rest, and a bright new color for your roof can leave you feeling renewed every time you set eyes on it. metal roof
last much longer. Check more about how long does a metal roof last."}” data-sheets-userformat=”{"2":513,"3":{"1":0},"12":0}”>Roof paints also adds more durability to make your metal roof last much longer. Check more about how long does a metal roof last.Contents
Perhaps you’ve never had to paint your metal roof before. You may be asking yourself how to paint metal roofing? It isn’t hard. You’ll need to follow a few simple steps to repaint your metal roof.
You can always employ professional painters, but by reading through this article you will learn how to paint your metal roof on your own. You’ll be the envy of the neighborhood (and you’ll pay less to do it than your neighbor who hired painters last spring). Imagine your roof in brilliant new charcoal, burgundy, scarlet or whatever other color you prefer, and keep reading to find out how to make it a reality in 9 easy steps!
What Is Metal Roofing?
If you are planning to have a new roof for your house, you should opt for a metal roof. It is a style of roofing that consists of layers of different metals. The most popular metals are tin, aluminum, steel, zinc, copper, and steel.
People usually prefer steel metal roofing because steel roofs are economical and can withstand extreme weather conditions like heavy rain, scorching heat, occasional hailstorms, and wind of more than 100mph.
If you install them properly, these steel roofs will have a lifespan of 30 to 50 years or more. Other metal roofs like copper are more costly but also have many advantages. For instance, you don’t have to apply paint on copper metal roofs because they don’t rust.
People nowadays typically don’t use tin directly as metal roofing, as tin roofs rust easily. Instead, the popular new choice is tin coated with steel.
Aluminum metal roofs are very light and usually prone to dents. Aluminum metal roofs should not be used in areas that regularly receive snowfall.
Metal Roofing: Considerations
A metal roof can reduce your electricity bill. They reflect most of the sun’s rays and keep your house cool. If you have a quality metal roof you can install solar panels on your roof, which provides you with clean and green energy and will save you money on the electricity bill.
Metal roofs are durable and have a lifespan of around 50-70 years, depending on the material they are made out of. They require significantly less maintenance than other types of roofs. Once you install a metal roof in your house you’ll be freed from worrying about it for years to come.
You will still need to check the metal roof periodically and repaint it from time to time. A repaint has many advantages.
Why Should You Paint Your Metal Roof On A Regular Interval?
If you use a metal roof for many years, your metal roof may begin to leak in some places because of heavy rain or hailstorms. If the hole is small, then you can repair it yourself. If there are any significant issues, however, then you should seek the help of a professional.
The best way to maintain your metal roof is to paint it regularly to extend its lifespan. I’ve made a list below of some of the advantages of repainting your metal roofs regularly.
#1. Try To Recoat Rather Than Replace
When you regularly recoat your roof every few years, you will not face leakage problems. Recoating will cost you less than replacing your metal roof.
#2. Higher Reselling Value
If you maintain your metal roof properly by repainting regularly, it increases your home’s resale value. When looking for a new home, every prospective buyer wants a good roof. If you have a metal roof in excellent condition, then a buyer will be interested in purchasing your house.
#3. Saves Energy
You must be wondering how a good coating will help you to save energy. A good coating reflects the rays of the sun and keeps your house cool. You can also recycle your metal roofs, so they are environmentally friendly.
#4. Withstand Extreme Environmental Conditions
If you regularly experience extreme environmental conditions like heavy rain, hailstorms, or snow, you will need to regularly maintain your roof.
If you repaint your metal roof every 3 to 4 years, you will be able to detect any problems or damage. Your house will also look good. A better coating can help your roof withstand any harsh environmental conditions.
How Can You Paint Your Metal Roof?
One of the questions that get asked most often in our forums is how to paint over metal roofing. It involves just a few simple steps. It may seem tricky but it is not that difficult.
#1. Remove Your Old Paint
You’ll first need to remove the old paint from your metal roof, which you can do by scraping the old paint with a knife or a scraper. If you accidentally create patches while scraping, you shouldn’t worry about it. You can lightly brush the surface with sandpaper because you can fix those patches with primer and good paint.
#2. Remove Rust
While scraping the old paint from the entire roof, you must remove it if you find patches of rust. If there are small light patches, then you can remove them easily with the scraper. If the rust is quite harsh or widespread, make a homemade solution out of vinegar to remove the rust.
#3.Wash The Entire Roof
Now you need to wash your entire roof with a power washer. By washing the roof, it will remove all dust and dirt. Your roof will be clean and ready to receive the primer and coating. You can borrow a power washer from a local shop. Be sure to spray the entire roof. If you can’t rent a power washer, then your garden hose will suffice.
#4. Allow The Roof To Dry
Allow your roof to dry completely after washing. If it is a bright sunny day, your roof is going to dry within one hour. If you are washing your roof in cloudy weather, then it may take slightly longer. You will need to wait some time and check your roof several times. It is very important to ensure your roof is completely dry before adding primer and coating.
#5. Choose Season
When you want to apply new paint on your roof it is best to paint in the spring. You cannot paint your roof in the rainy season because your color will wash away in the rain. Suppose you plan to do it on bright summer days – it may be uncomfortable for you to work on the roof under the sun’s scorching heat. Another problem you will face if you paint in the summer is that the primer and coating may not dry on the metal roof properly because it will be too hot. The spring provides the perfect balance of warm weather without being too hot.
#6. Apply Primer
Apply primer on the entire roof with a paintbrush. You can purchase a roller with a handle from any local tool shop and use it to spread the entire roof with paint. If you are painting for the first time, you should be painting a metal roof with a roller.
A roller will make your work easy. You need to add the paint to a specific area and spread it with the help of a roller. Every roller will come with a handle. Hold the handle and roll the primer evenly over the desired area.
You can apply primer on those areas which you can’t reach by ladder. There is no need to add a second coat of primer as long as you make sure the first coat is thick.
You should always make sure you have a ladder you can access easily from the roof for safety purposes. Having the ladder present and secure will give you peace of mind and make your work easier.
#7. Allow The Primer To Dry Completely
The primer should be allowed to dry completely on your metal roof. It will take a minimum of one hour to dry. Depending on the weather, it may take longer than one hour.
#8. Apply Paint Coat
Now you need to apply the paint to your entire roof with the help of a brush and roller. First, wash the brush and roller if this is the same tool you used to coat your metal roof with primer.
After applying the paint, allow it to dry completely. It may take one hour or longer, depending on the weather in your area.
#9. Apply The Second Paint Coat
When the first paint on your metal roof completely dries, apply another coat. A good coating protects your metal roof from any environmental conditions. Try to use the second coating carefully.
While applying the first coating, you may have accidentally missed some areas. Make sure you apply a generous second coat on your metal roof. Once you complete the second coat, let it dry for several hours. You’re done! You have completed the repainting of your metal roof.
How To Paint Steel Metal Roofing?
Most people prefer to have galvanized steel roofing. This is because they are durable and do not rust easily. Their lifespan is more than 50 years. Galvanized steel roofing rarely requires painting and coating. People are nowadays opting to color the steel metal roofs to match the color of their existing roofs.
If you have been wondering how to paint steel roofing, you don’t have to worry about it any longer. You just need to follow the steps described above. It’s quite simple, but if you have concerns that you can’t do it on your own, you can seek the help of a professional painter.
How To Paint Corrugated Metal Roofing
Most people in the United States prefer corrugated metal roofing. Corrugated refers to any metal in the form of waves. This type of metal roofing is durable and has a lifespan of more than 50 years. To maintain these roofs, you need to repaint them every few years.
You are probably wondering how to paint corrugated metal roofing. Again, you only need to follow steps one through nine that are listed above. If you cannot do it on your own, you can consult a paint specialist. He will help you choose the paint and primer for your corrugated metal roof.
How To Choose Good Paint For Your Metal Roof?
When choosing paint for your metal roof, you should know what kind of metal is in your metal roof. If you are unable to determine this, you should seek the help of a professional, and they will tell you about the kind of metal in your metal roof.
If you have a galvanized metal roof for instance, then it will shed often in comparison to shingles. The best paint for a galvanized metal roof is acrylic-based paint. You can apply Sherwin Williams metal roof paint with the help of a paintbrush or roller.
Another thing to remember is that you should use the same color on the roof as that of the side of your house. You can choose a neutral color or light color for your metal roof which will complement the sidewalls of your home. It will look great and will increase the aesthetic value of your dwelling.
If your metal roof has begun to rust, you must be thinking about how to paint a rusty metal roof. Choose the primer wisely when you have a rusty roof. If you are having a difficult time choosing the correct primer for a rusty metal roof, then consult a professional to select a suitable primer for your roof.
I can assure you that choosing a suitable primer and color will stop your roof from rusting further.
If you have a metal barn roof then the best paint for a metal barn roof is acrylic latex paint.
How Can You Paint Your Roof Safely?
#1. Work With A Ladder
For safety purposes, you should work by standing on a ladder rather than the roof itself. Keep your ladder away from any power cables. You should not keep your ladder near the door of your house because if someone opens the door by mistake, you could fall and hurt yourself.
While painting your metal roof, keep both legs firmly on the rung of the ladder and keep one hand on the side of the ladder. You should not try to over-extend your reach while repainting your metal roof. The best way to paint a metal roof is to stand on the ladder and paint your metal roof with the help of a roller which will come with a long handle.
#2. Work With Your Friend
Safety should be the priority. While repainting your metal roof, you should seek the help of your friend. He or she should hold the ladder while you climb up and repaint your metal roof.
#3. Purchase A Harness And Rope
You can purchase a harness and rope from your local tool store. While repainting your roof, you can tie the rope in a secure position. You should wear the harness and then attach the rope to a secure fixture. This will protect you if by chance you fall from the roof.
Conclusion
If you have a metal roof, then you should repaint it every 2-4 years. It is necessary because a good paint and primer will protect your roof from harsh environmental conditions and leaks. How to paint metal roofing is the question that undoubtedly comes to mind when you decide to repaint your metal roof.
This article describes repainting your metal roof in 9 easy steps. The procedure is relatively simple if you follow it correctly. You need to follow every step and choose the right color paint and primer. I hope the steps laid out in this article will give you the confidence you need to put a snazzy new coat of paint on your metal roof.
If you still feel that you cannot repaint it on your own, you should employ a paint specialist. They will help you in everything from choosing the color and primer to repainting your roof.
Hi, I’m Jim. I was a roofing constructor for 20 years, before deciding to start myrooff.com and gather the best content about roofing. I love woodworking and construction and it was only natural for me to start this passion project of mine. Thank you for visitng.