Can You Paint Metal Roofing?

The question about painting a metal roof sooner or later will be raised by all homeowners. Can you paint a metal roof on your own? Moreover, some owners of private houses even want to repaint a newly installed roof. However, this is unacceptable for technical reasons: it must weather for at least six months. Nevertheless, sometimes it is really necessary to paint a metal roof.

Before Painting

It is necessary to thoroughly prepare the roof:

• Remove dirt, mold (if there is any) and remnants of old paint.
• Use a jet wash. It is both fast and effective.
• Add (if necessary) a diluted vinegar solution. With it, not only dirt but also oil residues will be removed from the metal

Next, you should choose the paint with which you can paint the metal roof. The durability of the roofing depends on that. The most common is acrylic, polyester and silicone. Acrylic is easy to apply and it dries quickly. It is made on a water basis, so it is the most budget option for metal. Polyester is usually applied to metal roofs in northern regions: it is resistant to weather changes, and especially to harsh winters. AS for silicone, it is the most expensive: it lasts for several decades, is resistant to corrosion and fading, retains color for a long time and does not crack.

How To Paint A Metal Roof

First, its main advantages should be highlighted:

• External attractiveness. With the right choice of paint, the roof will stand out from the rest of the houses, and the color must certainly match the overall style;
• Protection from bad weather (rain, snow, hurricanes, heat). A metal roof is not afraid of corrosion, rust, wear and tear, etc. It is strong and durable;
• Energy efficiency. The roof reflects sunrays, does not absorb much heat, and due to that the house remains quite cool. That means it is not necessary to spend extra money on ventilation.

The Painting Process Consists of Several Stages

Firstly, it is necessary to protect all surfaces from traces of paint. Therefore, special masking tape is glued to the windows, and rags are also laid. Secondly, painting begins not from below, but from above. This is the best option, since the paint is guaranteed to not be able to get on the areas of the roof that have already been painted. Thirdly, it is advisable not only to paint by hand, but also use a sprayer. It will help to distribute the paint more effective and, accordingly, even and economic. As for the tools, it is better to choose brushes rollers for painting a metal roof (depending on preferences). The drying time of the paint is from 8 to 24 hours.