Can You Paint Metal Roof

Diy Vs Professional Painting Services

Painting a Metal Roof. Painting with an airless paint sprayer.

Ideally, roof painting is a job for qualified professionals due to its difficulty and the painting processs risks. Even the most DIY enthusiastic homeowner knows these risks, but that hasnt stopped anyone from attempting the procedure. And if you decide to paint your home roof by yourself, be sure to follow essential safety protocols and deploy the proper equipment.

Can You Repaint A Metal Roof

So, the question is, can you paint a metal roof? The short answer is yes, you can, but there are several things you must consider before moving forward with your project.

Metal roofs are designed to last you up to 50 years. Many styles, colors and neighborhoods change over 50 years and there might be a point in your life where you want to update the color of your metal roof.

The first thing you need to check is the current warranty. If you have a warranty on the painted metal panel and decide to paint over the roof, it will void the warranty.

In regards to actually painting your roof, the preparation is an important step that must be completed. You will need to power wash your roof with a pressure of 2,500 pounds per square inch. Power washing removes mold, mildew and old paint which can interfere with paint adhesion.

You can use acrylic latex paint or oil-based alkyd paint just make sure you buy one that is specifically designed to paint a metal roof.

Painted metal roofs come with a baked-on factory finish. To ensure that the paint will stick to the previous finish, you must prime the surface. No matter what type of final coating of paint, a primer will ensure that rust will not creep through, and that the paint will stick.

When applying the paint, you will need specialty brushes or rollers. Use a roller designed for corrugated panels and a regular paint roller for standing seam panels.

About Metal Sales

Galvanized And Galvalume Steel Roofing

It is important to note that base metals can be combined, coated, or layered with additional metals in a variety of bonding processes. Two popular roofing materials that use this process of binding two or more dissimilar metals are referred to as galvanized and galvalume, each of which use steel as the base metal. Iron or steel can be coated with zinc this is known as a galvanized metal. The zinc acts as a protective layer to iron or steel to prevent rust. Galvalume is aluminum and zinc coated steel. The combination of aluminum and zinc is used once again as a protective layer to the steel. Steel exposed by itself without other protective metal coatings such as aluminum or zinc turns a reddish- or yellowish-brown flaky coating of iron oxide that is formed on iron or steel by oxidation, especially in the presence of moisture. It is what we refer to as rust.

Rust has been called the great destroyer and the evil. The Pentagon refers to it as the pervasive menace. It destroys cars, fells bridges, sinks ships, sparks house fires, and nearly brought down the Statue of Liberty. Rust costs America more than $400 billion per yearmore than all other natural disasters combined.

Recommended Reading: Sherwin-williams Paint Sprayer Rental Cost

How Can You Paint Galvanized Metal

Can you paint galvanized metal? Yes! If it does not have any pre-existing treatment of zinc, you can paint galvanized steel using a metal primer and any exterior house paint.

In order to paint galvanized steel corrugated roofing you need a metal primer. Once it has been primed, choose any exterior house paint for the desired color and finish of your choice!

A decorative metallic or textured coating would provide an additional layer of protection from rust and corrosion. If you want extra insulation against heat and cold,you can install an additional layer of insulation.

Is It Worth It To Paint A Metal Roof

#RoofPainting or repainting your house roof prevents the problems of ...

Yes, its well worth painting a metal roof because youre adding a layer between the metal of the roof and the elements. Rather than the elements directly impacting your roof via rain, hail, snow, and other weather, they would wear on the paint layer first.

Although metal roofs are already incredibly durable, paint can be a whimsical way to add some extra protection and match whatever aesthetic your home adheres to.

Recommended Reading: Difference Between Milk Paint And Chalk Paint

How Do You Paint A Metal Roof Yourself

To apply a thick coat of primer to the entire surface of your roof, paint it by roller or brush. As long as its possible, you should help yourself to a ladder. The primer will start to dry after you wait at least one hour. You should apply the primer coat of paint to the whole roof once it has been dry.

Can Metal Roofs Be Painted

Yes! You can paint metal roofs, but if you have a new and unpainted one, we suggest allowing it to weather for at least six months before you begin painting it. However, if the project cant wait, make sure you wash oils and other remains of the galvanizing process off with vinegar.

When you are ready to paint it, make sure you prepare its surface correctly by choosing the right primers, paints , and sealants as well as applying the products correctly. When done right, it can help extend its life and make your house more energy-efficient.

Also Check: Colors To Paint House Exterior

Should I Call An Expert To Paint My Metal Roof

You should call an expert if you cannot paint your metal roof. This is common if one lacks the skills to paint a metal roof. However, having a poorly painted roof is very easy if you are unskilled.

This may be in the form of bald spots on the roof. In such a case, it makes sense to call an expert to do the job for you. The expert will mix the products and ensure the roof is properly painted.

You may need professional help if you are unsure of the safety procedures. There are many safety measures that one should take when doing this job. For example, it is a good idea to use nonslip shoes. The nonslip shoes help to prevent roof falls.

Also, one needs to use a ladder as much as possible. The ladder works well with a harness to secure the person on the roof. If you are uncertain of these security measures, it makes sense to get professional help.

Benefits Of Painting My Metal Roof

Can You Repaint a Metal Roof?

Improves the aesthetics of your house. Metal roof paint improves the overall appearance of your house. If the roof is old and unappealing, you can re-paint it. This will make it appear like a new metal roof.

Improves the indoor environment. Metal roofing is now the rage. This is because of the ease of installing and maintaining it. But you can make your home more sustainable by painting the roof. This is possible if you use heat-reflective paint on our metal roofs. The paint will reduce urban heat and the accumulation of ozone gas. It will also reduce the need to use the AC.

It makes your home safer. Painting your metal roof can make the home safer. Some paint types are excellent in improving the fire resistance of the roof and house. Some are also good at repelling insects and reflecting UV radiation from the sun. If you are keen on improving the fire resistance of your home, visit any home improvement store and ask.

How To Paint Over An Old Rusted Metal Roof

Metal roofs are typically made from galvanized steel, copper, or aluminum.

Most of them are pretty strong and highly resistant to the elements simply because they are treated with a rust-inhibiting coating to prevent corrosion from occurring.

However, this coating can weather and become scratched so that rust can form and penetrate the metal sooner or later.

If left untreated, holes can also develop in the corrugated metal roof due to exposure to regular moisture.

Repairing and repainting your old metal roof with the color of your choice is the right thing to do which can extend the lifespan of your roofing.

Painting A Faded Metal Roof: 4 Tips For Success

While repainting your homes siding might be first in mind when you think about visual updates to your home, changing the look of your roof also has a high visual impact. However, when youre working with a metal roof, you want to make sure that you add the right paint at the right time to ensure that your painting project goes off without a hitch.

Discover four key points that you need to know to manage your roof-painting project properly.

Recommended Reading: Home Depot Paint Sprayer For Rent

How Much Does Metal Roof Painting Cost

The average cost of metal roof painting range from $2,000 $10,000, including labor and materials. Factors that determine the cost of painting your metal roof are your location and the condition of your roof, its size, and incline.

Professional painters charge between $1.20 and $2.72 per square foot, or $120 $272 per roofing square feet.

Average Project Estimate: $ 2,352Average per sq. ft. Estimate: $ 2.27

What Kind Of Paint Do You Use On A Rusty Metal Roof

10 Best Paint for Metal Roof With Paint brush [Review & Tips 2021]

Anti-rust paints with rust-retardant primer. For a rusted roof, the regular paints alone cant prevent rust from spreading. You need to combine your paints with a good primer. Acrylic acid paint is one of the most popular paints for roofs.

A Primer improves the paints adhesion on the metal roof and forms an impenetrable coating to ensure rust doesnt bleed through the paint.

It is usually applied as the first coating, and once it dries, a water-based paint follows as the second coating.

Keep in mind, your choice of paint should coordinate well with the primer for best results. A good idea is to use a paint and primer from the same manufacturer.

You May Like: Best Paint To Refinish Furniture

Repainting A Corrugated Metal Roof

Metal roof painting, in particular, offers plenty of benefits for your home. Some of these advantages include:

Painted metal roofs improve the aesthetics of your homes exterior
Metal roofs that are lightly colored and reflective are sustainable and energy efficient
They can last twice as long as other materials and can easily be recycled at the end of their lifespan

Once you know the benefits of repainting your metal roof, here is the step-by-step process you can follow

Can You Paint Roof Shingles

Yes, you can definitely paint roof shingles. It is actually recommended because it is more environmentally friendly than replacing the entirety of the roof.

For some reason, people think that you cant paint roof shingles. This is completely untrue. In fact, it is much easier to paint than other types of roofs because it takes very little preparation. Below we will discuss some of the benefits and disadvantages of painting your roof shingles.

Pros

Affordability- This is probably the most important thing to be aware of if youre in the business of replacing your roof shingles. If your shingles do not have any extensive damage or deformations, then it is completely safe and recommended that you paint your roof shingles.

Aesthetic- If your shingles are worn out and disgusting looking, then it is no wonder that you want to paint your roof. Sometimes the reason that we do things is for the sake of how they look. I mean, we do it for ourselves so why cant we do it with our roof.

Last a little while longer- Paint tends to extend the longevity of anything that youre painting. This is because it defends against weather and harmful UV from the sun. So, if you want your roof to last you another year or two, painting your shingles is definitely an option.

Cons

Potential Damage- The process of painting the shingles might lead to further damage or wear on your roof. The pressure cleaning or maybe even the painting itself will lead to worsening health of your roof.

Read Also: Black And White Tree Painting

Apply The Second Coat Of Paint To Your Metal Roofing

You can apply as many coats of paint on your metal roof as possible. But one additional coat of paint is usually enough to give your metal roof a sleek and new appearance. Work in a different direction from the first one when applying the second coat.

This will help you reach the spaces you may have missed at first. You can add a coat if you feel that two coats are not enough for the roof. Always wait for the previous coat to dry up before adding another.

How To Paint Your Metal Roof

Can a Metal Roof be Repainted? â Metal Roofing 101 with Todd Miller

Now its time to start painting. Follow these steps to ensure it will look beautiful for years to come:

Choose a nice day to paint Fair-weather days in the fall or spring will usually be your best bet. Metal roofs can get very hot during the summer, and its always tricky working on a roof during the winter.

Apply a coat of primer Use a paint roller or brush to apply a thick coat of primer to the entire surface of your roof. Work from a ladder whenever its possible. Wait at least an hour for the primer to dry.

Apply the paint Once the primer is dry, apply a coat of paint to the entire surface of the roof. Again, at least an hour for the paint to dry. Then, apply another coat.

Don’t Miss: How To Match Wall Paint

Types Of Metal Roof Paint

While your roof will last at least 50 years, the painted color coating may last a lot less, depending on the quality you choose.

Cheaper, lower quality paint is not treated to block ultraviolet light. Therefore, it will not stand up well to the elements over the years, and will eventually chip and fade. The good news is that you can repaint it once you feel it has lost its original curb appeal.

However, if you dont want to go through the hassle and extra costs of repainting every 10-15 years, you can select a premium quality coating.

It will remain looking like new for years to come. Moreover, it will protect your roof from the sun, moisture and mildew the elements most responsible for affecting how the color looks over the long haul.

Rubber Seal Liquid Rubber Waterproofing And Protective Coating

This EPA energy star-rated option even resists aging. Its a highly durable, long-lasting choice.

What makes it so perfect for a metal roof is the brilliant white color and the solar reflective abilities, which can keep your house cool on the hottest of summer days. Another awesome feature is that the paint is simple to apply with a paintbrush, roller, or sprayer.

Recommended Reading: How To Scrape Paint Off Wood

How To Choose The Paint To Use For A Metal Roof

We mentioned that either acrylic latex paint or oil-based alkyd paint is suitable for metal roofs, but which you use depends on your roof.

Acrylic latex paint can be applied to bare metal roofs or to go over old paint as long as the old paint is well sanded. Primer is technically optional for this type of paint, but a metal primer will help it adhere better than just painting the roof directly.

Oil-based alkyd paint needs a base layer of metal primer to adhere. Ideally, youd put the primer on bare metal, but the primer will adhere to old paint thats been sanded well too.

How To Paint Corrugated Metal Roofing Sheets

Before you start the process, ensure that you have all the essential tools to remove the old paint and apply fresh paint. You will also have to clean the roof and apply several paint coats. By doing so, you will end up with a metal roof that looks brand new.

Here are the steps to follow when painting your metal roofing sheets.

Recommended Reading: Best Paint Sprayer For Fences

Types Of Elastomeric Coatings

Acrylic elastomeric coatings on a metal roof.

This water-based roof coating is widely used on pitched metal roofs. It can be economically tinted to any custom color. Easy clean up with water makes it a popular choice for do-it-yourselfers. Acrylic refers to the polymer used in the coating. It is similar to the acrylic resin used in latex house paint but that’s where the similarity ends.

Butyl elastomeric coating on modified bitumen roof.

A solvent-based, vapor barrier roof coating with extremely high elongation. It is commonly used over sprayed polyurethane foam in cold storage applications.

Painting In The Wrong Weather Condition

Another condition that is overlooked is the weather forecast for when youre planning on painting your metal roof.

Ideally, the best time to paint your roof is either during spring or fall. The weather conditions during these times are cooler and you can expect little to no rainfall. In order for the paint to cure you will need around a day or two of no rainfall- which means you will have to look at the weather forecast.

Don’t Miss: Paint By Number On Canvas Kits

Can You Paint A Metal Roof

The answer to this question is simple: you can paint a metal roof. But remember, you do not have to paint newly installed metal roofs. Give them about six months for the galvanized metal primer to wear off before painting them. It is easy to re-paint an old metal roof. This will be necessary when the metal roof paint has worn off.

But you should ensure the surface is properly prepared before painting a metal roof. One should also choose the right primers and sealant. It is also important to choose the right paint for the roof. This is necessary for the job to be successful.