Can You Paint a Metal Roof? Tips for Best Results
Can You Paint a Metal Roof? Tips for Best Results
A metal roof is one of the long-lasting alternatives available to homeowners, and the roof usually lasts up to 70 years with proper maintenance. As time flies by, due to exposure to sunrays, heat, and rain, sometimes the colour of the roof fades, and you are left with a dull, boring roof. Several homeowners across the USA ask – Can you paint a metal roof? The answer is yes, and you can make it look great again. Moreover, you can also expand the lifespan of the roof. All you need is the right tools to upgrade it.
Advantages of Putting a Coat of Paint on a Metal Roof
There are several aesthetic and practical advantages that you can get by painting a metal roof.
- It will make your house look more aesthetically appealing without you replacing the old roof of your house completely.
- Your house roof will receive protection against rust and corrosion due to the fresh layer of paint.
- In case you opt for a reflective roof paint, then it will boost the energy efficiency by reducing absorption of heat. Thus, keeping your house cooler in the months of summer with a reduction in the electricity bill.
Preparing the Roof
Firstly, you need to prepare the surface for painting. Remove any trace of dirt and residues of the previous paint from your roof before you begin. Use a pressure washer to do that, but be cautious so that you don’t damage the seams or coatings. Once you are done cleaning, wait before the roof dries up completely. Thereafter, ensure that there are no loose screws or rust, and if there are any, fix them before you start painting. Last but not least, to make sure that the paint remains there for a prolonged period and adhesion, we suggest that you put a coat of metal primer first.
Selecting the Right Paint
Not all the paints that are available in the market are ideal for metal roofs. To get the best outcome, you need to use 100% acrylic latex paint or metal roof coatings. These paints have characteristics such as they can deal with metal expansion and contraction caused by the change in temperature, along with being weather-resistant. Finally, you need to select a colour that matches the exterior of your house.
How to Apply the Paint on the Roof?
You should pick the tool for painting the surface based on the size and slope of your roof. In case of a large area, you should go with a sprayer as it evenly covers the area that needs to be painted. On the other hand, brushes and rollers offer precision while painting the corners and edges. To make sure that the paint remains there for a long time, you have to apply two coats of paint and always remember to wait for a sufficient amount of time before putting another coat of paint, as the first layer needs time to dry.
Final Thoughts
With the right technique and paint, you can surely paint a metal roof to extend its lifespan and also to improve its beauty value.
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