Refresh your metal roof with a splash of paint

By Metal Sales. 

Time for a change? Here's your go-to plan for updating a metal roof's color without a hitch. 

Repainting a metal roof is in fact possible for homeowners looking to refresh their roof's appearance. With metal roofs designed to endure for decades, a color update may be desired to reflect evolving styles or neighborhood standards. Important preparatory steps include assessing the roof for any damage and selecting a high-quality, metal-compatible paint for a long-lasting finish. 

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 may 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. 

For all types of metal, you can also use an airless paint sprayer to apply a clean, even coating of paint that will go on well. A sprayer will also get the job done in a fraction of the time and use less paint as well. 

Steep roofs will need extension wands, and make sure you pay attention to the weather forecast before painting. Follow all safety guidelines when getting up on a roof. 

Once you have completed your painting, there is still maintenance that needs to be completed to make sure your roof remains in great condition. Periodically clean the roof with a mild cleaning solution using a soft brush or a gentle pressure washer. 

In addition, keep leaves and vegetation from collecting and rotting on the surface as this can promote rusting. Reseal and repaint over any dings or scratches that go through the paint to prevent corrosion. 

Original article and image source: Metal Sales