When you can repaint a metal roof
Metal tile, corrugated board, standing seam roofing – all types of roofing materials can be repainted. Only each will have its own nuances of updating or replacing the paint coating.
General rules, recommendations of roofers on maintenance and painting work look like this:
- Recently installed roofing is recommended to be repainted 6 months after being put into service. The surface should accumulate a certain degree of wear and tear.
- Often metal roofs are repainted after 10 years of operation – the period depends on the metal, the condition of the coating, the composition of the paint. In some cases, you will not have to update the paint layer for 20-30 years. For example, polymer decorative and protective layer of profiled sheet or metal tile retains an attractive appearance for 40 years with timely maintenance.
- The first signs of rust, cracks, peeling paint layer, fading under the influence of ultraviolet radiation – signals that you need to update the coating.
Repainting may be necessary when owners want to change the look of the house. For example, changing the color of the roof to better match the architecture, make the building stand out, or help match the architectural style of the Cape Cod area.
In addition, customers often want to replace an old coat of paint with an energy-efficient one. Such paint products (such as elastomeric coatings) are classified as heat reflective roofing materials. This means that the painted layer will reflect the sun’s rays, protect the roof from extreme heat, leaks.
On what depends on the condition of the decorative and protective layer of the metal roof? Here are the main factors that reduce the service life of the paint coating:
- The impact of ultraviolet light, acid rain, various negative phenomena of natural and anthropogenic nature.
- Not timely cleaning from contaminants: fallen leaves, dust, bird products, accumulated snow, ice.
- Neglect of regular inspection, which according to the regulations is carried out once a year. Maintenance allows you to detect damage to the structure, destruction of the paint layer and eliminate problems in time.
- Incompliance with coloring technology: painting in hot weather, in high humidity and rain, incorrect selection of tools.
Another factor that determines the service life of the decorative and protective layer is the quality and correct choice of paint.
How to repaint a metal roof
The procedure is divided into several stages, compliance with the order and technology of which is a prerequisite for obtaining the desired result.
To carry out this work, the following tools will be needed:
- brushes, high-pressure washer for cleaning;
- special cleaner for removing the old coating;
- wire wheel;
- metal primer with rust inhibitor;
- paint of the desired color;
- painting brushes, rollers;
- ladders, scaffolding.
To prevent falls from heights and injuries from heavy equipment, craftsmen use safety ropes, protective clothing, ladders with a fixation option.
Roof preparation
The surface is thoroughly cleaned of dry leaves, branches, dust and other contaminants. To do this, use brushes with synthetic bristles, high-pressure washer.
If there are lime deposits on the roof, organic growths (mold, algae, moss), it is recommended to spray the surface with special agents or bleach. When working with chemical compositions, you need to take care of protection:
- Wear a plastic face shield, rubber gloves, closed clothing, shoes with rubberized soles.
- Cover nearby green areas and flowerbeds with plastic sheeting.
- Make sure there are no people or pets downstairs.
And for cleaning galvanized roof coverings use a vinegar solution: vinegar plus water in a ratio of 1:1.
Preparatory work is best done when the weather is clear, dry and windless in Cape Cod.
Removal of old paint and rust stains
When the surface is cleaned of dirt, it is checked for old paint, rust spots. To get rid of worn coating, corrosion, use brushes with stiff bristles, metal scrapers.
Rusty traces are cleaned with sandpaper of different grits. If the painted layer does not lend itself to cleaning, it is treated with chemical mixtures that do not destroy the metal.
Careful preparation of the roof – a guarantee that the new layer of paint will hold for a long time.
Pressure washing of the roof, application of primer
After cleaning, the metal surface is washed with a high-pressure washer using cleaning solutions. At this stage, paint, rust and other debris is removed from the surface. Thoroughly clean hard-to-reach places, as dirt is blocked there.
After washing the surface must dry. This stage is also carried out in clear, dry weather. On a clean, smooth metal better lie primer and paint material.
When the surface is dry, it is treated with an anti-corrosion base coat – a bonding primer that is suitable for metal. Alkyd oil-based primers are recommended to:
- provide excellent adhesion;
- are fast drying;
- can be applied with extended brushes, rollers, paint sprayer.
Transparent acrylic primers are suitable for galvanized roofing. Protective compositions are applied in a uniform layer over the entire roof area.
The application of a protective coating ensures better adhesion of the paint to the metal surface. The base layer serves as an additional protection against moisture, ultraviolet radiation, corrosion. Also the use of primer enhances color saturation.
Cover painting
Painting in Cape Cod is always done on a dry day with moderate temperatures. Heat, cold and high humidity are factors that affect the speed and quality of paint drying.
At this stage, it is important not to make a mistake with the paint. Experienced painters for non-galvanized metal surfaces recommend using products based on alkyd oil. Such a coating requires more time for complete drying. But the paint layer is durable and resistant to moisture – this is especially important for objects that are operated in areas with a high probability of heavy rains and snowfalls.
Acrylic or acrylic-latex paints are suitable for painting galvanized roofs. Products dry quickly, easily cleaned of contaminants.
Paint coatings are applied with brushes, rollers for outdoor work. It is possible to use a paint sprayer. Brushes are also used to treat hard-to-reach places and areas around trim elements – paint is applied in several layers.
Multiple layers increase the protective properties of the coating.
Roof sealing
Applying a sealant can make a metal roof airtight:
- watertight;
- resistant to penetration of cold, dust, debris;
- durable.
The use of sealant reduces energy and heating costs, because the heat remains inside the room, rather than going outside through the roofing system.
As sealants are suitable compositions based on polyurethane and silicone. These are elastic materials that lie evenly on the treated surface.
The means is applied to the entire area of the roof. To simplify the task, painters advise to work in sections. That is, the surface is treated gradually, section by section. This method allows you to paint every centimeter of the coating.
Before you start processing, it is necessary to check the weather forecast. The day should be clear, without expected precipitation. The sealant needs time for complete drying.
Maintenance tips
In order for the roofing system to serve for a long time, it is necessary to carry out regular maintenance, make sure that the surface is clean and airtight. And if signs of damage and corrosion are detected, promptly eliminate problems. This rule applies to any metal roof, regardless of its area, architectural features, purpose – a private house, commercial building, industrial facility, warehouse, outbuildings, garage or workshop.
Maintaining cleanliness
Keep debris off your roof, and try to clean fallen leaves, branches, moss and other debris in a timely manner.
A few simple tips to keep the surface aesthetically pleasing and clean:
- Trim overhanging branches of trees, shrubs to reduce debris and also prevent large branches and trunks from falling during storms.
- Clean dust and dirt from the roof with a soft-bristled brush and a special detergent (must be non-corrosive).
- Remove moss, algae, biological products of bird activity with a high-pressure washer. If necessary, add chemicals that will not damage the paint layer.
These simple actions are not only aimed at keeping the roof surface clean. They also prevent rust, as moisture accumulates under debris and bird droppings.
Regular inspection for rust and damage
A metal roof should be inspected regularly for:
- the presence of rust stains;
- deformation, damage to the metal;
- wear of the paint coating.
Be sure to check the places where the paint can crack, peel and chip. In such areas there is a high probability of rust. If the problem is not eliminated in time – surface corrosion will grow into internal corrosion. Metal will begin to rot, which will lead to a violation of the tightness of the roofing system. The result of inattention – expensive major repairs.
It is recommended to check the roof at least once a year. This will allow you to eliminate problems at an early stage and save on repair and restoration work. After heavy rains, snowfalls, hurricanes, it is also necessary to assess the condition of the roof.
Ladders are used for inspection. However, in Cape Cod, you can use a more modern method. Roofing & Siding of Cape Cod evaluates the condition of the roof using drones and infrared scanners.
Touching up chipped and peeling paint
If, after inspection, signs of wear and damage in the form of chips, peeling paintwork have been detected, they must be promptly eliminated.
Algorithm of actions:
- selection of a suitable paint for metal surfaces: acrylic-latex or alkyd-based;
- cleaning of the damaged area;
- cleaning from the remnants of old material, dust;
- application of primer to strengthen adhesion with metal;
- painting the damaged area.
Paint can be applied with a brush or sprayed – the choice of method depends on the size of the repair. Between the application of layers of primer and paint coating, you must withstand the time specified by the manufacturer – the layers must dry completely.
Here are some more tips that will help to increase the service life of the decorative and protective coating:
- Clean not only the surface of the roof, but also the gutter system. This is done so that the water does not stagnate, does not destroy the protective coating, does not lead to rusting of the metal.
- When the roof is cleaned of dirt, it is rinsed with clean water. Use a hose or a high-pressure washer (up to 50 bar).
- Damaged areas of paint must necessarily be treated with anti-corrosion compounds and then painted to match the tone. Protective products prevent metal oxidation, the appearance of corrosion. Both chips and scratches are subject to treatment.
Do not forget about the cold season, which in Cape Cod can bring heavy snowfalls. You should use wooden or plastic wide shovels to remove snow and ice from the roof. Metal tools should have rubber pads. It is recommended to remove precipitation without effort, in order to exclude the appearance of scratches on the metal.
If the surface is corrugated, then cleaning can be difficult. In such a case, you can leave a snow layer up to 2 inches thick.
However, if you lack experience in roofing system maintenance, entrust the job to qualified roofers.
The craftsmen will do everything according to the technical regulations, taking into account the safety requirements and peculiarities of the coating.
Do it yourself or hire professionals
The choice depends on your knowledge, experience, availability of special tools, materials, safety equipment. However, we do not recommend repairing and painting metal roofing yourself for a number of reasons.
- A high level of skill is required to carry out the work
Painting a roof is not an easy task. It is necessary to know how to work with materials and special tools, to comply with quality standards.
Before painting, the metal surface is prepared: cleaned, old paint and rust marks are removed. Then the roof is primed, painted, sealed. And that the work was done to standard, do not do without knowledge of technology.
Violation of technological processes will lead to the fact that the paint coating will not last long: cracked, peeled, faded. Damage to the decorative and protective layer – one of the main causes of rust and depressurization of the roof in the end. - Will need special equipment.
Hardly everyone has a full set of professional tools for painting: brushes, high-pressure washers, paint sprayers, compressors, brushes, rollers, ladders and equipment for insurance. All of these things will have to be purchased – and they cost a lot.
Painters and professional roofers work with their own tools. - Any roofing repair and maintenance activity involves risk. Safety precautions must be followed when painting. Working at heights involves risks: falling, injuries when interacting with heavy equipment, etc. Therefore, you need protective equipment: safety harnesses, overalls, ladders, additional structures to prevent falls.
Appeal to professionals - a guarantee of a durable and high-quality finish
Why contact Roofing & Siding of Cape Cod:
- experience of roofers – more than 10 years;
- warranty on services performed;
- use of environmentally friendly materials – we care about the ecology of our region;
- own professional tools and equipment;
- compliance with safety requirements, repair technology, maintenance of metal roofs;
- accuracy, attention to detail, execution of works of different complexity;
- complex, energy-efficient solutions to save you money.
Our company provides services throughout Cape Cod. if you want an estimate, leave a request online and call (508) 938-8410. Managers will explain everything.
The experts at Roofing & Siding of Cape Cod provide roofing system installation, repair and maintenance services during business hours only.
