Can I Paint My Metal Roof?

The short answer is yes, you can paint your metal roof. Metal roofs are low maintenance and look great on a variety of applications. While galvanized steel adds a nice look to some structures, for many buildings a fresh coat of paint can complete the look you want for your home, garage or pole barn. You can’t simply use the same paint from your exterior paint on your metal roof however. Metal roof painting requires special techniques and coatings designed for metal roofs.

Choose a paint that’s right for your metal roof.

New metal roofs come with a factory finish that is baked on. Paint can be applied on top, but knowing that there is an existing coating can help understand the process of painting your metal roof. Acrylic latex paint is commonly used or oil based paint can be used with a galvanized metal primer underneath like the Industrial Pro-Cryl Universal Acrylic Primer by Sherwin-Williams. Not all metal roofs are the same, however and some historical buildings have terne metal roofs which need to be painted with oil-based paint. Even if it is not required, a primer can help prevent rust and deterioration along with creating a better surface for paint to bond with.

 

One of the most popular types of paint for metal roofs is Kool Seal by Sherwin Williams. It is an acrylic coating that can be tinted with a large range of colors to match your exterior color palate. The paint is UV resistant and resists cracking, peeling, fading or chalking. Professional painters will typically use brushes, rollers and sprayers to apply the paint to your metal roof.

 

Below is a metal roof that needs to be repainted soon!

How often do I need to paint my metal roof?

Take the time each year to inspect your metal roof to identify any potential issues. While it will depends upon the quality of the paint, manufacturer and environment of your home, metal roofs typically need to be repainted every ten years. If you don’t feel comfortable inspecting your home, hire someone to examine it to keep it in good shape.

 

Importance of hiring a trusted paint contractor

Painting your metal roof is not a weekend project that you can easily accomplish yourself. In addition to the stringent requirements that metal roofs demand, painting your roof can require more extensive safety measures that you might not be prepared for. Hiring a proficient painting contractor who is experienced in metal roof painting is a prudent choice. A roof painting contractor Portland should be licensed, bonded and insured. JK Paint & Contracting is your metal roof painting specialist to paint or re-paint your roof and make it look great.