Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Your Metal Roof

Painting your metal roof can give your building just the mini upgrade it deserves. Not only will the building look neater but it will also feel like a new and improved place from the outside.

When it comes to painting a metal roof there there’s quite a bit that you will need to know about and consider. Often, people have the misconception that painting a metal roof is a simple task. Little do they know that there are quite a few things that need to be taken into consideration beforehand.

We’ve come up with the ultimate guide that you can follow to avoid any mishaps from occurring. These tips will allow you to paint your roof with ease and peace of mind.

Here are the mistakes you need to avoid before painting your metal roof:

Not washing the roof before starting

A major mistake that people make all the time is painting over a dirty roof. To avoid this mistake it’s important to ensure that the roof is clean from any dust. A great way to do this is by using a power hose that can blast away any sand and dust from the roof.

After power hosing the roof, wait for it to completely dry so that you can sweep it. This will ensure that your roof is completely free from any dust particles.

Removing old paint

Although this might be an entire task all on its own- it’s something that has to be done.

Failing to remove old paint will prevent the primer from being fully absorbed and paint from settling into the surface. This will result in the paint looking and feeling uneven.

In order to remove the old paint, use a scrapper and firmly press against the paint. You will also need to be extra careful when doing this so that the metal does not get damaged.

Ignoring rust patches

If your metal roof is quite old then chances are you might come across a few rust patches. This is completely normal and you should try to get rid of it before painting.

The patches will show up after scraping the paint when removing old paint. You can try using some anti-rust treatments.

Not priming your metal roof beforehand

In case you’re unsure, a primer is applied to the roof before the paint goes on. Failing to apply a primer will result in the surface being less durable.

The primer’s job is to adhere to and protect the surface that is about to be painted. If you prime your roof beforehand the paint will not only last longer but it will also help prevent the paint from cracking. Try purchasing a primer that has a titanium dioxide base; this will last longer in sunny environments.

It’s also very important that you wait for the primer to completely dry before painting over it.

Buying just any type of paint

There are so many different paints on the market that it can easily get confusing when shopping around.

If you’re someone who doesn’t know much about painting metal roofs then we’d suggest heading to a home improvement store. Here, you will be able to ask the roofing experts for advice and they will guide you to the specialized paint section.

Purchasing specialized paint that is dedicated to metal roofs is vital. These paints have certain important qualities, such as being fire and heat resistant. Normal paint can leave your home/ building vulnerable because it might not have the elements that are required.

Applying the paint incorrectly

Watch a few videos in order to educate yourself on how exactly paint should be applied to metal roofs. Often, people apply paint unevenly which can cause the paint to peel sooner. As a result, they will have to do retouches sooner, which can end up being costly and time-consuming.

In order to avoid having to retouch your roof sooner, try and apply the paint as evenly as possible. You will also need to apply a good few coats of paint in order for it to last for a longer time.

Not waiting for the paint to dry

As we’ve previously mentioned, it’s important to add a few coats of paint to your roof. People often don’t wait for the first coat to dry before adding the second coat; which is a big mistake.

Make certain that the first coating of paint is dry before you go ahead and paint on the second coating. It should take roughly about an hour or so for it to dry.

Forgetting to use sealant

Sealant is an important chemical that helps bond everything together properly. Many people skip this step and end up regretting it because of the extra maintenance it causes. This is one of the most important mistakes that you should avoid at all costs.

Here’s why sealant is so important

Sealant will help seal the paint in on the surface so that it does not peel away from the roof. When looking for the perfect sealant, find one that is safe to use. It should be able to withstand a wide temperature range and it should be durable to use. Always ensure that it specifically made for metal roofs and that it is non-flammable.

Not cleaning your roof often enough

Maintenance is never a fun task; however, keeping your roof clean will give you better results in the long run.

Debris and dust often form on roofs, which is why it’s important to keep your roof clean. This debris can affect the paint and its longevity. Try cleaning your metal roof at least once a year with a power hose to get rid of all dust and debris particles.

Painting in the wrong weather condition

Another condition that is overlooked is the weather forecast for when you’re 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.

Painting your roof in summer

Although you might think that it’s a good idea- it’s not. Metal roofs get extremely hot during summer which makes it almost impossible to work on.

Not maintaining your roof

Generally speaking, if you want something to last for a long time you will need to maintain it. Lacking in maintaining your roof will result in higher costs at a later stage.

You can avoid this extra cost by applying a coat every six years to your roof. This will allow you to save a good few bucks and your roof will always look as good as new.

Purchasing the cheapest material

It’s understandable if you’re on a tight budget, however, avoid buying the cheapest materials.

Cheaper paints and primers might not be completely safe and some of them might not be heat resistant. Secondly, cheap materials and paints might not last as long as long as high-quality products. Rather save some money so that you can get decent products, which will work out better.

Overlooking safety

Working on high structures could be extremely unsafe. Which is why it’s always important to put safety above all things else.

Ensure that you wear the correct clothes and that you have a safety rope attached to you at all times. You can purchase a harness and a rope from your home improvement store, which can be attached to a tree. This will prevent you from injuring yourself in case you fall or slip while working on your roof.

Wear a dust mask in case you’re sensitive to dust and the smell of paint. Not only will this allow you to breathe better but it will also prevent any allergies from flaring up. Lastly, wear shoes that have excellent grip, so that you don’t fall or slip.

Get Professional Help!

Painting your metal roof can be a complete breeze if it’s done correctly and by experts. While you may be temted to DIY it, we strongly recommend not to! A professional roofing company like Top Metal Roofs can get the job done correctly and efficiently.

Contact a Top Metal Roofs Contractor

Whether you need a new roof installed or an old one replaced, we top the list of Toronto and GTA roofing companies. We have numerous satisfied clients whose success stories testify to our expertise. Our services are unmatched, and we guarantee a roof that will last you a lifetime. Talk to us at 647-470-7161, and we will professionally handle all your metal roofing matters.