Metal Roof Paint

Metal Roof Paint – When painting a metal roof, there are common mistakes that novices and even experienced DIYers tend to make. Chief among them is treating the metal like any other roofing material. Metal roofing requires specialized paint.

Many of us have made reference to an old farm house with a “tin” roof. Ironically, “tin” roofs are not made out of tin. Today metal roofs often consist of an alloy steel with a zinc coating applied to it for protection, known as galvanized metal. A current alternative trend in roofs is the use of aluminum. Available in a variety of color schemes, aluminum roofs require very little maintenance.

Metal roofs of all kinds have many advantages from being long-lasting to shedding water and snow quicker than an asphalt shingle roof. However, all painted metal roofs have one downside in common, and that is that they have to be repainted periodically.

Before you dive head-long into painting your metal roof you need to determine what type of metal it is, because although it may appear to be galvanized, it may in fact be what is known as terne metal.

• Standing Seam Metal Roofing – Choosing Your Perfect Roofing System
• Selecting The Right Metal Roof Colors
• The Pros and Cons of Metal Roof Panels

Terne roofing was made by producing the shingles or roof panels out of one of several different types of base metal and then coating the panel with a mixture of lead and tin.

Terne metal has been phased out due to the public outcry about the dangers of lead, even though no specific health threat was ever discovered coming from the use of terne metal roofs.

Find best roof paint at Homedepot.

DIY Metal Roof Painting Ideas

 

 

 

 

5 Mistakes Painting Metal Roof

Mistake 1 – Using Leftover Paint

Some people painting their roof with the same type of paint as used with the rest of the home. However, this could be a problem, simply because the roof is made up of different materials than the rest of their house. Paint used for wood or even fiberglass will not work well on metal.

There are also some benefits of special metal roofing paints that need to be taken into account. These paints are made with special qualities. They may be heat or fire-resistant or even insect and pest-resistant. Internal paints may not have these properties.

Water-resistant metal roofing paint, for example, can be of great value if you live in a rainy area. This is why when you are considering painting your metal roofing, it makes sense to go for specific paints for the metal roof.

Mistake 2 – Not Using a Sealant

Another mistake is to forget or ignore using a sealant before the application of the metal paint. This could be a problem because without a sealant, the metal paint might just peel off the metal.

The sealant does just what its name suggests—it seals the paint to the surface, using chemical bonding techniques. Thus, this adds to the life of the metal roofing paint.

However, even if you are using a sealant, make sure you have done adequate research on it because each sealant contains different ingredients and has different methods of application. Sealants are also specific to the kind of paint you are using.

Mistake 3 – Not Finding an Energy-Efficient Paint

With so many options available, it would be unfortunate if you don’t find a paint that can help you save some energy.

A good paint to try is Elastomeric coating. This is a type of paint that contains polymeric materials like acrylic and white-pigment-like titanium dioxide.

These compounds make the paint both reflective and opaque. It is most often applied thicker than standard paint and has a couple of benefits homeowners can love.

The reflective nature of elastomeric coating is more energy efficient than many other paint types. It reflects the sun’s energy, the opposite effect of the sun on metal. Elastomeric coatings are also effective in solving common roofing problems like leaks.

Mistake 4 – Wrong Application Methods

Another common mistake is not putting on enough paint or putting it on incorrectly.

Mistake 5 – Not Paying Attention to the Roof After the Painting

Another mistake many homeowners make is in thinking that once the roof is painted there are no more worries, and they don’t have to worry about that chore anymore.

In fact, even after painting a metal roof it is necessary to perform a cleanup washing down the roof with a mixture of bleach, liquid detergents, and water at least once every six months.

The roof should be swept clean of debris every few weeks to prevent small pests from finding a home in leaves, dead branches, or long lost golf balls. The roof should also be checked for bald spots in the paint or rough patches that should be repaired as soon as possible.

 

Preparation to DIY Metal Roof Paint

Preparation

Be sure surfaces are clean and dry before the coating application. Read all label instructions before beginning. Always run a test patch first in an inconspicuous area, to ensure that proper adhesion and drying occurs and the product works to your satisfaction. Seam tape joints and around vents with Ames’® Peel & Stick™ adhesive seam tape. Seam tape the cap or peak or the ridge line of the roof. Follow seam taping instructions.

Metal Roofs including Tin, Aluminum, Rusty Metal, Corrugated Metal, Fiberglass, Butler Buildings, Hangers and Factories:
Seam Tape where needed, on roofs and gutters. You may also use Ames’® Super Primer™ over rust to help with possible bleed through as well as any silver aluminum fibrous coating. Super Primer™ has 10 pounds per square inch bonding capability to metal. Top coat with Ames’® Maximum-Stretch™.

General Application

Pour the thick liquid coating out and spread 1-2 gallons of product liberally with a push broom or roller. Work the product until it is smooth and looks consistent in thickness. Move on after a few minutes so the product does not skin over or form a film which can create an unintended texture in the coating’s finished appearance.

Tools

Ames’® Maximum-Stretch™ can be applied with a paint brush, a push broom, a low nap roller with a long handle or a Commercial Airless Sprayer. In addition, will need Ames® Peel & Stick Seam Tape and scissors or a utility knife. For larger commercial jobs. We recommend an airless sprayer with a 3/8 inch, 150 foot hose. Graco, Bulldog or Titan work well. Call for sprayer information or Click Here for Sprayer Specifications PDF

Estimated Coverage

Standard product coverage on a smooth surface is 100 sq. ft. per gallon per coat (est. 10 mil) but it varies per surface. More than one coat is always recommended. More coats equal longer life.

Weather & Drying Guidelines

Ames’® Maximum-Stretch™ is best applied between 50° to 90° F (10° to 32° C) on warm dry surfaces. Apply when the streets are dry, the sun is in the sky and no inclement weather is forecast. Starts to dry in 2-8 hours, depending on thickness of application and weather; cures in 24 hours. Low temperatures, high humidity and evening and morning dew will require increased drying/curing time.

Clean-up, Storage, and Disposal

Clean tools and small spills with water. Store unused product in its original container, tightly sealed and protected from freezing. Dispose of this product in accordance with local, state, or federal requirements.

 

 

 

 

 

• Standing Seam Metal Roofing – Choosing Your Perfect Roofing System
• Selecting The Right Metal Roof Colors
• The Pros and Cons of Metal Roof Panels

 

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