Although the process of painting a roof will vary depending on its material, there is one thing that all roofs have in common: they need to be cleaned before applying any paint.
How to Clean a Roof
How you clean your roof will depend on what your budget is and how much money you have. A high-pressure water blaster is the best way to clean a roof. Although you can use a broom with a hose, it will not remove mould from the surface. High pressure can reach all the nooks and crevices.
It is possible to wash a roof with a smooth surface, such as galvanized iron, much more easily with a boom and some detergent. It is possible to use high pressure on smooth surfaces, but not so much.
How to Paint a Corrugated Iron Roof
You will need to clean an iron roof before painting it. This is unless the roof has been weathered more than a year. This is because the oil used in fabrication has dried out and the iron has been weathered slightly.
Prime unpainted iron first with a primer. This is also true for any iron sheets that have been removed from an existing roof.
Two coats of paint are required. You can choose the colour you want, but remember that lighter colors reflect heat and darker colours absorb it.
The fastest way to paint a roof is with airless spraying. There are also techniques to apply the paint if you choose to do this. Spray a section of about one metre in width. Then, work your way down the sheet spraying in the direction indicated by the iron’s flutes. You can also use the joins of the iron to guide you. It is a great way to see exactly where you are. After you’ve completed the section, go back to the top and continue with the next sheet. It is important to keep a clean edge. If you work backwards from the top to the bottom, you could have cut off the top.
Rollers can be purchased that look like corrugated iron. They work well but you’ll still need to trim the corners and ridge caps. You may have to brush the edges of some roofs. Some roofs are slightly higher than others and the roller won’t reach these areas.
If you’re really determined, you can brush the entire roof. I have done this before but it was before I bought my first airless sprayer. It is best to start your project early in the morning. Paint will dry too quickly in the heat. Another thing to keep in mind is to do the spraying in smaller sections. You should only spray half of a sheet at a time. Also, make sure to mark the overlap in the hollow of your iron and not the top of the ridge.
How to Paint a Tiled Roof
The reason you want to paint a tiled roof or shingle roof is that the glaze has worn away and it is starting to look a little shabby. Sometimes roofs look better than you think. I’ve helped customers who decided not to paint their roof after cleaning it.
There is an issue with tiled roofs. They may have ridge capping issues. This should be addressed before you begin roof painting in auckland. It is commonly referred to as pointing or bedding of ridge caps. Many will require repointing, while others may require rebedding. To rebedding, they remove the ridge cap and then re-bed it with a new mortar mix. The ridge cap must be removed, but the mortar outer layer is usually repaired by pointing. After you have done any roof repairs, make sure to use your gardenhose and give it a final cleaning. Sometimes, a broom is enough.
You will need to seal your roof if it is very damaged and all of the color has disappeared. Most roof primers dry clear. You will need to apply a lot of sealer to allow the roof to soak into the tiles.
You will need to apply two coats to your roof. The choice of color is up to you, but remember that darker colors absorb heat and lighter colours reflect it.
The best and fastest way to paint tiled roofs is with airless spraying. There is also a method for painting such roofs. The best way to spray tiled roofs is to paint 4 tiles from the top, then paint along the roof to the opposite end. Start at the beginning and spray another 4 tiles. Then, continue spraying the roof until you reach the end. This will prevent overlap marks when you paint another section.
A tiled roof can be painted with a brush, but it takes a lot of time. If you don’t have the time, an airless spray gun will save you time and money.
Roof Painting Tips
You should be able to climb down from a roof without getting wet paint on your feet. This can be avoided by planning ahead.
Use an airless spray gun to paint your roof. There is always over spray, and you can carry it a long distance in windy conditions. My friend recently painted a large roof on a two-story building. He had to knock on the doors of some people to inform them that their Harley Davison was covered in paint spots. This is not something I would do. Use an airless sprayer in windy conditions with care
You should always check the weather forecast before you paint your roof. If it’s going to rain, don’t do it. If it is going hot, I recommend you start painting early.
Roof paint
There are many options when it comes roofing paint. You will need to choose the best one for you, as well as how much money you are willing to pay.
While water-based roofing paints are the best for cement tiled roofs or shingle roofs, there are still paints that are suitable for drinking water. If you collect rainwater from your roof, make sure you ask before buying your paint.
While oil-based roofing paints work best for collecting rainwater, I would not recommend painting cement tiles with oil-based paint. Oil-based roofing paints work best on iron roofs. If the roof is old or rusty, it will help to keep the rust away. Iron roofs can be painted with water-based paints, but it is important to treat any rust well. Otherwise, it could reappear soon after painting.
You could consider buying one of the heat-resistant paints, or an additive to your existing paint. There are thermal additives available. I’ve heard good things about them. I’ll be using one to paint my roof, mainly because it is dark. Another person I know who used thermal paint to paint a shipping container. They were extremely happy with the results.
