Can You Paint Corrugated Metal Roofing?

If you want to give your corrugated metal roofing a new look, consider applying a fresh coat of paint. Metal roof panels can last for up to 100 years when well maintained. You’ll need to keep the roof fresh during this time by applying a new paint coat periodically.

Painting corrugated metal roofing sheets comes with numerous benefits. It protects your roof and maintains its structural integrity. With the right paint and application method, you can paint your metal roofing once every ten years. Here is the painting process.

How to Paint Corrugated Metal Roofing Sheets

Before you start the process, ensure that you have all the essential tools to remove the old paint and apply fresh paint. You will also have to clean the roof and apply several paint coats. By doing so, you will end up with a metal roof that looks brand new.

Here are the steps to follow when painting your metal roofing sheets.

Step 1: Remove the Old Paint from Your Roof

With a paint scraper, remove the loose paint that has started to peel by pressing the scraper firmly against the paint. Be careful when scraping the roof to avoid damaging the metal underneath. Scuff the metal surface to help the primer and paint adhere to the roof.

If you find a few patches of rust on the metal surface after scraping the old paint, try to remove them using the scraper. If the rust patches are significant, consider using vinegar or a soapy solution to remove the rust quickly.

Step 2: Clean the Roof Using a Power Washer

The first and essential tip for painting a corrugated metal roof is washing the roof before applying a new paint coat. You need to remove any debris and dirt buildup that exists. A power washer and mild cleaner will remove all grime and debris on the roof.

If you can’t buy the power washer, you can rent one from your local home improvement store. After washing the metal roof surface, wait for about an hour for it to dry. The time it takes to dry entirely depends on the weather conditions, whether sunny or cloudy.

Step 3: Apply a Primer to the Entire Roof

Before you apply the primer, choose a day when the weather is good. Painting during the rainy season can compromise the quality of work. The best time to paint your roof is in the fall or when the weather is not too hot or too cold. Corrugated metal roofing can get very hot in the summer.

Use a paint roller to spread the primer across the entire roof. You should apply one thick coat of the primer. If possible, work from the ladder. Buy a roller with a long or extendible handle to help you to reach further out. Wait for about an hour for the primer to dry up.

Step 4: Apply Fresh Coat of Paint on the Entire Roof

If you intend to use the paint roller you used to apply the primer, wash and rinse it first. Working from your ladder, gently apply paint on the entire roof and wait for the coat to dry completely. In most cases, it usually takes about an hour to dry completely.

Once the first coat of paint has dried up, apply at least one more coat to add protection to your roof. Try to work from different positions. This will help you paint the spots you might have missed before.

After applying the second coat of paint, your roof should have a nice, brilliant look and be well protected. However, you can add as many coats as you want until you achieve the color you desire. Wait for the previous paint coat to dry up to add a new coat.

How to Choose the Right Paint for Your Corrugated Metal Roofing

Not every paint you find in the market is suitable for a metal roof. There are paints for metal roofs. The tips below will help you find the best paint for your metal roofing.

Check the Local Painting Regulations

Are there rules that specify colors homeowners can use to paint their homes? Since most homeowner associations have such rules, you need to talk to a representative of your neighborhood’s association to see if there are restrictions on any colors.

Pick a Paint Color that Matches Your House Style

Your roof should look quite different from the sides of your house. Paint the roof using a neutral color that complements the sides of the house. You may also consider a lighter color that accents the color of the house. A paint specialist can help you find the best color.

Get a Primer Designed for Metal Corrugated Roofing

Priming a metal roof surface before painting helps to improve the adhesiveness of the paint coat. Primers come in various forms, including emulsion, cut-back, and polymer-based. You can get the primers for metal roofs at a local home improvement store.

Choose an Acrylic-Based Paint over the Oil-Based Paint

There are two types of roof paints: oil-based and acrylic-based paint. The latter works best on most metal roofs, including the galvanized metal roofing. To ensure that you are using the correct type of paint on your roof, ask a professional roofer to inspect the roof first.

Safety Tips to Remember When Painting Your Roof

Here are some of the safety measures to uphold when painting the roof.

Paint the roof while standing on the extension ladder rather than going on the rooftop. Ensure that the ladder is well-positioned to prevent it from sliding.
When you have to work from the rooftop, put on a harness and attach a rope for safety, in case you lose balance.
Get someone to help you hold the ladder as you work on your metal roof. This will help keep the ladder stable, preventing it from sliding.

Final Words

Now that you know how to paint corrugated metal roofing sheets, you will find it easy to repaint your roof when the existing coat starts to peel off the roof. If you find the task overwhelming, get a professional roofer to help you complete the job.