How to Paint a Metal Roof in 8 Steps
Give your metal roof a long-lasting makeover
Metal roofs are a highly durable and beautiful roofing option that can last up to 70 years, but in order to achieve this lifespan, proper upkeep and maintenance is essential. Over the years, the paint on a metal roof can fade, chip, flake, or crack. But the good news is that a brand new roof isn’t always necessary to restore the roof to its original appearance. Painting a metal roof can improve the longevity of the roof and keep it looking great year after year.
8 Steps to Painting a Metal Roof
One of the main components of a long-lasting metal roof is proper paint. The national average cost to install a metal roof ranges between $5,300 and $14,700, so you should ensure that your roof remains in good shape. By following these steps to painting a metal roof, you will be able to enjoy your roof for years to come.
1. Prep
Prep work for painting a metal roof may start with a roof inspection to determine the condition of the existing roof (including soffit and fascia materials) to see if any repairs are needed. If repairs are needed, it’s important to complete them before beginning the painting project.
You’ll also want to make sure you’ve budgeted properly for the project. The cost of painting a metal roof ranges from $1,166 to $3,605. Factors that affect the price tag include the size and pitch of the roof, the amount of prep work that needs to be done, the type of paint, and the cost of labor.
2. Plan Ahead for a Dry Day
It’s never a good idea to paint your home’s exterior on a rainy day because the water affects how the paint adheres to the surface. So check the weather forecast to plan ahead for a dry painting day. Ideally, there should be several dry days—10 days is perfect to allow the paint to cure fully. Try to start painting early in the day so that the paint can dry in the sunlight for a longer period of time.
3. Remove Old Paint
Next, carefully remove old paint with a scraper to ensure that your roof can be evenly primed. Skipping this critical step can result in lumpy paint and peeling. It's important to note that if the roof is already peeling up, it may be challenging to get all of the loose paint off. If this is the case, the old paint will continue to peel once the new paint is applied, which will cause bubbling under the new surface.
4. Get Rid of Rust Patches
Since it’s likely been exposed to many types of weather conditions, your roof may have rust patches. You can use a wire brush to remove areas of rust and mold by scraping them vigorously. Once this step is complete, wash the area with soapy water and let it dry. If the rust patches have corroded through the original roof, you may need to repair the area prior to painting.
5. Power Wash Your Roof
A good rule of thumb is that you should never paint over a dirty surface, so power wash the roof before painting to get rid of dust, mildew, sand particles, and any loose paint. Hiring a professional power washer can ensure that this step is done correctly, otherwise you risk damaging your siding, screens, and other roof components. The average cost of a professional power wash is between $0.50 to $1 per square foot.
You could also hire a professional to softwash the roof. As opposed to cleaning the roof through high-powered water pressure, a softwash uses a gentler pressure combined with chemicals; this process is better able to get rid of algae and mold.
6. Apply a Primer
By priming your roof, you will prepare the to-be-painted surface to adhere to the incoming layers of paint, while also preventing the paint from cracking. To protect against sun and rain, make sure the primer has a titanium dioxide base. After applying the primer, let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.
7. Paint Your Roof
Choosing a roof color is an important part of the project, so be sure you’re happy with your choice before starting this step. Make sure you consult with a roofing expert for your specific paint needs.
If you’re painting the roof yourself, you’ll need to wear non-slip shoes and have a harness to keep you safe. It’s also important to have a buddy on the ground, or at least someone who is aware you are working on the roof. Painting with a roller is the most common tool for DIY painters, but you’ll need to ensure that it’s suited for metal that is not a simple, flat surface and that it has a long handle for easy use. While one thick coat of paint should suffice, check the manufacturer’s instructions on your specific paint for more directions.
8. Brush Sealant Over Your Roof
Silicone, butyl, and polyurethane are the best types of paint sealants for metal roofs. The sealant will help protect your paint from the elements and avoid peeling. When the surface is completely dry, apply the sealant with a roof brush. A thin layer of sealant is enough to cover the surface; adding too much can result in cracking.
How to Make Paint Last on a Metal Roof
Follow these guidelines for a professional-looking and longer-lasting paint job for your metal roof:
Clean your roof at least once a year to avoid paint cracking.
Paint your roof during the spring or fall to avoid painting during extreme weather.
Invest in high-quality paint to ensure its longevity.
Use energy-efficient exterior paint to protect it from the heat.
Why You Should Paint Your Metal Roof
You should repaint your metal roof for a few different reasons. If the paint is faded, repainting will restore the roof to its original, vibrant appearance. If the paint is chipped or cracked, it can open the door for rust to form on the surface and potentially cause larger issues. Repainting can keep you ahead of any problems and help you save on roof replacement costs in the long term. This is why, although metal roofs can last between 40 and 70 years, it’s recommended that they be repainted about every 10 years.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Whether you should paint a metal roof yourself or hire a professional metal roofer depends on several key factors, such as the roof quality and your skill level. Walking on a roof can be extremely dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions or have the right tools. If you have other areas of your home that need a refresh, you could save on the cost to paint your fence or remove old paint from your deck by bundling these jobs together and hiring the same pro.
Cost to Paint a Metal Roof
A professional metal roof painting job costs between $1,166 and $3,605, depending on the size and the shape of the roof, as well as the type of paint.
While you may want to tackle this job on your own to save money, consider your comfort with heights, ability to spot roof damage, and experience using power tools for priming. If you have a new roof, keep in mind that a metal roof should not be painted within six months of installation because you need to give it enough time to weather. A metal roof needs to be painted every 10 years, but sooner if visible damage occurs.
Julissa Arangure contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because rain and high humidity can affect how well the paint adheres and cures, a metal roof should be painted at a time when there’s no precipitation in the forecast for at least a few days; it also shouldn’t be too hot or cold. Typically late spring and early fall are good times to plan the project.
The paint on a metal roof will last for about 10 years (the metal roof itself has a life span of 40 to 70 years). After a decade, the metal roof’s color may be more noticeably faded, and chips and cracks may start to form in the paint.
For information on how long it will take for paint to dry on a metal roof, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically it will take a few hours to dry but may need to be left for up to 24 hours to cure fully—but up to 10 days is better yet.