THE BENEFITS OF PAINTING YOUR METAL ROOF

Metal roofs and metal roof coating options are getting a significant amount of press these days, perhaps because they are one of the best roofing solutions in an era that is continually focused on sustainability. Metal roofing systems are cheaper to engineer, manufacture and install than their traditional counterparts. Cool metal roofing options cut down on solar heat gain, reducing annual cooling costs, and the resilience of metal roofs make them extremely affordable in the long run.

Painting a metal roof is one of the best ways to preserve the benefits of your metal roof through the duration of its life, including valuable cost savings.

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Please Note: if you have an older metal roof, do understand that painting it isn't a one-size-fits-all metal roofing solution. You are best off having a contractor familiar with metal building construction inspect it and let you know whether painting will be enough or if the roof should be replaced.

The following are some of the benefits of painting your metal roof.

Sustainability. We'll start with sustainability because the statistics regarding cool metal roofing systems and energy efficiency are impressive. The following facts are taken from stanford.edu:

Due to the heat island effect (the heat that radiates back into the atmosphere from roofs, concrete, asphalt, etc.) can cause an urban area to be 6° F to 8° F hotter than the areas around the surrounding countryside. Lightly colored and/or reflective metal roofing coatings can mitigate the heat island effect.
These same reflective properties also prevent passive solar heat gain, reducing your dependency on a cooling system. In hot climates, this difference can be as high as a 50% reduction in utility costs.
A high-quality roof can last more than two-times longer than traditional roofing materials and often comes with a warranty of up to 40-years. This cuts down significantly on repair and replacement costs. These savings are increased by routine repainting to protect the roof's structural integrity.
Steel building products use more pre- and post-consumer recycled materials than any other product. Plus, they can be recycled at the end of their lifecycle.
If you are interested in qualifying for LEED or other third-party green building certification programs, the right metal roof paints and coatings will help to accumulate points.

Increased Roof Life = Increased Savings. Your metal roof is more affordable from the start and the cost-savings continue throughout its lifespan. As long as you choose the right roof design and finish coatings from the get-go, your roof will outperform traditional roofing products and that will put dollars back into your pockets. If you have an older metal roof and its integrity isn't compromised, your new coat of paint will increase its life and reduce energy spending.

Improved Aesthetics. There are almost as many colors of metal roof paint options as there are exterior paint colors for your home or business. Choose a color that matches your home or neighborhood color palate or one that blends in more with the natural environment. When your business park or commercial district is getting an overhaul, choose a shade of roofing paint to match. You an also use bright colors to help your building stand out for brick-and-mortar traffic, or you can paint your roof with a company logo or colors for better brand recognition.

These tips can help you to have a successful experience when you're ready to re-paint your metal roof.

Purchase roof-specific coatings. Do not use leftover paint from your house on your metal roof. Metal roof coatings and paints are made from different materials and the wrong type of paint will erode quickly, leaving your building at risk for irreparable moisture damage.
Use a sealant. Always use a sealant before applying the metal paint to your roof. You want to protect your roof as completely as possible from moisture penetration that leads to rust and erosion.
Use energy-efficient paint. There is no reason to not use energy-efficient paint. Even if it costs a bit more, the difference will more than pay for itself in a single year or two.
Use correct application methods. Not putting enough paint on the roof, or applying it incorrectly, will diminish its benefits. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter or hire professionals to do the work for you. Again, paying a little extra is worth a high-quality job.
Your metal roof should be inspected at least once or twice per year so you can keep an eye out for any potential issues. On average, metal roofs need to be repainted about every 10 years or so, although the time between painting depends on the paint type and manufacturer. When in doubt, have your roof inspected.

Contact Whirlwind Steel to learn more about energy-efficient paint products for your metal roof.


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