Getting your roof painted not only does wonders for the look of your property, but the right paint can also prolong the life of your roof. Many property owners don’t realise the power of roof paint until they see how can greatly improve curb appeal and provide a number of additional benefits.
Today, modern roofing paint does more than add colour to property but is also specifically formulated to achieve outstanding results. In our latest post, we explore everything you need to know about roof painting and a number of tips that can help you breathe new life into your roof.
Why You Should Paint Your Roof
Roofing paint offers a range of benefits that heavily outweighs any roof painting cost as it provides the roof with surface protection.
Asphalt shingles and terracotta tiles are porous and as such, they aren’t impervious to dirt, grime and mildew. Without a protective layer on your roof, these accumulations will deteriorate your shingles or tiles over time resulting in costly repairs.
It enhances thermal efficiency, by reflecting UV light ensuring your roof doesn’t overheat during the summer months. The lower a roof surface temperature is, the less heat it radiates into your home.
Moreover, a fresh coat of paint is an easy and affordable way to improve the curb appeal of your property. While it is an area that is rarely seen, a freshly painted roof will have a dramatic effect on the aesthetics of your home.
Types Of Roof Paints
There are several types of coatings available on the market, each with its own benefits. Not all coatings are acceptable or compatible on all roof surfaces and require expert knowledge to determine and apply.
Concrete Tile Paints
There’s no doubt that concrete tile roofs are long-lasting. However, as they are porous. As such, they still require a fair share of maintenance and restoration to keep them in top condition. Concrete paint is specifically designed to provide long-term protection against the weathering effects of rain, sun and wind.
Metal Paint
Metal roofs are susceptible to rust, so it’s important to use paint that will protect them from the elements. Combining a high-quality primer with rust-inhibiting paint will help to keep your metal roof in good condition for years.
Terracotta Paint
A common question many property owners ask is ‘Can terracotta roof tiles be repainted?’ It is possible to recolour or repaint terracotta roof tiles, provided that the tiles are prepared adequately beforehand. Terracotta paint and glaze are designed to protect the tiles from fading, staining and other weather elements.
Asphalt Shingle Roof Paint
There are a variety of paints that are specifically designed for asphalt shingles roofs. Acrylic-based paints are often the best option as they both improve the look of a roof, while protecting it from harsh weather elements and UV rays from the sun.
How To Paint A Roof
Roofing often suffers damage from moisture, cracks and a lack of maintenance. A fresh coat of paint can help protect your roof tiles from breaking down, ultimately expanding their lifespan. However, there are a number of considerations that need to be taken into account before you embark on this project.
Inspection
A good roofing paint job starts with a thorough inspection of the roof surface. this is to identify any areas that will need special attention during surface preparation and prepping. Cracks, holes and damaged shingles will affect the results of the paint job and need to be addressed first.
Surface Preparation
Preparation is the most crucial step in painting your roof. Your roof should be free of any dirt or debris as this may hamper paint adhesion and their overall results. This can be done by brushing it lightly with a stiff bristle brush and thoroughly cleaning it with high-pressure water.
Painting
Once preparation is complete it is important to ensure the roof is completely dry before you start painting. Most paints require a high-quality primer to ensure longevity and water resistance. It will also ensure a smooth surface on which the paint can sit. It is important to work in small sections allowing the paint sufficient time to dry before you begin applying a second coat.
Be sure to remove and cover up any surfaces that are vulnerable to overspray and spills. Similarly, it is be sure to check the weather. Damp, rainy and overcast weather can hamper the dry time of the paint and can even wash it away, ultimately compromising its final appearance.
Let Us Help You With Your Roof!
Professional roofers spend years working on their craft, learning how to identify potential problems with the specific roofing material that they are working with and how to properly prepare and paint your roof without causing any further damage.
If your roof is in need of a fresh coat of paint, let the experts at Water Attack Pressure Washing help you. We have extensive experience painting tiles, roofs and other surfaces that are prone to weathering and offer a wide range of pressure washing services to suit your needs. If you are looking to spruce up your home or business, contact us today to find out how we can help you.