Painting Aluminum Roofing

Fibered or asphalt aluminum would be dull in appearance.

Painting aluminum roofing.

Aluminum is seldom available in an acrylic product due to the extreme volatility of suspending an aluminum powder in a water based product. For truly greasy or dirty aluminum siding or other outdoor pieces use a commercial degreaser in the power washer or sprayed on the surface to ensure it is as clean as possible and ready to take on primer and paint. More than likely it sounds like a traditional aluminum oil based paint on the roof itself. Oil based alkyd paint may also be used with an appropriate galvanized metal primer.

To paint a metal roof you ll need to use an oil based paint if you have a terne metal roof or an acrylic based paint if you have a galvanized metal roof. A topcoat doesn t eliminate the need for a good primer the topcoat seals your paint but the primer makes the paint adhere properly. Water resistant metal roofing paint for example can be of great value if you live in a rainy area. Not using a sealant another mistake is to forget or ignore using a sealant before the application of the metal paint.

A good coat of paint goes a long way in extending the life of any quality aluminum roof. Apply a cold water and phosphoric acid mixture to prepare the aluminum surfaces to accept and cling to paint. Not only is it affordable but aluminum roofing is also long lasting and environmentally friendly. If you have an aluminum roof or are considering installing one keep in mind the importance of maintaining your roof properly.

However this paint must specify that it can be used on aluminum. It tends to blow the lid off the cans. You ll also need to purchase a primer designed for metal roofs. The roof must be thoroughly cleaned before any primer is added.

Aluminum roofing is very popular because it offers many advantages. Acrylic latex paint is a good choice for bare metal roofs and to go over old paint. A pre mixed solution of this type can be found in most paint stores under the name aluma prep made by amchem. And one of the greatest advantages of aluminum roofing is its energy efficient quality.

If the aluminum is outside use a power washer to remove all grit and grime that can stick to the aluminum surface. You can also use oil based alkyd paint but. Most aluminum paints need to be put on in several layers the primer and then several layers. Aluminum roof paint should be oil based.

If you re not sure what kind of roof you have ask a professional roofer to inspect it before you paint it.