Paint, a brush, a roller and a special gun are all things you will need when painting a tin roof. This will give it a refreshed look without having to replace it. How to do it?
The roof is an indispensable element not only of residential houses, but also of any outbuildings, service and other buildings. One of the most commonly used finishing materials is tile – flat or imitating ceramic tile. It is cheaper and lighter (even ten times).
However, it happens that over the years atmospheric conditions, such as sunlight or precipitation, make the roof full of dirt, faded spots and peeling. This makes it look much older and certainly not aesthetically pleasing.
Moreover, the appearance of such a roof affects the perception of the entire house and property. So, if it is in a bad condition, then you need to change it quickly.
Fortunately, there is no need to go through the costly and time-consuming process of roofing replacement. You can just as well paint your roof – either by hiring professionals or by yourself. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started painting a tin roof.
Painting a roof requires the right paint. Here, the choice is simple – either primer and enamel designed for tin surfaces, or primer-enamel, a version without primer. The advantage of the latter is that the whole process is much more efficient and faster.
Each product should be fast-drying, resistant to moisture, UV rays and have very good adhesion to the surface.
You will also need accessories. Paint can be applied with a spray gun, a brush with soft bristles or a roller. Spraying works well for flat roofs, where there are not many folds or unevenness. It is also faster than a brush application, but not as accurate. It is with a brush that we can reach the smallest nooks and crannies, and places that are difficult to access, but it requires time, patience and precision.
When we have all the necessary products and tools we can get down to work. However, the weather is also of great importance here. Let’s check the forecast, whether high winds, fog and precipitation await us. A damp roof is not suitable for painting. Choose a sunny day, but not a hot one.
As for the temperature, it is best to carry out the whole process when thermometers indicate between 10 and 35 degrees Celsius. This is important, because it has a big impact on the speed of drying of all layers and on the later effect.
The roof surface must be properly prepared. Thorough cleaning and degreasing is crucial. Any corrosion should be removed with a wire brush or sandpaper. The same goes for the peeling layer. The entire surface should be thoroughly rinsed. The sheet metal should be dry, smooth and ready to receive paint.
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Regardless of whether we have primer and enamel or primer and enamel, we must remember to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, especially when it comes to the time that must pass before applying the next layer. We usually apply the paint twice.
Work from the edges, rivets, screws and folds, from top to bottom, in the same direction. Avoid multiple brush strokes in one place. The resulting lumps can adversely affect the quality and durability of the coating.
When painting a metal roof, it is necessary to remember that the applied layers should be of equal thickness. This will not only preserve the great visual effect of the new roof, but will also have a positive impact on its durability and elasticity (the paint will not crack due to shrinkage and expansion of the sheet caused by temperature fluctuations).
