Can Metal Roofs In Hudson Valley Be Painted?

Metal roofs can be painted. In fact, it is encouraged for metal roofs to be painted as painting them can provide a range of different benefits for both cosmetic and economic reasons. Properly painting a roof is a hefty task, and there are several different factors that you should take into account when deciding what paint you should use. These factors can help determine the life and longevity of your roof, as well as your overall costs and the amount of time you invest.

What Are the Benefits of Painting Your Metal Roof?

A fresh paint job can give your Hudson Valley home the curb appeal that many homeowners look for. Well-designed and thoughtful applications of paint can help display some of your personality, charm, and interests without having to say a word. Paint can be a powerful cosmetic tool that helps to turn a house into a home.

The same is true for your roof. However, when it comes to painting your metal roof, there are more benefits of a well-done paint application that people may not be aware of. Using the correct paint on your roof can save you money, and a lot of it. Some of the important things to consider when selecting which paint is right for you are:

• Your location. Where you live and the climate that you regularly experience should play a large role in your decision when choosing what paint is best for you. Temperature and frequency of storms are important factors to consider.
• The color. Different colors of paint have different effects on your roof, especially when it comes to heat absorption and light reflection. Darker colors will absorb more heat, making them ideal for colder regions. Lighter colors, on the other hand, are better at reflecting light and heat, making them a better choice for areas with hotter temperatures.
• Type of paint. Paint is unique, and each type of paint is designed to work well with certain materials. For metal roofs, you typically want to go with paints that fight against corrosion and are energy efficient.

What Are the Different Kinds of Paint?

When painting a metal roof, there are several different options you can choose from. The two most popular choices when it comes to painting a metal roof are acrylic latex and oil-based alkyds. Acrylic latex paints are best for painting over old coats of paint or on newly installed roofs.

Oil-based alkyds are best used in combination with a galvanized metal primer that ensures excellent coverage and precision. Knowing which kind of paint to use can be very specific to your unique situation and requires an understanding of many different factors. It’s recommended that you consult with metal roofing and painting professionals before you make any major decisions.

How Often Should I Repaint My Roof?

In general, it’s recommended that you repaint your Hudson Valley roof every 10 years. This doesn’t have to be a full re-coat, but you should check for wear-and-tear at around this mark. Doing a full re-coat can provide additional protection, however. Just be sure to use primer so that the paint will stick.

Be sure to check if there are any warranties on the paint that you use, as a large majority of manufacturers provide one with their paint. Each manufacturer’s warranty lasts for a different amount of time and covers different things, so it would be beneficial to look into and understand what your options are. Painting over a current coating of paint can void the warranty.

Common Mistakes

Metal roofs have paint that is specifically designed for them, so be careful to select paint that is intended for their use to avoid any unwanted trouble. You want to make sure you are getting the most out of your roof that promotes its built-in benefits. One example of a commonly seen mistake with metal roofs is using leftover paint from previous jobs. This may seem convenient at first, but odds are that you either don’t have the correct paint, or enough of it.

Not using a sealant is another huge mistake that can cause a number of different issues. Sealant is essential, as it will ensure the paint is kept in place, thus increasing its lifespan and giving it extra protection. You don’t want to forget to apply sealant and see your paint start to flake or peel off, especially only after a year or two.

Forgetting to wash the roof before painting is another mistake that can cause issues pretty quickly. You want to make sure to give the roof a thorough cleaning to remove all dirt, dust, and any other grime. Power wash to remove all traces of contaminants and leave adequate time for it to dry. Applying paint over surfaces that haven’t been cleaned can lead to the paint not sticking, cracks, and much more.

How Much Does Painting a Roof Cost?

As things currently stand, it’s estimated that getting a metal roof fully painted will cost anywhere between $1,500 to $3,500. This cost includes the pre and post paint work done to the roof, such as cleaning and applying sealant. The cost per square foot is roughly around $1.25 to $2.65, but this changes depending on location and other factors. The best way to know what your prices will accurately look like in Hudson Valley would be to contact the roofing professionals in your area and get a quote for your home. These should be easy to complete and will help give you a better understanding of the market and what your options are.

Select Your Paint With Confidence

Whether you already have a metal roof or are interested in purchasing one, you should approach painting knowing how it will impact your home. The paint you choose can have lifelong effects on your home and happiness, especially considering that a properly maintained metal roof can last up to 70 years. Taking the time to speak with the experts when it comes to deciding your next steps can give you the confidence you need to make the right decision.