Top 5 Types of Paint for Metal Roofing and Rust Jobs and How to Apply Them
Without additional treatment, all metal eventually becomes covered with traces of rust. This is especially true for roofing materials that are constantly in contact with the environment. Therefore, finding the right metal roof paint to fight rust is so important. In addition, it is recommended to process the roof with such materials every 10 years.
Requirements for painting for roofing work
The roof paint must meet the following requirements:
- resistance to precipitation and other adverse factors;
- sufficient elasticity;
- the ability to expand when heated without losing its original properties;
- uniform color that does not fade under the influence of sunlight;
- suitable for various types of roofing materials including ferrous metal.
An important quality of roof paint is the presence of anti-corrosion properties. For processing the roof, it is recommended to use materials that can be applied at low (but not negative) temperatures.
Varieties of formulations used
A number of installers do not recommend using alkyd and oil paints, as well as water-based materials for roofing.This is explained by the fact that after drying, the surface remains inelastic. However, modern oil and alkyd paints contain additives that have eliminated this drawback.
Oil
Oil paints are popular because they are cheaper than other similar finishing materials. Such a coating is usually applied to metal roofs during the manufacturing phase for transport protection. However, it is not recommended to use such compositions for painting the roof, since such products:
- do not create the required protection for the roof;
- low elasticity, as a result of which the material begins to crack in the first season;
- dulls early as the pigments are destroyed by the sun.
Despite the above, the service life of the coating is 3-5 years. After that, the roof must be repainted.
alkyd
The advantages of alkyd paints include a wide palette of shades. However, this material has several drawbacks. The main disadvantage of such compositions is rapid fading in the sun. In addition, alkyd compositions without special additives do not differ in increased elasticity, and therefore they crack early.
Despite the above, such paints and varnishes can be used for roofing. But for these purposes, it is recommended to purchase alkyd-urethane mixtures, which prevent the occurrence of deep corrosion. You should also consider the option with a Zinga branded product. These alkyd paints contain zinc, which protects the roof against external influences for 10 years.
Acrylic
Acrylic compounds are more often used for roofing, as they create an elastic and durable coating, the service life of which reaches 10 years.Such materials are more expensive than oil or alkyd materials. But this disadvantage is mitigated by the durability of the coating.
The advantages of alkyd compositions include increased adhesive properties. The material can be applied to metal without prior priming. If necessary, an already painted surface is treated with alkyd compounds. In this case, only the peeling or cracked paint should be removed.
acrylic rubber
This product is considered optimal for roofing. Rubber paints are characterized by the following characteristics:
- heat resistance;
- moisture resistance;
- increased grip;
- the color remains with prolonged exposure to the sun;
- provide metal corrosion protection;
- increased elasticity, due to which the coating can withstand temperature extremes.
Rubber alkyd paints have a long life. The material is easy to apply and does not emit unpleasant odors. After processing, a layer forms on the roof that resists mechanical stress and prevents the development of microorganisms and mold. This material is suitable for painting various types of metal.
Serebryanka
Serebryanka is a finely dispersed aluminum powder which is first mixed with varnish. In the latter, before application to the surface, a solvent is added to obtain the desired consistency.
This composition gives silver the following properties:
- the coating is durable and does not peel off over time;
- provides protection against external influences;
- after drying, a layer is formed that repeats the texture of the base;
- the service life with constant contact with water is 3 years (average - 7 years);
- resistance to temperature extremes;
- nontoxic;
- dries quickly.
Silver cannot be used near open sources of fire: the container containing the paint may explode.
Tools needed for the job
For painting the roof, it is recommended to use all available tools used in such cases:
- Brushes. Necessary for painting small parts, transitions and joints. When processing the roof, it is recommended to use horsehair brushes with a diameter of 6-6.5 cm, which leave less streaks.
- Roller skates. Used to paint large, hard-to-reach areas. It is recommended to take collapsible rollers so that it is possible to quickly update the tool, and with fine bristles.
- Spray. This tool allows an even distribution of the paint on the surface, thus reducing the consumption of material. In addition, sprayers speed up the work done.
Felt-soled shoes are recommended. This material is non-slip and will not damage fresh upholstery.
Roof painting procedure
Before painting the roof, you must:
- remove old paint;
- clean dirt;
- wipe off rust;
- rinse and dry the iron;
- apply a primer (if necessary).
It is recommended to carry out the work on a clear day, since the sun makes it possible to see small defects and rust residues. It should be painted at temperatures from +10 to +25 degrees (optimum conditions are indicated on the package with the paint).
New metal roof
A new metal roof is painted according to the following algorithm:
- The layer of oil paint applied during production is removed.
- A discrete area is being processed. This is done in order to assess whether the paint is suitable for a particular metal and the chosen color.
- The first layer is applied.
- After the first layer dries, the second and the next are applied (according to the recommendations of the manufacturer of the paint and varnish material).
The drying time depends on the properties of the chosen paint. Basically, it takes 12 hours. During the first week after painting, contact of the applied coating with water should be avoided.
old iron roof
The painting of the old iron roof is carried out according to the same algorithm as the new one. But in this case, the roof should be primed regardless of the recommendations of the manufacturer of the paint and varnish material. You also need to clean the metal from rust and other defects.
When processing such a roof, it is recommended to apply a small amount of paint to an inconspicuous area. After drying on old metal, the material does not always acquire the desired shade.
Slate
For slate, you can use water-based paints, silicone or acrylic compounds. Such a roof is also pre-primed. It is recommended to paint the slate on the floor using sprayers and brushes with hard bristles.
Rollers are not used in this case. This is because slate has a corrugated surface. Therefore, it is impossible to evenly paint the entire roof with a roller.
Precautionary measures
When painting the roof, installers should use a rope to secure their bodies to a reliable support. It is recommended to carry out the work with a respirator and a protective suit, regardless of the type of tools and materials used. If possible, it should be painted from a stepladder, or the composition should be applied to the roof laid on the ground.