For years, your metal roof has served you well by maintaining its structural integrity, keeping your energy costs low, and protecting your home, business, or barn from the elements. But in the long lifespan of a metal roof, there may come a time when signs of wear begin to appear. Understanding how to repaint a metal roof will help you to restore and revitalize your roof’s appearance, extend its lifespan, and allow it to maintain the excellent protection it provides.
Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or property manager, it’s important to note that repainting a metal roof requires more than just a few buckets of paint; before you begin you’ll need to study up on the proper preparation, tools, and techniques to ensure the new finish adheres properly—and lasts for decades to come.
Why Repaint Your Metal Roof?
Metal roofs are known for their durability and longevity, but even the highest-quality metal roofing materials can show signs of wear over time, including fading, peeling, chalking, or minor surface rust. A fresh coat of paint can dramatically improve your property’s appearance, curb appeal, and even its overall property value. It’s also much more cost effective to repaint your roof than to replace it altogether.
Repainting your metal roof also offers several important benefits beyond the realm of surface aesthetic. A fresh paint job means renewed protection for your building by adding an additional barrier against moisture, UV rays, and other corrosive elements that can compromise your roof over time.
Additionally, opting to repaint using light-colored paint shades can allow your roof to reflect even more sunlight, helping you reduce cooling costs and optimize your building’s energy efficiency during our hot summers here in the Gulf South.
There are a few telltale signs that indicate it might be time for a refresh. These indicators often include:
- Significant fading or color changes across large areas of your roof
- Chalking (powdery residue on the surface of your roof)
- Smaller areas of surface rust (as opposed to structural rust)
- Scratches or scuffs that expose your roof’s underlying metal
- When your roof is 10–15 years old and showing obvious wear
How to Repaint a Metal Roof: A Step by Step Guide
After you’ve assessed and inspected your roof and determined that it’s an appropriate time of year to undertake a painting project, you’ll want to follow these five steps.
1. Project Preparation
Safety First
Working on any roof is an inherently dangerous undertaking. No matter your level of expertise, be sure to make use of proper safety equipment including non-slip shoes and safety harnesses. Work only in good weather conditions, opting for a time when the forecast predicts several consecutive dry days; avoid painting on days that predict rainstorms, high humidity, high winds, or temperatures exceeding 85°F or falling below 50°F.
It’s important to note that if during your initial inspection, you discover extensive rust, damaged panels, or structural issues, contact a professional roofer rather than attempting a DIY paint job, as the building may no longer be structurally sound. Or, consider replacing your compromised roof and installing a new metal roof from a dependable roofing company like ADCO Metals. With six decades of experience, our experts can make sure your metal roof stays safe and sound for years to come.
Gather Your Materials
In learning how to repaint a metal roof for the very first time, some key materials you’ll need to acquire include the following:
- Ladder or roof scaffolding
- Gloves, goggles, and protective clothing
- Pressure washer or hose with high-pressure nozzle
- Wire brushes, scrapers, and sandpaper (80–120 grit) for surface preparation
- High-quality metal roof primer designed for metal roofs
- Premium acrylic latex paint formulated specifically for metal roofs
- Brushes, rollers, or spray equipment for paint application
- Cleaning supplies (mild detergent, water, rags)
- Drop cloths and painters to protect any surrounding areas from stray paint splatters
2. Cleaning and Surface Preparation
Surface preparation is undoubtedly the most critical step for a long-lasting paint job. Cutting any corners during this step will render the new paint job useless as paint won’t adhere atop dirt, rust, oils, mildew, or other residues. At this stage, be sure to replace or repair any damaged parts before beginning the painting process, and check and tighten any loose fasteners that you encounter.
Start by removing all the obvious debris, leaves, and dirt from your roof surface. You can opt for a pressure washer or hose with a high-pressure nozzle to remove dirt, debris, and loose paint. Then, work your way across the roof with a mild detergent solution and soft-bristled brush to clean the entire surface, paying special attention to areas with any mildew or staining.
You’ll want to take extra care removing loose or flaking paint with wire brushes or scrapers. Then, sand any glossy surfaces lightly to help new paint adhere, and address any rust spots by sanding to bare metal, treating them with a rust converter if necessary.
Once you’ve scoured the area, rinse the surface thoroughly and allow the entire roof to dry completely before moving to the next step. This can take between 24–48 hours depending on the humidity in your area.
3. Prime the Surface of Your Roof
Now you’re ready to apply a high-quality primer designed specifically for metal roofing. This step is essential for proper paint adhesion and long-term durability. Use thin, even coats and allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding.
4. Paint Choice and Application
Choose a premium acrylic latex paint specifically formulated for metal roofs. These paints offer excellent adhesion, flexibility, and weather resistance. In terms of color choice, keep in mind that lighter colors reflect more heat and can help reduce cooling costs, whereas darker colors may better hide minor imperfections.
Once you’ve chosen your paint type and color, apply it in thin, even coats using your brushes, rollers, or spray equipment, working efficiently and in manageable sections. Remember to maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks, following the natural lines and seams of your roof panels. Wait for the first coat to dry (typically 4–6 hours) before applying a second if deemed necessary by the manufacturer.
5. Clean-Up and Inspection
At this point, you’re finally ready to wrap up your project. Remove all your equipment and materials from the roof area, and then inspect your work for any missed spots or areas that need touch-ups. Clean your tools promptly according to paint manufacturer recommendations, and congratulate yourself on learning how to repaint a metal roof firsthand!
Know When to Call in the Professionals
While some home and business owners can successfully repaint their own metal roofs, certain situations may require professional expertise. Exceptionally steep or high roofs can pose implicit safety risks, along with extensive rust or any preexisting structural damage. If you suspect a lead-based paint may have been used in the initial paint job, definitely consult a professional before sanding.
Commercial buildings or large residential properties may simply be too large-scale for an efficient DIY paint job. Always remember that professional roofers have the expertise, equipment, and insurance to handle complex repainting projects. With nearly six decades of experience at our disposal, ADCO Metals can offer in-depth advice on how to repaint a metal roof safely and effectively.
Maintenance Tips for Newly Repainted Metal Roofs
Once you’ve repainted your metal roof, proper maintenance will help you to protect your investment—and the hours of labor you’ve poured into your project.
- Clean gutters regularly to prevent water backup
- Trim overhanging tree branches that could scratch the newly painted surface
- Inspect your roof annually (even seasonally if necessary) for signs of wear, rust, or damage
- Clean your roof at least once a year with mild detergent and a hose
- Address any issues promptly with minor touch-ups to prevent more extensive issues from arising down the line
- Consider professional inspections every few years
Trust ADCO Metals for Your Metal Roofing Needs
At ADCO Metals, we’re happy to help you learn how to repaint a metal roof to better protect your home, business, or agricultural equipment. Whether you’re considering repainting your existing roof or exploring new metal roofing options to upgrade your building projects, our experienced team is here to help.
ADCO experts have been serving the communities of the Gulf South with quality metal roofing products and advice for nearly 60 years; our service radius includes our locations in Lacombe, Carriere, Hattiesburg, Walker, and many cities beyond in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas.
If you have additional questions about metal roofing maintenance, materials, siding, or paneling, feel free to browse our FAQs, fill out our contact form for a free estimate, or call (985) 882-3222 or (601) 798-4600 to speak with our team.
