Reconditioning the roof by doing some minor patching and applying a coat of elastomeric paint can lengthen the longevity of the metal roof and enhance the look. Before you begin, recruit a contractor to inspect the roof and repair any damages.

1. Position an extension ladder at the edge of the roof. Extend the ladder so the uppermost rung is at least 3 feet above the edge of the roof. Carry a container of urethane roof cement and a 2-inch wide plastic putty knife onto the roof.
2. Inspect the surface of the roof. Apply a uniform layer of the cement on the heads of rusted fasteners, rust spots and around the upper edges of metal flashing where pipes and vents go through the roof using the putty knife. Allow the cement to cure for one hour.
3. Stage a 5-gallon bucket of elastomeric roof coating near the corner of the roof that's farthest from the ladder. Set up a paint roller with a medium-nap roller pad and attach the roller to a paint pole or broom handle.
4. Dip the roller in the bucket of coating and begin rolling a 3-foot square section of the roof. Blend the coating for a uniform application as you work toward the edges of the roof. Move the bucket several feet and coat another 3-foot section, blending the coating to a uniform application.
5. Continue to move the bucket and apply the coating until you reach the edge of the roof where the ladder is in position. Tie one end of a 1/4-inch rope that's long enough to reach the ground around the handle of the bucket and stage the bucket near the ladder.
6. Coat the final portion of the roof each way of the ladder, leaving a small area to access the ladder. Dip the roller in the coating and use the rope to lower the bucket to the ground. Roll the final section and descend the ladder. Allow the coating to cure overnight.
7. Access the roof using the ladder. Patch any spots of rust that show through the coating with the urethane cement and the putty knife. Allow the cement to cure for one hour and re-coat the patched areas with elastomeric paint and a paint brush.

Things You Will Need

• Extension ladder
• Urethane roof cement
• Plastic putty knife, 2-inch wide
• Elastomeric paint, 5-gallon buckets
• Roller and medium-nap roller pad
• Paint pole or broom handle
• Rope, 1/4-inch
• Utility paint brush

Tip

• Purchase the amount of roof coating needed based on the size of the roof and the amount of coverage as given by the manufacturer. Typically, 1 gallon covers approximately 100 square feet.
• Select the elastomeric coating in a color or tone that suits your preference.

Warning

• Do not work on a roof that's wet or during strong winds or you risk injury.

For more information or to schedule a free estimate, contact Boyd Construction Co Inc online or call 202-223-ROOF

Roof Painting 
Painting a roof can be dependant on what type of material your roof is made of. No matter what material your roof is made of the first step is always to clean your roof.

Cleaning Your Roof
The best way to clean a roof is to use a high pressure power washer, especially those roofs that have a rough surface.  A high pressure washer will help remove the mould from within the pores of the surface. 

Painting a Corrugated Roof
 A new iron roof will need to be washed with a degreaser first, before you start painting.  However if the roof is more than a year old and has weathered more than likely the oil from the fabrication has worn off and the iron will have been slightly etched from the weather, and you will not have to use the degreaser.
Unpainted iron will need to be primed first with a suitable primer, which is also important for any sheets of iron that may have been replaced on an existing roof.
Two coats of recommended paint. The choice of color is up to you.  Remember lighter colors will reflect the heat and darker colors absorb the heat.
The quickest way to paint any roof is with airless spray.  If you decide to paint your roof this way there is a specific technique to applying the paint.

• When you are spraying you should spray about a meter wide section and work your way down the sheet.
• Spray in the direction of the flutes in the iron.
• You can use the joins in the iron as a guide, it is an easy way to tell exactly where you are at.
• Once you have worked your way down the sheet and completed that section move back to the top of the roof and repeat for next sheet of iron.
• You must keep a wet edge at all times going back to the top of the roof before it starts to dry.

Buy rollers that are shaped like corrugated iron. Cut in all the corners and ridge caps. You may need to run the brush down the join in the sheets to get in the slightly raised areas that the roller did not get. 
 
Painting a Tiled Roof 
Painting a tiled or shingle roof is usually because existing glaze has worn off and the roof is looking a bit shabby. 
With tiled roofs there is an issue with ridge capping.  They may need to be repointed  and re-bedded before painting. 
If the color has gone then you will need to sealer the roof first. Apply generously. 
 Again airless spray is the quickest and best way to paint a tiled roof.

• Spray about 4 tiles down from the top and then paint across the roof until you get to the other end.
• Go back to where you started and repeat, spraying about 4 tiles down again then continuing across the roof to the other end.
• Each time you start another section paint up to the bottom edge of the previous tile painted, this will help avoid overlap marks.

 Roof Painting Tips 

• When painting a roof make sure you are able to get back down from the roof without having to walk over wet paint, this can be avoided with a little planning before you start.
• If you are going to use an airless spray gun to paint the roof try to avoid painting on a windy day, there is always some over spray and it can be carried a long way in windy conditions. 
• Check the weather forecast, you don't want to paint your roof if its going to rain and if it is going to be hot I would suggest you start early.

 
 Roof Paint 

•  There are a few choices when it comes to roofing paint and you will need to decide what is best for you and your budget.
• Water based roofing paints would be the preferred paint used for cement tiled roofs and shingle roofs.
• Oil based roofing paints are best suited to iron roofs, if the roof is old and rusty it will help keep the rust at bay. 
• If you have a few extra dollars to spare you could think about getting either one of the heat resistant paints or get an additive to add to your paint. 

As always it's best to reach out to a professional for advice and a free estimate.  Boyd Construction Co Inc is available for roof painting in the Washington DC area.  Contact us online or call 202-223-ROOF.

The most common types of roof coatings are bituminous-based (solvent-based) and polymer-based (water- or solvent-based). When applying a roof coating, be sure to use a product compatible with the substrate on which it will be used. Common substrates include polymer-modified bitumen sheets, single-ply membranes, built-up roof membranes and metal roof panels. Be sure to follow all applicable code requirements. Also, follow appropriate safety measures such as wearing safety glasses, gloves and any other personal protective equipment outlined in the product’s material safety data sheet. To select a roof coating, most manufacturers recommend roofing professionals use ASTM International- or code-compliant products at the proper application rate that meet the requirements of some or all of the following organizations:
 • Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
• FM Global • Cool Roof Rating Council
• Title 24
• ENERGY STAR®
​Although every roof system is different, there are general best practices to follow when applying coatings. 

2. Surface preparation is a critical step when coating a substrate. The area should be clean and dry before coating application. To ensure a clean substrate, inspect the surface for debris and loose dirt, as well as any water near roof imperfections. If using a water-based coating, pressure wash the surface before coating application, and always blow or power broom a surface before applying solvent-based coatings.
3. Prime the surface to promote adhesion if required by the coating manufacturer.

Solvent-based aluminum coatings
1. Always mechanically mix aluminum coatings with an electric drill with an appropriate mixing/stirring bit—rolling the pail on the ground or stirring with a stick do not count.
2. Primer complying with ASTM D41, “Standard Specification for Asphalt Primer Used in Roofing, Dampproofing, and Waterproofing,” should be used sparingly before coating application if needed. An option for aluminum roof coatings (water- or solvent based) is using an asphalt clay emulsion for a base or primer coat.
3. Apply the coating at the manufacturer’s recommended coverage rate and number of coats.
4. Fibrated coating should be applied using a brush or spray. If a roller is used improperly, it may push the fibers away from the coating, leaving the customer with few or no fibers in the coating.
5. Non fibrated coating should be applied using a roller or spray. If a brush is used for application, an uneven coating above the manufacturer's recommended application rate will occur.
6. Always apply aluminum coatings in one direction; application in multiple directions will affect the coating’s aesthetics because of changes in the pattern of the leafing aluminum paste.
7. Use the appropriate spray tip for the specific product and application.

Water-based aluminum coatings
1. If required, mix the coating.
2. Apply the coating at the recommended coverage rate.
3. Typically, water-based aluminum coatings are applied with one coat.
4. Apply the coating using a brush, roller or spray.
5. Use the appropriate spray tip for the specific product and application.
6. Check for pinholes and thickness. Pin holes left unchecked will allow water to migrate under the coating, eventually causing blisters.

For more information or questions on getting your roof aluminized contact Boyd Construction Co Inc for a free estimate.