Has the time come to paint your Windermere roof? Perhaps you’re seeing some fading spots, staining or peeling paint on your metal roof after the previous hurricane season of heavy winds and rain. For those homeowners out there with metal roofs, painting your Windermere roof is an excellent idea to ensure your roof lasts for its expected lifetime. Not only does paint give your roof a renewed fresh look but it also ensures that any sort of rust and damage does not have a chance to set in and cause further harm to your investment.
Metal roofing is incredibly durable and can withstand the elements much better than traditional roofing materials such as shingles. In fact, it is estimated that metal roofs typically last nearly four times longer! However, that does not mean that you can install and forget your metal roof. Just like anything else in life your Windermere roof requires attention and care in order to preserve it and maximize its lifespan. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to paint your roof once more, there are several ways to tell if your roof is in need of a fresh coat of paint. The first and the most obvious one is appearance, if your roof is beginning to look a little lackluster and no longer looks attractive to you then that is certainly a good time to give it a fresh coat of paint. However, if you’re not sure, then perhaps it is a good idea to take a more scientific approach and assess the current condition of your Windermere roof. It is recommended to perform inspections annually in order to ensure your roof remains in great condition. When inspecting your roof keep an eye for these signs that will indicate it’s in need of painting. Common signs of degradation include visible rust, bubbling or flaking paint, chalky appearance, staining, and fading. If you are able to see signs of this wear from the ground, it is a strong indicator that your roof is overdue for a paint job and restoration.
Metal roofs have an exceptional life span that will blow asphalt shingles out of the water. Aluminum or steel shingles that are well maintained can last for over 50 years. Meanwhile, zinc or copper roofs have often lasted for well over 100 years! Impressive isn’t it. However, this doesn’t mean that they are indestructible. To ensure your roof lasts this long you will need to make sure proper maintenance is observed on a regular basis. While some of the more modern high-quality materials will require little to no maintenance, older metal roofs used less durable coating materials that will certainly need attention at some point in their lifetime. However, even newer roof types are susceptible to scratches, scuffs, and chips. As Windermere experiences, a yearly hurricane season of heavy winds and rains, this type of weather can carry abrasive objects that can damage the coating of your roof and result in premature wear that will need to be addressed promptly in order to ensure your roof investment lasts.
As there are many types of metal roofs out there, some that are many decades old, it is highly recommended that you consult with a professional painting company that can assess your roof. Experienced metal roof maintenance and installation companies are well worth the cost in order to have their professional opinion on the type of repair, prep work and painting materials that will provide you with the greatest roof lifespan. Each grade and material of metal roof can react differently with new painting materials: primers, protective coatings and paint itself. The last thing you want is to have your freshly painted Windermere roof begin to peel due to the use of incorrect materials or preparation techniques. Acrylic latex paint is a common type of paint that can be used on bare metal roofing or even to recoat painted metal roofs. Alternatively, oil-based alkyd paint is another very popular option. However, for both of these paints, it is often recommended that you first apply a coat of galvanized metal primer. Not only will it prevent rust but it will also bond better with the paint which will ensure your Windermere roof paint job lasts its expected lifetime.
Your metal roof is an investment in the future value of your home. With new and improved roof coatings and application methods coming out on the market it’s important to protect your investment by maintaining your roof on a regular basis. While cleaning it is a good start, you may eventually find it necessary to repaint your roof. Make sure you follow the tips above to get the most out of your roof. Most importantly, interview and connect with a roofing contractor that is experienced working with metal roofs and can navigate the complex needs of chemical reactions to help you pick the right paint and primer that will last.