Things to Know About Choosing the Best Roof Coating for Your Metal Roof

When it comes to maintaining the longevity and aesthetic appeal of a metal roof, selecting the right coating is paramount. A well-chosen coating not only enhances the appearance and extends the life of your roof while also providing essential protection against the elements. This guide will walk you through the best options for metal roof coatings, helping you make an informed decision. Also available on YouTube is a video on How to Restore a Metal Roof

Why Metal Roof Coatings Matter

Metal roofs are known for their durability, longevity, and energy efficiency. However, they are still susceptible to damage from environmental factors such as UV rays, moisture, oxidation (rust) and temperature fluctuations. Applying a protective metal roof coating can significantly extend the life of your metal roof by:

• Preventing Rust and Corrosion: Coatings act as a barrier between the metal and environmental factors that cause rust and corrosion.
• Enhancing Energy Efficiency: Reflective metal roof coatings can reduce heat absorption, keeping your home or building cooler and reducing energy costs.
• Improving Aesthetics: Roof Coatings can rejuvenate the appearance of an old roof, providing a fresh, clean look in any color.
• Extending Roof Life: By protecting against wear and tear by adding a layer of elastomeric ceramic metal roof coating, it can prolong the life of your roof, saving you money on repairs and replacements.

Types of Metal Roof Coatings

1. Acrylic Coatings
• Pros: Affordable, UV-resistant, flexible, and easy to apply.
• Cons: Less effective against ponding water and may require more frequent reapplication.
• Best For: Mild climates with minimal standing water issues.
2. Silicone Coatings
• Pros: Excellent UV resistance, effective against ponding water, and long-lasting.
• Cons: More expensive and can be slippery when wet.
• Best For: Areas with heavy rainfall or standing water problems.
3. Elastomeric Coatings
• Pros: Highly flexible, excellent for expanding and contracting surfaces, and good UV resistance.
• Cons: Can be more expensive and may require multiple coats.
• Best For: Areas with extreme temperature fluctuations.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Coating

1. Climate: The local weather conditions play a crucial role in determining the best type of coating. For example, silicone coatings are ideal for rainy areas with ponding water, while acrylic coatings work well on well-draining roofs in any climate.
2. Roof Condition: Assess the current condition of your metal roof. If it has significant wear and tear, a more robust coating like silicone might be necessary.
3. Budget: Your budget will also influence your choice. While some coatings are more expensive, they might offer better long-term value through durability and reduced maintenance costs.
4. Ease of Application: Some coatings are easier to apply than others. If you plan to do it yourself, consider a user-friendly option like acrylic or elastomeric coatings.
5. Desired Lifespan: Consider how long you want the coating to last. While silicone coatings offer long-term protection, they come at a higher upfront cost.

Application Tips

We are going to cover the major steps to applying an elastomeric metal roof coating on your metal roof for the best results.

Step 1: Visual Inspection and Replacement of Damaged Building Materials

The substrate and roof to be coated must be in SOUND condition. Physically inspect and repair or replace all damaged areas back to sound and solid condition.

Step 2: Pressure Cleaning

Pressure clean entire roof surface using a water and chlorine solution to remove all surface contaminants. When the roof is completely cleaned, rinse with water only and let it dry for at least 12 hours before continuing with the project. These coatings have excellent topside mildew protection but will not kill mildew already on the surface.

STEP#3: SPOT PRIME or FIRST COAT PRIMER (If Roof has NO VISIBLE SURFACE RUST, Proceed to Step#4:)

Rusted, Oxidized or Corroded metals need to be properly prepared to remove all flaking and scaling areas by scraping, sanding, wire brushing or sand blasting. If less than 40% Rust, Spot Prime prepared areas or, if Rust is Greater than 40% Full Coat with a liberal coat of METAL-PRIME RED-OX™ using: 1- brush, 2- at least a one-inch nap roller, or 3- at least a one gallon per minute piston type airless sprayer with a .027 minimum tip size. Remove all line filters and gun filters before spraying. Apply the METAL-PRIME RED-OX™ at a rate of 100-150 square feet per gallon covering the prepared area or entire roof surface. Wet film thickness of 12-16 mils resulting in a dry film thickness of 8-12 mils. Let METAL-PRIME RED-OX™ dry at least 4 hours before continuing

Step 4: Repair Surface and Patching Imperfections

Patch and Caulk using PERMAPATCH™ on all cracks, crevices, fractures etc. Do not apply PERMAPATCH™ to rusted areas, METAL-PRIME RED-OX™ must be applied before using PERMAPATCH™ in any rusted areas.

Step 5: Taping Seams (If Applicable, otherwise proceed to Step #5)

Tape all visible seams, valleys, large cracks and fractures prone to water intrusion on roof surface. Apply a liberal coat of primer and lay the PERMATAPE™ directly onto the wet primer. Tape must be put down before primer starts drying, about 15 minutes. After all areas are taped allow it to dry for 1-2 hours.

Step 6: Primer Coat

Be sure the entire surface is clean and free of all moisture. Apply PERMABOND™ primer coat using a one-inch nap roller, paint brush or a one gallon per minute or better airless sprayer machine with recommended tip size of .021. Apply perpendicular to the slope of the roof. This begins a checkerboard application process for the best results of the coating system. Wet MILS of 12-16 results in a dry thickness of 4-7 mils. Let the primer dry for 4 hours before continuing with the project.

Step 7: First Coat of Roof Coating

Be sure the entire surface is clean and free of all moisture. Apply the first coat of roof coating using a one-inch nap roller, paint brush or a one gallon per minute or better airless sprayer machine with recommended tip size of .025. Apply the first coat perpendicular to the primer coat. Apply the first coat at rate of 125 square feet per gallon per coat over entire roof surface. Wet film thickness 14-16 mils and dries to 8-10 mils.

Step 8: Second Coat of Roof Coating

Be sure the entire surface is clean and free of all moisture. Apply the second coat of roof coating using a one-inch nap roller, paint brush or a one gallon per minute or better airless sprayer machine with recommended tip size of .025. Apply the second coat perpendicular to the first coat. Let dry 24 hours before final evaluation.

 Step 9: Final Evaluation

Now a detailed evaluation of the completed job will determine the quality of the workmanship and whether strict specifications have been met. Check that all roof areas are completely coated and sealed under permanently placed roof items such as roof top air conditioning units. Divide the roof into 1,000 square foot sections and randomly check one spot in each section for a dry film thickness of 20 mils with primer or 16 mils without. Remember to touch up the spot check areas made by the dry film gauge. If specs have not been met, recoat the entire roof or deficient areas. 

Once the job is done, the clean-up is a breeze with soap and water. Any warranty paperwork should be completed and returned to Nationwide within 90 days of completing the project. Nationwide Protective Coatings warranties are renewable and transferable.

Selecting the best coating for your metal roof requires careful consideration of various factors, including climate, budget, and the current condition of your roof. By understanding the pros and cons of each type of coating, you can make an informed decision that will enhance the durability and appearance of your metal roof for years to come.

Ready to give your metal roof the protection it deserves? Contact us today for expert advice. Let’s keep your roof in top shape, no matter the weather!

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