Restore the look of your corrugated iron roof by effectively cleaning and painting it

Posted on: 1 December 2015

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While you may only be able to see sections of it at any one time, the condition of your roof plays a huge role in the overall look of your house.

If you have everything from your garden to your windows in immaculate condition, but you fail to look after your roof, the entire structure will look shabby. People will often paint their fences and walls, but forget about their roofs.

Painting your roof is something that can be very rewarding, provided you keep yourself safe at all times. Here is some advice on how to paint your corrugated iron roof, so that it looks fresh and appealing

Cleaning the roof

As with any painting, you need to give the surface a comprehensive clean so that the paint will stick on effectively. The method of cleaning your roof depends on the tools that you have at your disposal.

The preferred option is to use a high power pressure washer if you have one. This will get into all the creases and crevices that make up a roof. If you do not have a pressure washer, you can use a brush and hose to do the job. You will need to use a chemical solution when using this method as the mould and other stains are very stubborn if they are not tackled with high pressure.

Painting a roof that is made of corrugated iron

If the iron roof is new, you will have to degrease it before you begin as there will still be oils left on the surface from the fabrication period. If the roof is more than a year old, it will have weathered enough that you do not have to do this.

You need to apply a coat of primer to the surface to begin with, as this will provide a good base for the paint to stick to. You should then proceed to apply two coats of paint to the roof. The choice of colour is up to you, but always keep in mind that darker colours will absorb more heat and lighter ones will reflect heat.

The most effective and easiest method to paint the roof is to use an airless sprayer. You should start from the highest point of the roof and work your way down, as this enable you to follow the direction of the sheets.

You can use rollers that are specifically for painting iron roofs but it can be a lengthy process as you will have to cut in all of the corners and caps. If you have more questions about roof restoration, contact companies like Roof Plus.