In the US, painting a metal roof costs an average of about $2,300. The typical range, however, is between $1,100 – $3,600.
With that kind of money on the line, it’s no wonder that many homeowners wonder if they can DIY the job.
So, can you paint a roof on your own or not?
You definitely can, but in doing so, you’re putting yourself at risk of accidents. Incorrect painting methods can also cause the coat to degrade early. Paint degradation, in turn, may lead to the premature failure of the entire roof itself.
We’ll explore all these potential drawbacks of DIY paint jobs below, so be sure to read on.
The Dangers of Falls
In the US, accidents involving falls from height lead to 374 million work injuries each year. Take note that these incidents happen to workers themselves. If they can happen to pros, imagine how much riskier it is for an untrained individual.
That should be enough reason to hire expert roof painters rather than doing it yourself.
Incorrect Surface Preparation Can Lead to More Expenses
According to https://www.brilliancepaintingservices.com.au/, surface cleaning and preparation is vital prior to a paint job. Preparing surfaces helps to ensure a long-lasting, quality paint finish. That’s because any contaminant on a surface can result in a loss of paint adherence.
Now, keep in mind that your roof, as exposed as it is, can quickly collect debris. Such “contaminants” can include dust, soil, grease, pollen, and even salts.
If you paint over these, the coating material won’t stick properly to the surface of the roof. Debris introduces a tiny bit of air into the paint, so it won’t be long before the paint forms bubbles. Bubbling, in turn, can make your roof paint crack and chip earlier.
These paint damages then expose sections of your roof. This means that there’s no longer any paint that protects them from the elements. These exposed areas will degrade over time and may result in your roof springing leaks.
When Then Can You Paint a Roof?
If you’re a professional building painter, then, by all means, feel free to DIY the task. If not, then you should consider leaving the task in the hands of licensed painting experts. Not only will they do an expert job, but they’ll also complete it in much less time than you likely can.
It may also be safe for you to paint low-lying roof components, such as gutters and downspouts. The same goes for the roof’s fascia and soffit.
You may consider doing so if they’re not set too high, such as if you can reach them from the second-bottom step of a ladder. Just be sure to also follow the 4 to 1 ladder ratio rule.
Don’t Risk It: Hire Professional Painters Instead
There you have it, your ultimate explanation to the question, “can you paint a roof?” As you can see, it’s not about permissibility; it’s more of your ability to do the paint job in a safe and proper way. To keep accidents at bay and ensure your roof’s paint job lasts long, then don’t DIY but go with a pro instead.
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