Australia is known for its tough climate – and whether you live in Melbourne or Perth, the strong sun, harsh winds, and rain will batter your roof. So, how do you give your roof the best chance it’s got to live a long life, without breaking the bank?
Roof coatings can offer protection against the very worst of Australian conditions.
What Is a Roof Coating?
Roof coating, or roof paint, is a protective layer applied to the top of your roof to improve its appearance and durability. Roof paints offer strength against salt-laden winds, heavy downpours, and strong UV rays – all of which can damage your roof. If left without protection, you might face expensive repairs down the line or even the need for a roof restoration.
Is Roof Paint Important?
Depending on the material of your roof surface, roof paint can protect your home. Roof tiles are often porous, meaning they absorb water and develop cracks, which can be bad news for the interior of your house. Moisture and leaks can create dampness, leading to mould and poor air quality, which in turn can affect your physical health.
Additionally, a protective roof coating can improve thermal efficiency in your home. The right paint can help reflect heat and minimise roof temperatures. Reflecting solar heat will keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
A simple roof coating on your tiling can protect your home from disastrous dampness and save money on leaks and repairs in the future. Not only that, roof coatings can improve your home’s curb appeal. A fresh coat of paint can make your roof look new again. This might also increase your property’s value.
What Is the Best Roofing Paint?
The best paint for your roof depends on several factors. And there are a few questions you should consider before choosing the roof coatings for you.
What Roof Type Do You Have?
Paint formulations are specifically designed for different roof types. Cement tiles and metal roofs have unique requirements and choosing the wrong paint will affect the roof coating performance.
You might also need to seal the roof prior to painting it, depending on the roof surface material.
Speak to experienced professionals if you’re concerned about which roof coating will suit your home.
Why Are You Painting Your Roof?
Are you painting your roof to improve the overall look of your home? Or are you trying to make the building more environmentally friendly with a heat-reflective coating that lowers cooling costs? Your reason for painting your roof will affect the type of roof coating you use.
What Types of Roof Coatings Are There?
There are several different types of roof coating for different roofs. There are a few layers you might need to protect your roof as much as possible:
Primer: This adhesive coating anchors the roof coating to a clean surface. Primers sometimes include fungicide or algaecide to prevent the growth of fungi spores within cement or terracotta roof tiles.
Membrane: An acrylic emulsion coating that provides UV protection and colour retention.
Sealer: Designed for old or worn roofs, sealer can help prolong roofs that have severely deteriorated.
Roof Coatings for Concrete Roof Tiles
- Roofshield Primer
- Protective Membrane
- Old Tile Sealer
- Roofshield Sealer
Roof Coatings for Metal Surfaces
- Roofbond Roof Membrane
- Roofbond Rustshield W
- Shieldseal W Plus
How to Apply Roof Coatings
To get the most out of your roof paint, it’s best to consult a professional. However, if you fancy yourself a DIY-er, then here are a few easy steps to coat your roof yourself.
1. Cleaning and Preparation
The first step is to prepare your roof surface for coating.
This means you need to clean the roof, ideally using a pressure washer to get rid of any dirt and debris. Alternatively, you can use a hose and broom. Aim to remove as much debris as possible – such as dead leaves, twigs, and broken tiles – to get a smooth surface. Once clean, let it dry.
If you discover any cracked or missing tiles, it makes sense to repair and replace them before applying paint.
Remember to practise safety precautions if you’re climbing onto your roof to clean it. And don’t attempt it in wet weather, where the risk of slipping is high.
2. Application
Once your roof is clean and dry and any repairs have been made, you can apply the coating. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and check whether you need to use a primer first.
To spread the paint, use a long paint roller or brush. Don’t try to do the whole roof at once; work in small areas and spread evenly and thickly.
3. Curing
After you’ve covered your whole roof with paint, you need to let it dry and cure. The time to cure will depend on the product you’re using and the weather conditions. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to get an idea of how long it’ll take to cure.
If you want to add colour to your roof, add a top coat after the initial paint has fully dried.
How Long Does Roof Paint Last?
Depending on the quality of the paint and the application, roof coatings typically last 10-15 years. To ensure the longevity of your roof paint, proper preparation (i.e. cleaning your roof tiles with power washing) and making any repairs before applying the primer, paint, and seal, are important.
Some roof paints might need to be reapplied more regularly than once every ten years. For instance, if you have asphalt shingles on your roof, you might need to touch up the coatings every seven years.
Make roof coatings checks part of your yearly roof inspection and maintenance process.
Roof Coatings for Long-Lasting Roofs
Adding roof coatings to your tiles can add years to the life of your home. Not only does it improve the durability of the roof, it’s environmentally friendly and cost-effective. By reflecting solar radiation, your home will be better at keeping warm in winter and cool in summer. Moreover, roof coatings can prevent dirt retention and improve curb appeal.
FAQs
Will Roof Paint Stop Leaks?
Roof paint can help seal small gaps in your tiling that could lead to leaks. However, it won’t stop water leaks on its own. If water gets under the roof tiles, it can cause damage to the supporting structure and eventually lead to a leak. Roof coatings can slow the process, but they don’t prevent it entirely.
Is Roof Painting a Good Idea?
Painting your roof is a good idea for a number of reasons:
- Protect your roof from UV rays, moisture, and algae growth
- Improve curb appeal
- Enhance energy efficiency and save money on heating and cooling bills