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TOPIC: I Have An Existing Metal Roof and Have A Question

re painting

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Hi, I've installed a standing seam metal roof on my (2 story 1,800 sq ft) house last summer. We love it so far and everything is fine, however we'd like to change the color. Is it ok for me to get the proper paint and do this myself? I installed the roof so I'm thinking I should be able to do the paint. Thanks, Jim
jim francisco

8/8/2013
Yes but please be aware this will probably void most or all of the original product warranty and in most cases a field applied coating will have less life than the original factory finish. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

8/8/2013
won't the factory applied coating be intact underneath the new paint?
jim francisco

8/8/2013
Jim, Factory-applied paint is designed to be a tough, long lasting covering and usually not designed to readily accept another coat of paint. It may be necessary to 'rough up' the surface of the factory-applied paint to get good adhesion. 'Roughing up' the paint is not covered by warranty. If adhesion is a problem, moisture can get between the coats of paint and compromise the factory-applied paint. Field painting metal panels is certainly an option, just be sure to consider the issues that Todd mentioned. David Stermer David Stermer
David Stermer

8/8/2013
I have a similar question, i am looking at buying a new home that has a metal roof that was installed about 7 years ago, but the color is a weird maroon color that we dont really like and would like to paint it a light color or even off white or plain white. There does not seem to be any fading but i also dont want to void the warranty, and if i cannot change the color i dont want to spend the time continuing to look at buying it. I also am not sure what type of metal it is, this i can find out later, but is there some way to keep the warranty and still get the color changed?? thanks Joe
joe durand

10/21/2013
Joe, you need to find out what sorts of warranties come with the roof and then contact the parties who provide those warranties and find out whether painting will void them. A significant part of warranty coverage on most roofs is warranty on the paint system. Repainting obviously will void that warranty. However, you might be able to retain workmanship and wind resistance warranties. "Might" being the operative word -- do not assume anything. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

10/22/2013
thank you Todd i will ask the current owner to see about getting that information before moving forward.
joe durand

10/22/2013
Hi Jim, my husband and I had a metal roof put on our home last summer too. I really dislike the color and have been thinking of having it painted versus replacing it. We made the mistake of going by the color in the catalog and not getting a sample. Just wondering if you have received anymore information on the best way to go, what type of paint to use and what adheres best, Thanks, Kim
Guest User

2/12/2014
KIm, I am sorry to hear about your predicament. Please be aware that, by repainting the roof, you will void most if not all of the manufacturers' warranty. Additionally, you could lower the solar reflectivity of your roof. You would want to clean the roof, probably by power washing with detergent, and then apply a primer followed by a top coat -- probably by a spray process. You could purchase a paint system from a quality paint store or look into the Aquatec air-dry PVDF finish. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

2/12/2014

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