How much does it cost to paint a metal roof?
How much does it cost to paint a metal roof?
Painting a metal roof costs $1.20 and $2.70 per square foot or between $1,450 and $3,300, depending on the size and slope of the roof and the paint used. Metal roof paint costs $0.30 and $0.40 per square foot or $170 for a 5-gallon bucket.
$1.20 – $2.70 cost per square foot
$1,440 – $3,300 average total cost to paint
Painting a metal roof costs $1.20 and $2.70 per square foot or between $1,450 and $3,300, depending on the size and slope of the roof and the paint used. Metal roof paint costs $0.30 and $0.40 per square foot or $170 for a 5-gallon bucket.
Metal Roof Painting Cost
Hiring a professional to paint your metal roof costs between $1.20 and $2.70 per square foot or $120 to $270 per roofing square (100 square feet). Metal roof repainting costs $1,440 to $3,300, depending on the size and slope of the roof and the quality of the paint used.
| National Average Cost | $2,340 |
| Minimum Cost | $400 |
| Maximum Cost | $7,600 |
| Average Range | $1,440 to $3,300 |
Painting a Metal Roof Cost Factors
Factors that affect the cost of painting your metal roof include:
Roof pitch – Costs increase for steeper roofs due to the added safety precautions required.
Paint quality & color – Metal roof paint costs $0.30 and $0.40 per square foot, not include labor. Some colors cost more than others or require more than one coat, increasing the project cost.
Preparation – The roof surface must be clean and free of mold, flaking paint, dirt, and debris before painting. Roof cleaning costs $250 to $600 on average.
Roof size – The larger the roof, the more it will cost to paint.
Can You Paint a Metal Roof?
Yes, you can paint a metal roof. Look for these signs your roof needs painting:
Color fading or appearing chalky
Rust spots
Paint bubbles
Peeling or cracking paint
Roof stains under trees
Inspect your roof regularly for signs it needs, cleaning, painting, or repairs.
How often should you paint a metal roof?
Paint a metal roof every 10 to 12 years. Harsh sunlight, frequent leaves and other tree debris, or heavy rains may reduce the paint's lifespan.
Do not paint a metal roof until it has weathered for at least 6 months after installation.
DIY Metal Roof Painting vs. Painting Contractor
DIY roof painting costs and difficulty depend on how steep roof's pitch is and which tools and equipment you already own.
| Task | DIY Costs | Contractor Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Roof Prep | Cost of renting power washer: $70 for 4 hours or $100 per day. | Professional cost: $0.10 – $0.23 per square foot |
| Sealing and Painting a Metal Roof |
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How to Paint a Metal Roof
Follow these steps to paint a metal roof:
Check the weather forecast for a dry day.
Remove old, loose paint with a paint scraper or putty knife.
Clean the roof with a pressure washer. Wait until the surface is dry before priming.
Apply a coat of primer with a roller. Wait at least one hour for the primer to dry.
Apply the first coat of paint with a roller or sprayer. Wait at least one hour for the first coat to dry, then apply a second coat.
Power Washing a Metal Roof
Power washing costs $0.35 to $0.77 per square foot if you hire a professional. Renting a power washer costs $70 to $100 per day.
The roof must be cleaned before any paint or sealer is applied because dust, grime, and old flaking paint will prevent the new paint from adhering properly.
Sealing and Painting a Metal Roof
Metal Roof Seal
Metal roof sealing costs $0.50 to $4.00 per square foot, depending on how steep and rusted the roof is. Sealing ensures the new paint adheres to the metal instead of peeling off. Roof sealing primer costs $140 to $180 per 5-gallon bucket to cover 1,000 square feet. Home Depot, Lowe's, and other hardware stores sell primer.
Metal Roof Paint
Metal roof paint costs $360 to $480Â for 12 gallons to cover a 1,200 square foot metal roof. Use energy-efficient elastomeric paint to reflect heat and reduce energy bills. Elastomeric paint also reduces corrosion, increasing the roof's lifespan.
Best Paint for a Metal Roof
Kynar is the leader in paint products for metal roofs, and their paint comes in several colors. Metal roofing manufacturers recommend Kynar paint for most metal panels other than stainless steel and copper, which are usually not painted.
Galvanized steel is the only metal roofing that can also take zinc-dust or latex paint.
Bidger Steel, a company that offers high-quality metal roofing and siding products, sells the following types of paint:
SMP – Silicon modified polyester paint is popular in the home roofing sector because it can be used on a variety of metals, is effective at resisting abrasions, and does not crack.
PVDF – Premium polyvinylidene fluoride is aimed more at the commercial market. Its colors stay true because it is designed to withstand hard conditions like atmospheric pollution and UV rays from the sun.
Metal Roof Warranty
Paint warranty – Metal roof paint comes with a 20- to 40-year warranty that covers cracking, flaking, peeling, or loss of adhesion, providing the paint was applied properly.
Confirm your warranty's details, as some warranties guarantee only the adhesion while others only guarantee the color fade.
Labor warranty – Many paint contractors offer a 2- to 5-year warranty on the work done. Get a copy of the warranty in writing.
Getting a warranty for your metal roof paint may be difficult if you live in a coastal area.
In Conclusion
Painting your metal roof can reduce your energy bills if you use energy-efficient paint that contains reflectors and materials which cause it to be opaque. Keep your roof well maintained and your roof paint may last up to 20 years.