Need to paint old metal barn roof.

dmrp6510 · May 21, 2016

I have an old barn were residing in metal. I need to paint the galvanized roof bright red has anybody used any systems that have worked well or any suggestions.

sailfast · May 21, 2016

Do you need insulation as well?

Deere Dude · May 21, 2016

Is the pitch such that you can walk on it. I would think you can just get a big airless sprayer and spray on some good paint. If it rusty then maybe a rust restorer or undercoating may be used.

I have one I need to paint in a year or two so i will pay attention too these posts.

Duwop · May 22, 2016

My home was built in the late 40's and has a galvanized metal roof. I've owned the home 14 years and had the roof painted one time. The contractor used a commercial primer and paint and it began peeling in 2 years and now 12 years later looks terrible especially on the south facing side. When the contractor painted it he charged me 2 grand and when he came to pick up the check told me ide be lucky if the paint stuck for two years. My research suggests that rustoleum paint is best for these types of roofs though my contractor claimed what he used was better but now I don't think his was better. Two grand to paint every two years is just stupid to keep a nice looking roof. I got an estimate two years ago to get a new metal roof and that was 6 grand but I am a retired roofer and just can't pull off a very good roof (has never leaked) though looks like crap in hope that the new roof will never leak. Craftsmanship/ workmanship is important when installing new roofs especially metal roofs to prevent leaks. So for now I just live with the ugly rusty shack like appearance of my home but will follow this thread to see if any professional roofers experienced have a good solution.

There is a product sold by roofing supply companies called Aluminum Roof Coating non fibered/ and fibered (fibered is designed for flat or low sloped roofing applications) that is great for metal barn roofs but it has a high aluminum content that sticks well but gives a shiny aluminum color that doesn't look good to me for visible residential applications. I know this is a good product as I used it many times in my 25 year career.

Streetcar · May 22, 2016

I second duwop on the aluminum paint . I paint barn roof and it was in good shape ten years later when property was sold.
Tied ladder to the roof for easy climbing. Used rope and fall protection also

DarrellSimpson · May 22, 2016

I don't know anything about painting a galvanized roof , but I would think using POR-15 would stick as long as the other paint was gone , I painted the inside of my wheel barrow with it and it not only stopped the rust but it resists being worn off , its terribly expensive but it sticks better than anything I have ever seen , I had to buy it at a automotive paint supply store . I also have been using it on the heads of nail pops to stop the rust , I was given that tip from a old house and fire damage restore guy . The POR-15 is a real good base to then paint over with the color you want .

Kyle_in_Tex · May 22, 2016

IIRC, new painted metal roofing has a Kynar painted coating. I would say your main question is to find out what sticks to galvanized metal.

oosik · May 22, 2016

Not a roof, but my outer driveway gate is galvanized steel. As recommended, I let it weather for a year, then used Rustoleum. That was 33 years ago. A lot of the paint has "weathered" off now but it looked great for 20+ years. One of these days I will have to repaint it. Not high on my to do list.

dmrp6510 · May 22, 2016

Guys I'm renting a lift to do this I'm looking more of a paint or system that has worked the roof is about 35-40 years old no paint galvanized roofing its also on a barn that I'm only using to store equipment in so if it leaks a little that's ok. I have a brand new 5000 sqft barn with concrete and for one am tired of all the dirt in the new building. I'm restoring the old barn to match the new one I just thought I would save 6k on the roof and paint it since it's still in good shape.