GUIDE TO ROOF PAINTING AND SEALING

Roof painting and sealing are great choices not only for beautification, but also for many practical reasons as well. This short guide will let you know how a roofer approaches roof painting and sealing projects and why you should get it done if you haven’t already.

First Things First

Any roof painting and/or sealing project necessarily involves a preliminary inspection of the roof. Why? Well, when was the last time your roof was painted or sealed? Could have been half a decade ago (or longer), so that’s plenty of time for mould, algae, or cracked tiles/shingles to become apparent.

Not only does an inspection allow the roofer to properly estimate the quantity of paint/sealant required for the job, but they can also identify these problems and address them to prolong the lifespan of your roof and to avoid leaks later on down the road.

Why Seal Your Roof?

Roof sealant is optional, but we recommend all roofs be properly sealed. This will ensure that they last well into their estimated lifespan by providing all sorts of protective benefits, including:

• Waterproof coating: to ensure that leaks cannot make their way through or around tiles
• UV protection: your roof is constantly exposed to the full brunt of natural sunlight, which can wreak havoc over long periods due to UV rays that can lead to curling and degradation of asphalt shingles
• Fire resistance: some roof sealants provide an additional means of fire retardation, which can help ensure that your roof doesn’t catch on fire
• Mould resistance: sealant provides a protective barrier that will keep mould and bacteria at bay for a number of years
• Energy savings: roof sealant has the potential to reduce heat absorption of your roofing tiles or shingles, thus lessening the need for constant cooling throughout the home on hot summer days, thus reducing your energy bills

Roof sealants are available in a wide array of chemical compounds designed for different purposes, but most fall into a few categories: acrylic-based sealants, bitumen, polyurea, rubber EPDM, and silicone (rubber). Discuss with your roofer which products they use to ensure you’re getting the best care for your roof.

Clean Thoroughly, Seal, and Paint

Roofers will need to thoroughly clean the roof surface before undertaking any work. Mould, algae, and dirt can prevent the sealant and paint from forming a reliable bond, thus leading to discolouration and a poorly done job. Instead, allow the roofer to use high-pressure washers to knock away any debris down along the pitch of the roof first.

Once the roof has been cleaned and dried, the sealant can be applied quickly thereafter for best effect. Our sealants can take hold and set in about an hour, which makes them ideal for subsequent painting in the same day without the need for multiple visits.

Compared to sealants, which provide protective benefits, paint is simply there for aesthetics and to freshen up one of the most significant investments of your home: the roof itself. Discuss your options for paint colours with your roofer to ensure your roof looks just the way you want it.

Roof Guard Roofing

If you require quality roof sealing and painting services, look no further than the friendly team at Roof Guard Roofing in Melbourne.