Corpus Christi TX Home Tips: Choosing the Right Metal Roof Coatings

Most Corpus Christi TX homeowners avoid metal roofs because its appearance can give off an industrial look for their property. However, metal roofs do not have to look metallic and slick from the curb. With metal roof coatings, your property will have a roof that complements its overall aesthetic and improves its lifespan and durability.

On the other hand, with the many metal roof coatings available from suppliers, you might find choosing the right one difficult. Inspectapedia has an excellent article detailing the different kinds of metal roof coatings available nowadays. Check it out below.

Paints and Coatings Recommended for Metal Roofing

While unpainted metal roofs are common on utility buildings and some rustic homes, most homeowners prefer a painted surface. In addition to improving the appearance, a high-quality factory finish can significantly extend the life of metal roofing.

The corrugated roofing at left (Hudson New York) was never painted.

In general, factory finishes are durable and flexible enough to tolerate factory roll-forming and bending on-site.

The best finishes carry decades-long warranties against cracking and peeling, and “excessive” chalking and fading (as defined by the manufacturer).

The quality of the finish is determined by the type of resin and the stability of the pigments.

Polyester-Resin Roof Paints for Metal Roofing

Polyester-resin paints are the least expensive and are commonly used on exposed-fastener panels. These have a medium to high gloss when applied, but they will fade significantly within 5 to 7 years on surfaces exposed to direct sun. Bright red, for example, may fade to pink. Fading will be less noticeable on light colors, making them a better choice. Warranties are typically for 3 to 5 years and rarely cover fading or chalking.

Silicone-Modified Polyester Roof Coatings

SMPs (siliconemodified polyesters) use polyester resins blended with silicone additives to improve performance. In general, the higher the silicone content, the more durable the finish.

These are available in medium- and high-gloss colors, and they resist fading and chalking much better than standard polyester paints. Warranties against excessive fading and chalking typically run from 10 to 20 years, depending on the formulation.

PVDF Fluoropolymer Resin Roof Paints (Read Full Post Here)

Now that you know more about the different types of metal roof coatings, you can choose which one will work best for your roof. However, knowing other  factors and effects metal roof coatings have on your roof can help you make the right decision in choosing the best product available.

Classic Metal Roofing Systems has an excellent list of factors to consider when choosing the right metal roof coatings for your property. Read about it below.

Metal Roofing Finishes

Metal Roofing: It All Starts with the Finish

Investing in a metal roof can beautify your home, increase its value, reduce your environmental footprint, and provide a lifetime of protection. As you consider the important factors that go into your metal roofing decision, consider metal roofing finishes.

The surface finish on a metal roof provides both durability and beauty for a metal roofing system. To help you learn about metal roofing finishes, here’s a list of factors to consider before you make a buying decision.

Metal Roofing Finishes: Factors to Consider

Chemistry

PVDF & Polyester

There are two basic types of paint chemistry used on metal roofs today. The respected industry leader is polyvinylidenefluoride finishes. They are called PVDF for short and they are sold under the brand names of Kynar™ and Hylar™. These coatings are known for their fade and chalk resistance. If you want to provide the most lasting finish for your home or if you live in a region that has high UV exposure, PVDF is the way to go. Due to strict quality control on the part of the licensors of these coatings, you can expect very similar performance from all PVDF products. There is presently no type of finish even on the horizon that will out-perform the PVDF coatings.

Some metal roofing manufactures now offer products that go beyond the industry standard PVDF finish which consists of a primer followed by the top coat. These enhanced finishes have additional layers of PVDF paint such as a decorative print coat or a clear coat. Classic Metal Roofing Systems offers a proprietary powder PVDF called ThermoBond which is applied and baked on top of the standard PVDF finish. ThermoBond provides texture and multi-hued colors. These coatings with extra layers of PVDF include more of the fluorite-based resin for extra protection of the pigmentation. They also have a much longer erosion rate due to their increased thickness and could be even longer than 100 years before repainting is necessary.

The other common chemistry is polyester. There are several versions of polyester coatings including super, siliconized, and modified. These coatings are considerably less costly than PVDF finishes, and they have come a long way in terms of performance. However, accelerated testing shows a marked decline in performance after 10 or more years of aging, which is in stark contrast to PVDF coatings. An industry expert who works for a company that manufactures both PVDF and polyester finishes has said the following: “Super-polyesters and silicon-modified polyesters have continued to improve, specifically in UV durability. Even though they are not anywhere equal to the performance of PVDF coatings, they offer a lower cost choice with moderate performance.”

Color (Read Full Post)

Lastly, metal roof coatings can be helpful for your residential metal roof, but they have their respective shortcomings. Elastomeric coatings provide a rubber-like protection for your metal roof. However, you can only achieve this with proper coat layering, which can become expensive over time. Then again, it has many pros despite the cons. Learn everything you gain and need to cope with here.

Pros and Cons of Elastomeric Coatings

Before you buy in, make sure you know the pros and cons of of elastomeric coatings.

Here is a 25-cent word to know so you can cut down your cabin-time dedicated to combating the forces of nature, especially water. Elastomeric is a fancy way to say stretchy. Elastomeric coatings offer an alternative to exterior paint in many situations. They apply like paint but contain more solids, which give them greater flexibility and durability than traditional exterior paint. In fact, you might think of an elastomeric coating as acrylic paint on steroids. Originally formulated to protect stucco, elastomeric coatings can be used in many places traditionally reserved for exterior paint. These would include masonry and concrete surfaces, flat or low-sloped roofs and even wood or log siding. Their elastic properties and durability make them great for long-term protection for cabin exteriors. See also Building a Small Cabin Shed Elastomeric coatings go on like paint via brush, roller or sprayer. The resultant coating is typically 5-10 times thicker than paint and with the ability to stretch 150-400%. However, to avoid some potentially serious problems and enjoy the benefits of extended life and superior water repellence on your cabin’s exterior, there are some things you should know.

Elastomeric Coatings 101

Where to use: Use elastomeric coatings on exterior elements, such as roofs, concrete walls and floors, masonry, stucco, (originally formulated for stucco) or wood.

Cautions: Be careful when using it on wood siding or logs, which need to breathe. Any breach in the coating, however small, can lead to moisture getting to the wood, leading to decay, mold growth and further damage. If applying over wood, do not seal the wood completely. Allow a way for wood to dry. If the coating is confined to the exterior surface, wood can still dry toward the inside, providing there isn’t an inside vapor barrier. The key is to prevent trapping moisture in the wood. See also Tips for Buying a Waterfront Cabin Preparation: Elastomeric coatings penetrate very little, so surfaces should be prepared carefully. Fill cracks, dents, holes and voids with an appropriate filler. Be sure concrete, masonry and stucco are thoroughly cured and dry before applying. Application: More than one coat may be necessary, even when advertising claims one-coat coverage. If the finished coating looks like latex paint, it may be too thin. If applied with a sprayer, you should back roll coats before re-coating.

Advantages: Some hybrid coatings combine the properties of an elastomeric with acrylic paint. Longer lifespan means fewer applications. Manufacturers often offer longer warranties.

Disadvantages (Read Full Post)

DIY metal roof coatings painting is an excellent weekend recreation. However, if you feel like having professional Corpus Christi TX contractors perform precision painting that guarantees lengthened metal roof lifespan and durability, then look no further than Galvan Builders to help you get your roof coated straight away! Contact us today to know more!

Learn More Here: Corpus Christi TX Home Tips: Choosing the Right Metal Roof Coatings

Galvan Builders Construction Company
4938 Williams Drive,
Corpus Christi TX 78411
361-857-4341
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