How to Clean & Paint Roofs

California and some other states mandate white roofs for commercial buildings, since white roofs reflect the sun and reduce cooling costs and energy. Painting your roof for energy efficiency, aesthetics or any other reason is similar to painting any other surface: wash, sand, apply primer and paint. Since a roof is exposed to the elements, it's best to paint in the morning or late afternoon on cool, overcast days with temperatures over 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This will prevent dew, frost or heat from damaging your paint job.

Household bleach
Liquid detergent
Bucket
Scrub brush
Caulk
Scraper
120-grit sandpaper
Rag
Paint rollers
Paint trays
Waterproof latex primer
Waterproof latex paint
Hose

Instructions

- 1
  Mix 16 oz. of bleach and 2 oz. of detergent in a bucket with a gallon of water. Use the solution with your scrub brush to wash your painting surface to remove dirt, fungus, grease and mold. Allow the roof to dry completely.
- 2
  Scrape off any old paint bumps from your roof and use caulk to patch up cracks and small holes. Allow the caulk to dry completely, then sand your painting surface with 120-grit sandpaper. Wipe dust away with a rag.
- 3
  Stir your primer and pour it into a paint tray. Using paint rollers, cover your roof with a layer of primer. Allow the primer to dry for eight to 12 hours before applying paint.
- 4
  Stir your paint and pour it into a paint tray. Using a paint roller, apply a generous, smooth layer of paint over your roof, working the paint into any cracks and pores. Allow the paint to dry for eight to 12 hours before applying a second coat.
- 5
  Apply a second coat of paint using the same method as the first coat. For more coverage, apply a third layer after the second layer dries thoroughly.

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