What Is Good to Use to Cover a Metal Roof?

Primer

• To provide a protective covering for the metal roof, first inspect it and prepare it for its protective finish. The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association recommends using a primer before adding any paint or any protective coatings to the roof. This will improve adhesion of the coating to the metal roof panels. If the roof is an older roof, you should ensure that it is as clean as possible and remove any rust or other debris.

Paint

• Reflective paint is one option for covering a metal roof that can be used in conjunction with other coverings that will help seal and protect the roof. Unless you buy the roof from a manufacturer in a particular color and want to maintain that color for decorative purposes, you can invest in a light colored reflective paint that will help cut down on the heat absorption by the roof and keep the house cooler during the summer months.

Coatings

• Liquid coatings and sealants can also cover your roof to provide it with a protective coating that will help seal the roof from the elements. Liquid rubber or liquid roofing, as the coatings are sometimes called, provide you with sealant that can prevent unwanted leaks and damage caused by hail. These products are usually weather resistant and generally do not crack as a result of weather changes.

Asphalt

• Reflective asphalt is a type of metal roof covering that will provide both the sealing properties and reflective properties that other coatings provide separately. The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association notes that reflective asphalt coverings allow metal roofs to exhibit two of their most important properties: elongation and recovery. This occurs when the metal roof is exposed to extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold. The metal will expand and contract accordingly and the reflective asphalt covering will allow for this without being destroyed in the process.