Home Garden

How to Silver a Roof

Silvering a roof, the process of painting on a thin layer of reflective paint, is performed on metal roofs such as those on sheds or mobile homes. Once the paint dries, it reflects the sun's rays away from the home, reducing heat absorption and cooling the interior. Silvering therefore improves energy efficiency. Most homeowners can silver a roof themselves after proper preparation.

Things You'll Need

  • Ladder
  • Broom
  • Pressure washer or garden hose
  • Paint tray
  • Silver roof paint
  • Roof roller with 3/4-inch nap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wait for a sunny day when temperatures are 50 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a ladder next to the building and carefully climb up onto the roof. Sweep the entire surface of the roof to remove any dirt, leaves and pine straw.

    • 2

      Scrub all dirt and stains from the surface of the roof, using a pressure washer or garden hose and a push broom. Allow the roof to dry completely before proceeding.

    • 3

      Open a can of silver roof paint and pour some into a paint tray. Insert a roof roller with a 3/4-inch nap into the paint until it is saturated. Roll the paint onto the roof in a thin, even coat until no part of the underlying roof metal is visible. Overlap each stroke in multiple directions so you don't skip areas. Start painting at the part of the roof furthest from the ladder and work toward it.

    • 4

      Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours and apply a second coat of silver in the same manner to ensure adequate coverage.