Tips on painting a rusty metal roof?

Question

We purchased a metal building and the roof has some rust in some areas of the metal roof. Is there a special product to apply to stop the rust? Is there a special seal all in one coat or is it a two steve procedure? Can I simply paint it?

Please advise:)

Kenny Dahill · Answer

Account Closed, can you replace the metal panel?  Without seeing how much rust damage there is it is hurt to provide suggestions.

Metal is not easy to paint.  Often the solution is replacing the metal or letting it run course but minimizing the rust exposure.  I know John recommended latex paint but I am not sure how that will stand the weather elements.  To my knowledge, latex tends to bubble and absorb moisture which will only worsen your rust.

Kenny Dahill · Answer

Account Closed, if it's a metal roof then I would assume it is galvanized.  Is there a warranty?

Painting metal is difficult, ideally it's painted in the shop.  Once the oxidation started, it can be difficult to stop.  Spray paint such as Rust-o-luem might help slow it down.  Eventually the water will seep under that layer and is more likely to rust.

I would look into the warrant first.

Scott Kelly · Answer

@Joel S.

Check out por15.com

This is what I used on my muscle car.  It's worked for about 10 years and counting.

It's a multi step process.

The risk is that if you have rust on the attic side it will still rust through no matter what you do to the side you can see.

John Teachout · Answer

Painting a metal roof is similar to painting any other type of metal. The biggest problem is staying on the roof while doing the required tasks.

First, pressure wash it to remove any loose scale or contaminants. Then use a suitable primer. The you can overcoat it with either latex or oil base but I would use an oil base.

Metal roofs are very slippery when they have liquid on them. If there's any pitch on the roof, make sure to be tied off with a safety harness.

Account Closed · Answer

@Pat

@Pat L. what was the name of the product you used? Also did you use a product for rust prior to the coating?

Our building is a 4000 square foot building one story, so it is a good sized roof.

Account Closed · Answer

@Kenny Dahill no warranty.

Account Closed · Answer

Anyone out there?

Pat L. · Answer

Ours had been painted many times by the previous owners, (for 25years) but we gave up when the pinhole leaks began. We had it coated with a fiberglass material, NOT CHEAP, but that was >10 years ago & its held up very well given our snow load, freeze & thaw due to inside heat & then the CONSTANT rain. I believe there is a lifetime warranty on the product, assuming we can still find the guy who installed it :)

Tips on painting a rusty metal roof?

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