Roof paint

What is roof paint and why is it worth using?

Roof paint is a specialized product designed for painting roof coverings. Its main purpose is not only to improve the aesthetics of a building but also to provide additional protection against harmful external factors and, in some cases, to create a waterproof coating . Using roof paint extends the life of the roof covering and increases its resistance to weather conditions.

What functions does roof paint perform?

Roof paint serves several key functions:

• Corrosion Protection: Particularly important for metal roofs where the paint creates a barrier against rust, e.g. Rayston Silver 1k .
• UV resistance: Protects the roofing material against degradation caused by sunlight, e.g. Troken Roof T , Neoroof® .
• Waterproofing: Prevents water from penetrating into the material, which minimizes the risk of mold and fungi formation, e.g. Neoproof® PU W -40 , Neoproof® PU Fast -30 , Neoroof® , Neoproof® Polyurea R.
• Aesthetic Improvement: Gives your roof a fresh look by allowing you to change or refresh the color.

When is it worth deciding to paint your roof?

Roof painting is recommended in the following situations:

• Visible signs of wear : Leaking, color fading, peeling of old coating or appearance of rust.
• Renovation : When renovating a building to restore its aesthetic appearance.
• Protection : Extend the life of your new roof with an extra layer of protection.

Types of roof paints

Choosing the right roof paint depends on the type of roofing and the desired results. Here are the most popular types:

Acrylic paints

These water-based paints offer excellent adhesion and flexibility. They dry quickly and are UV-resistant. They are ideal for concrete and ceramic roofs. Some roof paints, such as Neoroof® , also provide additional waterproofing, making the roof completely airtight.

Polyurethane paints

They are highly resistant to abrasion and chemicals. They create a durable and flexible coating that provides excellent weather protection. Recommended for all types of roofs: felt, metal, or shingles. Paints such as Neoproof® PU W-40 or Neoproof® PU Fast-30 create a coating that is not only fully resistant to UV rays and low temperatures but also creates a sealed surface. This makes the roof fully resistant to stagnant water, eliminating leaks and providing long-lasting protection against moisture ingress.

Polyurea paints 

Highly durable and resistant to mechanical and chemical damage, they are used on all types of roofs, from residential to industrial. These two-component paints require more care during application than the paints described above. These products consist of a base and a hardener, providing the painted surface with protection against weather conditions, UV rays, and leaks for up to 25 years. Examples of such paints include Neoproof® Polyurea R and Neoproof® Polyurea C1 .

Advantages of using roof paint

Using roofing products like paint offers a number of benefits. Here are just a few:

Improving the appearance of the roof covering

Painting a roof refreshes its appearance, giving it a new, vibrant color. This adds to the overall appeal of the building.

Protection against corrosion and weather conditions

Paint creates a protective barrier that protects the roof from rain, snow, UV radiation, and temperature changes. For metal roofing, a suitable roof paint with anti-corrosion properties effectively prevents further rust development, such as Rayston PU AL Primer or Rayston Silver 1K .

Increasing the durability of the roof

Thanks to the additional protective layer, the roof becomes more resistant to mechanical and chemical damage, resulting in a longer lifespan. Polyurethane coatings such as Neoproof® PU W-40 or Neoproof® PU Fast-30 , and polyurea coatings such as Neoproof® Polyurea R , provide excellent tear resistance thanks to their high elasticity. Photovoltaic panels can be safely installed over such a coating, and their efficiency is further enhanced by using these roof paints in white or light gray.

How to prepare a roof for painting?

Preparing your roof for painting is crucial to achieving a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish. Here are the steps to follow:

Roof condition assessment 

Before starting work, the condition of the roof covering should be carefully assessed, identifying any damage, corrosion or areas requiring repair. 

Surface cleaning 

All contaminants, such as moss, leaves, dust, and old, flaking paintwork, should be removed. This can be done with a pressure washer or a wire brush. The recommended cleaning agent is the fungicide Grzybostop , which will not only neutralize existing mold but also prevent its future growth. It's also worth degreasing the roof while washing it, as exhaust fumes deposited on roofs contain a significant amount of grease. These, in turn, reduce the adhesion of any paint. The recommended degreasing agent is Sulfanol A.

Repairing damage

Any cracks, holes, or other damage should be repaired before painting. In the case of rust, it is recommended to mechanically remove it and apply an appropriate anti-corrosion agent. Alternatively, a rust converter can be used, which converts the rust into a form that is harmless to the original material without mechanical removal. Neodur® Metalforce .

Priming the surface

It's a good idea to apply a primer to a clean and dry surface, which will improve paint adhesion and provide better protection for the substrate. Depending on the chosen roof paint and the substrate, primers may differ. For water-based polyurethane and acrylic paints, which also act as waterproofing agents, Revinex . For acrylic paint, Troken Roof T, the system primer is Sil-Grunt .

How to properly paint a roof?

To achieve a durable and aesthetic effect, you should follow a few rules when painting the roof.

Choosing the right tools and techniques

Depending on the roof type and paint, you can use a brush, roller, or airless sprayer. Spraying allows for even and quick coverage of large surfaces, while brushes and rollers are more accessible and easier to use.

Applying paint step by step

To paint properly, after priming the substrate, proceed to the material preparation stage. If you've chosen a single-component product, which is usually water-based, check whether dilution is necessary. Before application, the paint must be stirred, as sedimentation of heavier particles can occur during storage, causing the thicker part of the paint to settle to the bottom of the container and the thinner part to remain on the surface. For two-component products, such as Neoproof® Polyurea R , it's necessary to combine the two components: the base and the hardener. After mixing the mixture, remember that it has a specific shelf life, which depends on factors such as the prevailing temperature.
Then, apply the paint using the previously selected tools, usually in two coats, spaced appropriately. It's important to maintain these intervals to ensure proper adhesion for the next coat of paint on the roof.

Drying and curing time

After applying the final coat of paint, the coating typically needs to wait 7 days to develop its full mechanical, chemical, and waterproofing properties. After this time, it can be used, walked on, or installed, such as photovoltaic systems.

Care and maintenance of a painted roof

For roof paint to perform its intended function for years to come, proper care and regular maintenance are essential. Debris such as moss, leaves, and dust should be regularly removed, as they can affect the durability of the paint. It's recommended to inspect the roof at least once a year and after every extreme storm to detect any damage and prevent it from worsening. If rust appears, it's worth using a specialized rust-resistant roof paint, which will effectively protect the metal elements.