Nothing looks worse than a faded metal roof that seems older than it really is. While high-quality metal roofs can last up to 75 years, it’s still crucial to maintain and paint your metal roof regularly. Metal roof painting costs between $1,300 to $3,420, with a national average cost of around $2,360.
Applying a new coat of paint to a metal roof not only safeguards it from the detrimental effects of corrosion, mildew, and normal wear and tear but also provides extra protection against inclement weather, such as rain and snow. You may have to pay your roof painters as little as $434 to as much as $7,035 to repaint your roof.
In this pricing guide, we’ll cover:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Cost by Location
- FAQ About Metal Roof Painting
Average Metal Roof Painting Costs
National Average Cost | $2,360 |
Typical Price Range | $1,300 – $3,420 |
Extreme Low-End Cost | $434 |
Extreme High-End Cost | $7,035 |
A roof painting job usually costs between $1,300 and $3,420, or $1.08 to $2.85 per square foot, with most homeowners paying around $2,360. Depending on your roof size, the cost of the new paint, the labor costs in your area, and other factors, the total cost charged by painting contractors can be as low as $434 to around $7,035.
With a lifespan of up to 75 years, metal roofs are a worthwhile investment. Not only are they long-lasting, but they are also energy-efficient and resistant to various weather conditions like high winds and rain.
Keep in mind, though, that your roof needs proper and regular TLC. So if you want to get the most out of this type of roof, you must schedule regular painting services and hire the best roofing companies to do the necessary maintenance.
Metal Roof Painting Cost Estimator by Size
The total cost of painting a metal roof can be determined by several factors. But the size of the roof surface that needs to be painted will significantly affect the overall amount you pay for this home improvement project.
Some roofers will charge you by the hour for the painting services, while others base their cost estimate on the roof’s square footage. But whatever billing method your roofing contractor uses, your roof size is still the biggest factor in determining the total cost of painting your metal roof.
To get an estimate of the size of your roof, you can base it on your home’s square footage and use the formula:
Your home’s square footage x 1.5 = approximate roof size
For example, if your house is 1,000 square feet, multiply that number by 1.5, and your approximate roof size would be 1,500 square feet or 15 squares (1 square = 100 square feet). To determine the total cost for your metal roof painting project, simply multiply the rate provided by the painting contractor by the size of your roof in square feet. For a rate of $1.08 per square foot, you need to multiply that by your roof size. In the example above, multiplying the rate by 1,500 square feet will result in an approximate total cost of $1,620.
Home Square Footage | Approximate Roof Square Footage | Average Overall Cost (based on $1.08 per square foot) |
1,000 | 1,500 | $1,620 |
1,500 | 2,250 | $2,430 |
2,000 | 3,000 | $3,240 |
2,500 | 3,750 | $4,050 |
3,000 | 4,500 | $4,860 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
When painting your metal roof, the roofing company will need to consider factors other than the size of the roof. These include the type of paint, the amount of preparation work required, the pitch or slope of the roof, and if the roof or paint has a warranty in place.
Type of Paint
You have two main options to consider when it comes to painting metal roofs. The most popular choice among homeowners is silicone-modified polyester or SMP paint. However, those residing in areas with high sunlight exposure, like Florida and California, mostly use polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) paint instead.
Keep in mind that for every 100 square feet of roof surface to paint, you will be using around 1 gallon of paint.
Silicone-Modified Polyester (SMP) Paint
Silicone-modified polyester paint is the preferred choice for most homeowners looking to paint their metal roofs. A gallon of SMP paint can cost anywhere from $50 to $150. It’s known for its ability to withstand various weather conditions, making it a durable option. Furthermore, it can be used on different types of metal surfaces, does not crack, and is highly resistant to abrasion, making it one of the toughest paints on the market.
However, it does have its drawbacks, such as limited color options compared to polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) paint. Also, SMP paint is more affordable than PVDF paint.
Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) Paint
While SMP paint may be more durable, PVDF paint offers a wider range of stylish color options, such as reds, greens, and blues, which are not typically available with SMP paint. Additionally, PVDF paint is better suited for outdoor use as it is more resistant to fading from UV exposure than SMP paint.
However, using PVDF paint may come at an additional cost, usually 25% more than the price of SMP paint, and even more if you opt for a premium color.
But if durability and a wide range of color options are important to you, the best paint to use is PVDF. It comes in three different variations:
- Standard: The basic type of PVDF paint offers the most commonly found hues and the most budget-friendly pricing – at around $70 to $200 per gallon. This is because the pigments used in these colors are less expensive to produce, resulting in lower manufacturing costs. Examples of colors that fall under this category include white, black, dark bronze, and beige.
- Premium: This PVDF finish category offers hues that stand out, providing more aesthetic impact. However, these colors tend to be more costly than standard hues as they require more pigments to create bold and striking shades. A gallon of this paint costs around $100 to $400. Some examples of colors in this category are reds, oranges, and bright greens.
- Metallic: The most costly of the three types of PVDF paint, metallic PVDF, imparts a more opulent and upscale look to the roof. Colors like silvers, bronzes, champagnes, and coppers are achieved by using a combination of large quantities of pigments. You can expect to pay around $150 to $450 for a gallon of this paint.
Prep Work
Your roof needs to be prepared before your contractor starts the roof painting job. You may have to pay around 37 cents to 75 cents per square foot for this service. But it’s necessary if you want a smooth roof surface for the paint to adhere to without any problems. The prep work will involve power washing the roof to remove moss, grime, dust, mold, and other dirt.
While it may be tempting to rent a power washer and tackle the prep work on your own, note that you need to be skilled and experienced at working on roofs to do it. If you still want to DIY this project, the cost of renting the necessary equipment varies between $51 and $113 per day.
You should be aware that power washers can damage various elements of a house, such as screens and siding. Therefore, it’s advisable to seek help from a professional to achieve optimal results.
Roof Steepness and Pitch
There’s a wide variety of roof pitches, ranging from 4:12 to 9:12. The first number (rise) refers to the distance that the roof rises from its middle point, and the second number (run) is the distance from the middle of the roof to its edge.
A roof with a steeper slope, typically considered as one with a pitch greater than 6:12, can be more expensive to paint as it involves more labor, safety measures, and additional equipment. Depending on your roof pitch, the overall cost may increase by around 5% to 20%. For a more accurate cost estimate for your roof, it is best to consult with a professional roof painting contractor.
Roof Sealing
You need to apply a sealer or primer prior to painting if you want the paint to adhere properly to the metal roof and not peel. You will need around 1 gallon of primer for every 200 square feet of roof surface. Roof sealing is crucial to protect your roof from damage and extend the life of the paint. Expect to pay between $457 and $2,070 to have your roof sealed.
Warranty
When hiring a painting contractor for your metal roof, it is important to inquire about the warranty offered with the service. A warranty can provide peace of mind and protection against any issues with the roof painting job, such as premature wear and tear.
Note that paint manufacturers also provide their own warranties for the paint. The length of these warranties varies but typically ranges from 20 to 40 years and may only cover certain issues like peeling, flaking, or cracking, so it’s important to read the warranty’s details. In some cases, obtaining a warranty for metal roof paint can be challenging in coastal areas.
On top of the paint warranty, you also should check if your contractor offers a warranty on their labor service. The labor warranty often offered by contractors is between two and five years. So don’t forget to review and understand the details of the warranty.
Labor Costs
Similar to roof replacements and installations, the fees charged by contractors for painting a metal roof can vary. Some have set prices, while others base their fees on the roofing materials and the scope and complexity of the roofing project. Contractors who charge by the hour may bill you between $35 to $90 per hour for the labor costs.
Factors that can affect labor costs include the duration of the project, the pitch of the roof, the location of the property, as well as the contractor’s experience level. For example, a roof with a steep incline will have higher labor costs than a flat roof. Additionally, certain situations, such as emergency repairs, same-day service, and travel to remote areas, may result in additional fees.
Permits
Whether you’re painting a metal roof or installing asphalt shingles, you need to obtain the necessary building permit. The fees for the permit can range from $255 to $500, depending on the scope of your painting project.
So before beginning your home improvement project, remember to secure the proper permits by going through the process of inspections and submitting the plans for review. If your project complies with local building regulations, you can avoid running into issues and incurring fines.
Related Services
Regular and proper upkeep of your metal roof, including its paint, is crucial for maintaining its longevity and preventing the need for costly repaints, early roof replacements, or repairs. Thus, it’s a good idea to have a budget allocated for regular maintenance in order to save money in the long run.
Roof Maintenance
To ensure your metal roof and its paint last a long time, regular maintenance is essential. Though made of durable materials, metal roofs still need upkeep to maintain their performance. Maintenance cost usually falls around $100-$750 annually and covers tasks like fixing broken and loose metal shingles.
Some homeowners may choose to perform DIY maintenance tasks, such as visual inspections and gutter cleaning. However, it’s always recommended to seek professional help to ensure all maintenance work is done correctly to prevent further issues down the line.
Roof Repair
Before the roof painters can work on your metal roof, you should check if you need to do some necessary repairs first. You may need to reapply your roof coating, patch a small crack, or replace damaged areas. Metal roof repairs can cost between $559 and $2,101. It varies greatly depending on the type of roof, the extent of the damage, and other factors.
It’s important to be prepared financially for these repairs as they may be needed a few times throughout the life of the roof due to normal wear and tear or exposure to severe weather conditions in some regions.
Roof Inspection
Another crucial thing to do to ensure the longevity of your metal roof and prevent future costly repairs is a professional roof inspection. The cost of an inspection can vary depending on factors like the size and ease of access to the roof, and it can range from $120 to $320.
A professional inspector will carefully examine the roof and look for any signs of damage, providing a full report of their findings. It’s generally recommended to schedule inspections at least every other year or annually to identify and address potential issues in a timely manner.
Roof Cleaning
Cleaning a metal roof is a task that homeowners can do, but hiring professionals is still the best option. They come with the necessary tools and solutions to clean the roof safely and effectively. The cost of a professional roof cleaning service is around $490. Full cleaning service often includes checkups for corrosion, leakage, and sealant problems.
Cost of Metal Roof Painting by Location
Painting a metal roof costs more when you live in an area with a high cost of living. Some examples of these cities include Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. But if you live in a rural area or a county where the cost of living is lower, you can expect the cost of painting your metal roof to be more affordable.
Another thing to note is that the climate in your region also can affect the overall cost of your painting project. If you live in an area with harsh climates and shorter roofing seasons, you may have to pay more than in a city with a warmer climate and longer roofing seasons. To be sure, ask roof painters in your area for a free quote and compare prices.
FAQ About Metal Roof Painting
If you have a new roof, you should wait for at least six months before having it repainted. But following that, you can repaint it if you see any problems, such as rust, peeling, cracking, and fading. Perform visual checks on the appearance of your metal roof on a regular basis to help extend its lifetime. Become familiar with how fresh paint looks so you can quickly identify problems with your roof paint.
Depending on the type and quality of paint used and how well the metal roof is maintained, most paint jobs last about 10 years. So if you have a metal roof that lasts up to 50 years, you can repaint it five times, at the very least.
It’s important to paint a metal roof, especially an old one, as it can help prevent early deterioration, moisture damage, and rust. Furthermore, it improves the appearance of your home and increases property value.
Yes, but it is not recommended to do DIY painting on a metal roof, especially if you don’t have the experience and skills necessary to do the tasks. Metal roofs can be more difficult to paint than other types of roofs, and painting them without the proper knowledge and materials can be hazardous.
Furthermore, if you don’t apply the paint correctly, it may cause additional damage to the roof or possibly cause injury, voiding your warranty.
Doing it yourself can significantly lower the cost of metal roof painting. However, due to the risks involved, you should consider hiring a local painting contractor. This guarantees the job is completed safely, correctly, and on time.
Find a Roof Painting Contractor Near You
Many homeowners are now installing metal roofs because they are energy efficient, extremely durable, and can last for centuries. However, you still need to give it constant TLC. Proper maintenance and regular repainting can extend the life of your roof and make it look new every day.
Painting a metal roof can range from $434 and $7,035, with a national average cost of $2,360. The amount of prep work needed, the size and pitch of the roof, and the type of paint can all affect the overall costs. Still, you won’t be able to determine the exact cost of a painting project without discussing it completely with a roof painter.
Make your neighbors think you got a new roof. Reach out to painting contractors in your area today.
Main Image Credit: Alexcua / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0