Rain, frost, heat, snow, so many factors deteriorate the general condition of the roof of your house. The damage is considerable, starting with the loss of waterproofing and ending with water infiltration problems in the attic. Fortunately, a solution can limit this deterioration: painting the roof. Here are all the necessary steps to carry out this operation.
Step 1: Check the General Condition of the Roof
Don’t get too excited, because this is not something you can improvise! Before anything else, it is imperative to assess the work to see if a simple paint job will suffice. This step consists of identifying all the signs of a roof that needs repair.
To do this, look for broken or damaged tiles. If there are any, there is a risk of mold and lichen growth on the beams. This situation should be taken seriously, as it can lead to the risk of water infiltration.
Also, check for sawdust or cracks in the frame. If so, it is infested with termites.
Step 2: Make Sure the Paint Is Compatible With the Tiles
To avoid buying a paint at random and getting a poor result, it is advisable to know which paint is compatible with the material of your tiles. There are 4 main types of tiles, including:
- Clay tiles ;
- Fiber cement tiles;
- Concrete tiles;
- Steel tiles.
Several paints blend easily with all of these materials and can provide adequate protection for your roof. To know which one is the most efficient, asking a professional for advice is recommended. They can advise you on the choice of paint.
Step 3: Maintain Your Roof
For your roof to last longer, it is imperative to maintain it regularly. An annual cleaning will be more than enough. The month of January or December is the best time to do this, as this is when the dead leaves fall.
The operation consists of removing the lichens and moss present on the roof. Use a low-pressure jet, as it does not damage the tiles. But you can also use a special product and apply it with a spray gun. This product will remove moss and lichen once and for all.
Step 4: Choose the Right Paint
Even if you have already checked the compatibility of your tiles and the paint to be applied, you must also apply the color allowed by the Local Urbanism Plan or PLU of your town. This does not mean that you should neglect the aesthetic aspect of the paint. Think also about the use you want to make of it and the type of protection you want to put in place:
- To protect your roof from moisture: it is recommended to choose a waterproof paint;
- To avoid damage caused by the sun’s rays: it is advisable to select anti-uv paint.
Step 5: Contact a professional
Having some knowledge of roofing work is not enough. To guarantee a job well done, it is strongly recommended to call on a painter. Going through a craftsman also saves money. Why? By going through a professional, you will be able to benefit from state aid and a reduced VAT rate.
