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Is Roof Painting Necessary? We will introduce the durability of the paint and the types of paint used, along with our company’s construction examples!

 

Hello everyone! Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd.!Illustration of a construction site

In this article, I will explain about roof painting as the title suggests!

There are various types of roof renovations, including “Roof Overlay (Cover Method)”“Roof Replacement”“Roof Painting”. The appropriate method for roof renovation varies depending on the type and condition of the existing roofing material.

Recently, there has been an increase in “Roofing Materials Not Suitable for Painting” and “High-Durability Roofing Materials”, leading to a perception that roof painting projects have significantly decreased compared to before.
Due to the ban on asbestos, non-asbestos roofing materials have become common. Non-asbestos roofing materials tend to be more brittle and often have defects compared to those containing asbestos.
Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly understand the type of existing roofing material when painting to ensure appropriate construction.
The most common trouble when painting roofs is when it is done by painting specialists. While painters can certainly apply a beautiful finish, many lack sufficient knowledge about roofing.
If painting is done on roofing materials that are not suitable for painting or on materials that have exceeded their durability lifespan, it can lead to wasted expenses, so caution is necessary!

This article introduces roof painting, but we also provide information on maintenance methods for overlaying and replacing roofs in other articles, so please check those out as well!

The Necessity of Roof Painting

First of all, the roof plays a crucial role in protecting the home. However, many people do not notice the deterioration of the roof until leaks start, which is often when they realize there is a problem. The roof is constantly subjected to damage from sunlight, ultraviolet rays, rain, and wind.

If there are leaks, it is highly likely that the interior of the roof has also deteriorated. Leaks are the final stage of roof deterioration, so ideally, we want to notice issues before reaching that point.

Once leaks occur, the cost of repairs can become significantly higher. In the long run, regular maintenance is much more cost-effective.

To prevent this, we recommend regular maintenance.

Roof Painting

Advantages

The biggest advantage of roof painting is, of course, its cost performance! Compared to roof overlays or complete roof replacements, there can be a difference of several hundred thousand yen depending on the materials used. This is very beneficial.

Next, the appearance becomes beautiful. With various colors of paint available, the options increase, making the selection process enjoyable!

Disadvantages

Next are the disadvantages. There is a reason why the cost is low. That is the lifespan is shorter. When comparing the lifespan of roof overlay methods, which is about 20 to 40 years, the lifespan of roof painting is generally around 8 to 15 years. Depending on the materials used and the environmental conditions of the area, it is indeed shorter compared to roof overlay methods, which is concerning.

Additionally, since roof painting is primarily a preventive measure against deterioration, it does not increase the strength of the roofing material. Severely damaged roofing materials, such as colonial tiles, may crack soon after painting.

Increased maintenance frequency can also be a drawback, making it a bit more labor-intensive.

Durability by Paint Type

We will introduce the types of paint that can be used for roof painting along with their durability!

Fluorine Paint

Fluorine paint has excellent weather resistance and durability, and is used in large structures such as the Tokyo Skytree. Its long lifespan allows for less frequent repainting. Furthermore, it also has heat resistance, protecting your home from UV rays and external heat! The lifespan of fluorine paint is said to be about 15 to 20 years.

Silicone

Silicone paint is cost-effective and also has durability, making it an excellent choice. Its general lifespan is estimated to be 7 to 10 years. Although there are various manufacturers with different costs and lifespans, some paints have a lifespan of about 15 years!

Urethane Paint

Urethane paint is inexpensive and has excellent adhesion. It is said to be compatible with metal roofs. The durability is approximately 6 to 8 years.

Guidelines for Roof Painting

So, when is the right time for roof painting? Generally, it is said that repainting should be considered around 10 years after construction.

Typically, the guideline for roof repainting is 7 to 10 years, but Japanese tile roofs do not require repainting. This is because the lifespan of Japanese tiles is 50 to 100 years, meaning repainting is unnecessary. However, if there are cracks, separate repairs will be needed in addition to painting.

Now, let’s discuss how to identify signs of deterioration.

Roof Lifting and Cracking

One common sign of roof deterioration is that the roof may crack or develop fissures due to the impact of debris.

Slate tiles and cement tiles contain calcium inside, and there is a difference in strength between new roofs and deteriorated roofs. Deteriorated roofs become brittle as the internal calcium leaches out due to rain and ultraviolet rays.

In this case, it will generally require roof replacement work, but it is important to have a contractor thoroughly assess the roof’s condition and consider whether to repaint or replace the roof as soon as possible.

Moss and Mold Growth

A common issue seen on roofs is the growth of moss and mold. This is a phenomenon that occurs when the roof deteriorates and the waterproofing function of the roof declines. If moss and mold are left untreated, the deterioration speed increases, and the lifespan of the roof rapidly shortens, so it is advisable to request maintenance from a contractor.

In this case, after removing the moss and mold with high-pressure washing or bio-cleaning, repainting work will be necessary.

Fading of Roof Color

Fading of the roof color occurs when the paint film peels off due to the effects of rain, wind, and ultraviolet rays, causing the pigments in the paint film to wash away, resulting in discoloration. This situation presents a good opportunity for repainting.

However, if this is left unattended, the paint film will gradually peel off, leading to leaks, so caution is advised.

Rust Formation

Rust formation is commonly seen on metal roofs. This also occurs when the protective function declines due to rain and ultraviolet rays, causing the metal to react with oxygen and water, resulting in rust.

If repainting is done without addressing the rust, it can spread extensively, negating the purpose of repainting, so first the rust should be treated with a primer to prevent rust before repainting.

It is more cost-effective to remove rust while it is still small, so it is best to consult early.

Roof Painting Case Studies

T’s Residence, Aoba-ku, Yokohama

★Paint Used: Mizutani Paint / Water-based Nano Silicon, Lot Orange


BEFORE


AFTER


N’s Residence, Naka-ku, Yokohama

★Paint Used: Mizutani Paint / Water-based Nano Silicon, Bayern Brown

BEFORE

AFTER

S Company, Fuchu City, Tokyo

★ Paint used: Nippon Paint / Fine Perfect Best Light Gray

BEFORE
Tokyo|Fuchu City: We performed roof painting renovation and repair work!

AFTER

Tokyo|Fuchu City: We performed roof painting renovation and repair work!

Construction Procedure

We will introduce the construction photos from the residence of Mr. N in Naka-ku, Yokohama!

1. High-Pressure Washing


First, we thoroughly remove dirt and moss from the roof using high-pressure washing!

2. Primer Application

This is the first step in the painting process after high-pressure washing and substrate treatment, where the primer is applied to ensure that the middle and top coats adhere well to the surface. A solid application of the primer greatly affects durability and finish quality!

3. Middle Coat

Next, the middle coat application is a crucial process to bring out the performance of the paint, achieve a beautiful finish, and eliminate unevenness!

4. Top Coat


This is the finishing touch for exterior wall painting. We focus on ensuring there are no uneven spots or missed areas, resulting in a beautiful finish! The paint used was Mizutani Paint’s water-based nano-silicone in Bayern Brown.
The durability is said to be about 10 to 12 years, depending on environmental factors.

Please check out our other painting project achievements here!

Conclusion

We hope you have gained some understanding of roof painting.

Estimates and inspections are, of course, free! If you have any concerns regarding roofs, rain gutters, exterior walls, or exterior structures, please consult Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd.!
We carry out everything from temporary scaffolding work to roof construction and exterior wall painting entirely in-house. We are confident that our costs, quality, and organization are unmatched compared to other companies!
We welcome competitive estimates with confidence!
You will be glad you chose us! We take every request seriously to ensure you feel satisfied with our service.

We also have information on roof construction costs and pricing plans for the roof overlay method, so please take a look if you’re interested!

We look forward to your inquiries. Thank you very much.

Helpful information about exterior renovations can be found here!

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For roofing, guttering, and exterior work and repairs in Kanagawa, contact Kakerukoumuten Co., Ltd..

AAA is a young company with an average age in the early 20s, but our technology is second to none.

One of our greatest strengths is that we can do all of our own scaffolding, roofing, and painting work. In this industry, where work is generally divided, we are able to provide a complete set of services, which saves time and effort in management and reduces costs. Above all, if there is any trouble, we will come to you right away!

We can confidently declare this. We are the youngest and most friendly renovator in Kanagawa!