Yes, most roofs can be painted. Roof painting on the North Shore covers corrugated iron, Colorsteel, concrete tile and pressed metal tile roofs. The roof is washed, moss and lichen are treated, rust is treated or loose chips removed, repairs are made, then a primer or sealer and two topcoats made for the roof surface go on. Painting a sound roof costs far less than replacing it. Published Auckland prices put an iron roof at $3,500 to $6,500 or more and a tile roof at $7,000 to $12,000 or more, plus GST. Here is when painting is worth it, how each roof type is done and what to check in a quote.
Roof painting prices on the North Shore
An iron or Colorsteel roof usually costs $3,500 to $6,500 or more to repaint, and a concrete or pressed metal tile roof $7,000 to $12,000 or more, plus GST. Tile roofs cost more because they need more cleaning, repairs and a sealer coat. Two-storey and steep roofs add scaffolding on top.
| Roof | Published price (plus GST) | Usually included |
|---|---|---|
| Iron or steel, single storey | $3,500 to $6,500 or more | Wash, rust treatment, primer, two topcoats |
| Colorsteel | $3,500 to $6,500 or more | Wash, treatment, a topcoat approved for Colorsteel |
| Concrete tile | $7,000 to $12,000 or more | Moss treatment, wash, repairs, sealer, two topcoats |
| Pressed metal tile | $7,000 to $12,000 or more | Loose chips off, primer, two topcoats |
| Scaffolding, two storeys or steep | $1,500 to $4,000 or more extra | Edge protection or a platform |
Ranges from the prices Auckland roof painting businesses publish, for a roof of about 100 to 200 square metres. See house painting prices for the rest of the house.
When a roof repaint is worth it
A roof repaint is usually worth it if the roof is still sound. A repaint protects iron from rust and seals concrete tiles, and it costs a fraction of a new roof. It is not worth it when sheets are rusted through, many tiles are cracked, or the fixings and underlay have failed. Then repairs or re-roofing come first. A painter's inspection tells you which.
Paint the roof when
- The paint is faded or chalky
- There is surface rust but no holes
- Tiles are sound but porous and mossy
- Flashings and fixings are in good order
Repair or replace first when
- Sheets are rusted through
- Many tiles are cracked or slipping
- The roof leaks in several places
- The fixings or underlay have failed
Painting an iron or Colorsteel roof
The roof is washed, rust is treated and spot primed, loose fixings are replaced, then two topcoats made for metal roofs go on. Colorsteel and Colorbond roofs need a paint system their makers accept, and Resene publishes a system for them. Painting a pre-painted steel roof keeps it looking good once the factory finish fades.
Near the sea, salt speeds up rust, so roofs in Takapuna, Milford, Devonport and the East Coast Bays often need more rust treatment and an extra primer coat. Washing a metal roof also removes salt build-up between repaints.
Painting a tile roof
A concrete tile roof is treated for moss and lichen, washed, then cracked tiles and ridges are repaired. A sealer goes on to bind the porous surface, then two topcoats. Pressed metal tiles, often called decramastic, have loose stone chips brushed off and bare metal primed first. WorkSafe says older pressed metal tile roofs must be checked for asbestos before any high pressure water blasting.
Auckland Council's guidance on water blasting says wash water should be kept out of stormwater drains, because it carries moss treatment, paint flakes and dirt. Ask how your painter will manage it.
How often a roof needs repainting
Many roofs are repainted every 10 to 15 years or so, sooner on the sea side or where the roof faces full sun. A roof that is washed regularly lasts longer between repaints. Repaint when the colour fades and chalks, when rust spots appear on iron, or when concrete tiles turn porous and mossy.
Painting a roof yourself
You can paint a roof yourself, but it is hard and risky work. Roofs are slippery once wet or mossy, and falls from roofs cause serious injuries. WorkSafe New Zealand expects work on roofs to be planned with edge protection, scaffolding or another safe system. A roof painting service brings the gear, the access and the products, and the work goes faster.
FAQs
What time of year is best to paint a roof?
Late spring to early autumn, when the roof is dry and there are long fine days. The roof must be dry and free of dew before painting starts, and rain must hold off while the paint dries. Each roof paint's label sets the weather and temperature it needs, and painters work to it.
What colour should I paint my roof?
Most North Shore roofs are painted in charcoal, grey, dark green or terracotta. Darker colours absorb more heat, and Resene's CoolColour versions reflect more of it. Choose a colour that suits the house, the street and any heritage or character rules for your property.
Do you paint roofs and houses together?
Yes, often. Painting the roof and the house at once shares the scaffolding and the set-up costs, and the colours can be chosen together. The roof is usually done first, so drips and wash water don't land on a freshly painted house.
Is a roof restoration the same as roof painting?
Not quite. Roof painting is the cleaning, preparation and coating. A roof restoration adds repairs: replacing cracked tiles, rebedding ridges, fixing rusted sheets and flashings before the paint goes on. Most quotes for older roofs include at least some restoration work.